New Ownership Group to Lead KVRU 105.7 FM into New Era of Community Programming

Media for Informed Communities (MIC) announced today that it has acquired KVRU 105.7 FM from SouthEast Effective Development (SEED). Under the leadership of Crystal Fincher and Monisha Harrell, KVRU will expand its programming to include local music, multi-lingual talk shows, community news, and high school sports coverage – creating a voice for the diverse communities of Southeast Seattle.

“Community radio thrives when it reflects real, local voices and experiences,” said Crystal Fincher. “We’re building a radio station where you’ll hear your neighbors’ music, your community’s stories and news, and coverage of your local high school’s big games.”

The MIC team operates out of KVRU’s studios in South Seattle and includes Programming Director Maurice Jones Jr., who has been with the station since 2018, and Launch Director Dr. Shannon Cheng.

“SEED has been proud to incubate KVRU since its founding, and we’re delighted to transition operations to such capable and community-focused leadership,” said Michael Seiwerath, Executive Director of SouthEast Effective Development. “We’re thrilled that the new ownership includes a longtime KVRU program creator as well as other people deeply committed to southeast Seattle.”

SEED launched KVRU in 2017 after securing one of the rare low-power FM licenses made available by the FCC for urban communities. SEED’s long-term goal was to ensure that KVRU was community owned and operated.  Through significant community support and a successful $750,000 capital campaign, SEED built and equipped KVRU’s studios and established the station as a vital community resource. Under SEED’s stewardship, KVRU has provided hands-on media training to residents and youth, broadcast hundreds of community stories, and served as a crucial information hub for Southeast Seattle’s communities.

“At a time when media voices are disappearing and our local communities struggle to see themselves reflected in mainstream coverage, non-commercial community radio plays an essential role,” said Monisha Harrell. “Our goal is to deliver what community radio should be – locally owned, locally programmed, and deeply connected to the people it serves. We’re excited to continue KVRU’s mission of amplifying South Seattle’s voices and stories at a time when independent local media is more important than ever.”

MIC has secured fiscal sponsorship through Allied Arts Foundation and developed a sustainable funding model to support this expanded programming. Initial focus areas include:

• Local music programs featuring South Seattle artists and DJs;
• Multi-lingual talk shows and news;
• High school sports coverage;
• Youth media training programs; and
• Emergency information services.

“This is your radio station,” added Fincher. “We’re building KVRU’s programming schedule now and we want to do it with you. Whether you’re a local musician or DJ, have an idea for a talk show, want to cover community news, or are interested in sports coverage – we want to help bring your voice to the airwaves.”

Community members interested in volunteering or proposing programs can fill out our volunteer form, email programming@kvru.org to propose a show idea, or info@kvru.org to connect about opportunities to:

• Volunteer to support station operations;
• Cover high school and local sports;
• Provide local music coverage;
• Provide translation services and support;
• Help with community news coverage;
• Help with youth broadcasting and audio engineering training.

Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made online.