)
Now playing
Dance 89.5 Live - Seattle's Party Radio
Dance 89.5 Live - Seattle's Party Radio
Recent spins
Playlist
Our History
Our evolution
Over the years, from humble beginnings as a low power AM station, KNHC has expanded our reach and evolved our programming, becoming the well-respected name in the world of electronic dance music we are today.
1970s
1970
KNHC went on the air as a very low power AM station, broadcasting with 100 milliwatts on 1210 kHz. Okay, it was December 1969. Fairly quickly, however, the high school moved to build an FM station. In September 1970, KNHC received its FM construction permit.
1971
Our first official FM broadcast was January 25, 1971. The transmitter was located at a nearby elementary school, and the broadcast was 10 watts, covering about a 5-mile circle in the north end of Seattle. But we were on the FM airwaves baby!
1972
Power was increased to 320 watts, allowing stereo broadcasts to begin by the end of the year.
1974
More power! The ERP was increased to 1,500 watts directional. A HEW/NTIA grant created a sister studio at Cleveland High School on Beacon Hill.
At the same time, the Mass Communications magnet school program at Hale begins, including courses in radio, television, journalism, photography, and graphic arts. The station’s call letters K – (U.S. broadcast stations west of the Mississippi), NH – (Nathan Hale H.S.) and C – (Cleveland H.S.). And now you know.
Late 70’s
Heading into the 1980s, KNHC’s format featured light rock and pop music, with
specialty shows in the evenings and on weekends, including jazz and classical.
1980s
One of the primary challenges in the 1980s was an attempted takeover of the station’s 89MHz frequency by the commercial station KRAB (now KNDD). This battle for the airwaves began in late 1983 and was finally resolved in KNHC’s favor after two court rulings at the end of the decade.
1981
Yet another power increase to 3,000 watts, this time non-directional.
1982
Launch of new R&B and urban format prompts a huge increase in listenership.
1983
Began using the “C89” name.
1984
A satellite dish was added to receive the urban-oriented Sheridan Broadcasting
Networks (an antecedent to today’s American Urban Radio Networks),
1987
A microwave studio-transmitter link was brought into use along with a new and
more efficient antenna.
1988
Filed to increase power to 30 kW.
1990s
Early 90s
A magnet grant to bolster the high school’s mass communications program
opens opportunity for the station to update & grow.
1991
Broadcasting stronger than ever on the new 30kW license.
1995
A year of changes. Renovated and expanded the studio and production facilities, converting the station to a digital workflow commences, a new student training program begins, and the launch the first c89.5 website.
1997
Began operating a digital music stream.
2000s
2000
MiniDisc-based equipment completes the digital workflow conversion project.
2002
Transmitter was moved to Cougar Mountain after receiving FCC approval the year before. While the effective radiated power dropped, the coverage area was vastly improved with the move to the mountaintop site.
2003
The Village Voice recognized KNHC as “Best of New York” high school radio stations thanks to our internet streaming.
2004
We became the first non-commercial station in the United States to be a monitored reporter after being included on the Billboard Magazine Dance Radio Airplay panel.
2008
Additional technical and facilities improvements came when KNHC installed a new transmitter on Cougar Mountain and began broadcasting in HD Radio.
2009
Nathan Hale HS is renovated, creating new media classrooms and state-of-the-art digital studios and expanded production facilities.
2010s
2015
KNHC qualified for an annual community service grant from the corporation for public broadcasting, underscoring the value of our services to the community. Our required audited financial statement and local content and services report are here.
2020s
2021
Celebrated our 50th anniversary, marking five decades of musical influence and educational contributions, inviting listeners and alumni to share their stories, reflecting our deep connection with the community.
2025
It’s an all new look with the launch of our updated website. Oh, and have you noticed? We are DANCE 89.5 now, reflecting our commitment to bringing you…
TODAY & TOMORROW
DANCE 89.5 stands as a testament to the power of music and education, fostering talent and bringing people together through its dynamic programming and commitment to community enrichment.
