KUOW/Seattle To Launch 'Planet Jazz' HD2 Channel, And 'Save KPLU' Forces Are Concerned

Adds Jazz HD2 Channel

The UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON's News-Talk KUOW/SEATTLE is launching a Jazz format on an HD multicast channel and online, which supporters of the campaign to prevent PACIFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY from selling crosstown Jazz-News-Talk KPLU to KUOW and dropping the Jazz programming are considering a shot across their bow.

PLANET JAZZ, the new service, is set for a MONDAY (4/18) launch, and KPLU GM JOEY COHN, who is involved with the "SAVE KPLU" effort that aims to raise enough money to step in and buy the station to save the current programming, told KUOW's website that the move "could potentially confuse people" and is duplicative with KPLU and its JAZZ 24 service.  But KUOW GM CARYN MATHES said that the launch was "in no way... intended to derail the community funding effort ... This is an opportunity for us to pilot a service and get more community input about the service and be prepared in case we are fortunate enough to get the 88.5 frequency."

The new service will be programmed by former Jazz WBGO/NEWARK-NEW YORK PD STEVEN WILLIAMS. It will air on KUOW-HD2, with the present "KUOW2" HD2 programming moving to HD3 and the HD4 channel carrying BBC WORLD SERVICE and WORLD RADIO NETWORK programming will be turned off.

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