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Kagu

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KAGU (88.7 MHz) is a non-profit FM radio station. It is operated by Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Today, the station provides a classical music radio format. This service reaches the Spokane metropolitan area. It serves as the local affiliate for the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts. These broadcasts bring grand opera to many listeners. KAGU is a vital part of the local media landscape.

The station functions through a specific broadcasting mechanism. It uses a transmitter to send out signals. Currently, this transmitter is located off South Krell Ridge Lane in Spokane Valley, Washington. The equipment sits among other FM and TV towers in the area. This transmitter has an effective radiated power (ERP) of 5,000 watts. This power allows the signal to travel far. The signal reaches a 60-mile radius from its location on Tower Mountain.

KAGU has gone through several distinct programming stages. In its earliest years, it played Adult contemporary music. Students also provided live voice work for news and sports. Between 1987 and 1989, the station entered a creative renaissance. During this time, students produced many different types of shows. These included live sports broadcasts and live speaker series. There were also live theatre audiocasts and weekly music shows.

The history of KAGU began in 1988. At that time, the station had a much smaller 100 watt signal. It used the slogan "hundred-thousand milliwatt of the River City." Station Manager John Hipp helped develop cutting-edge college radio shows. This led to a period of highly creative student productions. One such show was Folk Stew, which featured regional folk and blues musicians. Another was Skipped Grooves, which played alternative new wave and punk tunes.

Some shows reached a high level of cultural significance. The show "The Rap Attack" aired from 1991 until 1994. It was hosted by Tobin Costen and co-hosted by GrandMixer GMS. This was the only hip-hop radio show in Spokane at the time. It featured local artists and established acts. The show even debuted records before their official release. These included Dr. Dre’s "The Chronic" and Sir Mix-A-Lot’s "Baby Got Back." This program was even featured in the international magazine PROP$.

Major changes occurred in the station's leadership and technical setup. In the fall semester of 1996, the format changed significantly. Reverend Robert Lyons, head of the broadcast media program, ordered a shift to classical music. This change happened without student input. Later, in late 2004, the station moved its technical equipment. The transmitter and antennae moved from the Gonzaga University Administration Building. They were relocated to the KHQ-TV tower site on Tower Mountain.

This move to Tower Mountain had a major impact on the station's reach. Moving the equipment boosted the power from 100 watts to 5,000 watts. This increased the coverage area for the classical music format. KAGU now connects the university's resources to a wide audience. It remains a steady source of classical music for the Spokane region. The station continues to serve its community through its specialized programming.

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