Laura Ackerman’s cup runneth over!

Laura is the long time co-host of our signature environmental program, Earth Matters Now! In addition to the tireless work Laura does as the Energy Director of The Lands Council, she also created and co-hosts The Covid-19 Show. One of the most important programs on the air, The Covid-19 Show on KYRS keeps our community updated with the latest news and science regarding the Coronavirus pandemic. Bravo Laura!

Earth Matters Now!, every Tuesday at 12PM on KYRS

The Covid-19 Show, every Thursday at 2PM on KYRS

KYRS, Thin Air Community Radio 88.1 & 92.3FM, Streaming LIVE at KYRS.org.

Jim Tate wears two big hats …

When he is not wearing his motorcycle helmet, Jim Tate wears two big hats at KYRS. In addition to being a devoted, hardworking member of KYRS, Jim is our Volunteer Coordinator, and at a volunteer run organization that is a big job. Jim ensures that we have the people power to keep KYRS running like a top!

Jim also produces and hosts Americana Avenue, Spokane’s destination for progressive roots music including rock, folk, blues, gospel, outlaw country & honky tonk. Americana Avenue highlights featured artists for a deep dive into the streets and backroads of American music. Noteworthy new releases and tracks from the past come together in a glorious melting pot of Americana. Americana Avenue, every Tuesday at 2PM on KYRS, Thin Air Community Radio.

Click here to visit Americana Avenue.

KYRS Board Chair William Berry

William Berry is the chair of our Board of Directors. He provides strong leadership here at KYRS and believes deeply in the importance of Community Radio. William is also a fine artist, with far too numerous accomplishments to list here. Check out just a tiny bit:

Composed the musical score and orchestration for a new musical stage production of Moby Dick.

Winner of the Artist Trust/Washington State Arts Commission Fellowship for music.

William’s compositions and arrangements have been commissioned and performed by professional ensembles throughout the country.

Founder and artistic director of Clarion, Spokane’s own 13-member brass choir.

Principal trumpet for the Walla Walla Symphony Orchestra.

Avid cyclist and Master of Puns.

Want to see more (oh yeah, there’s lots more), just click here.

A Little History …

These two images are a “then & now” of our home. The building where we are located was erected in 1909. It was called The Balkan Hotel, and was built to provide working class housing for the influx of immigrants arriving in Spokane from the Balkan Peninsula. Today, KYRS occupies the third floor of this historic building, a part of the Community Building campus as renovated by Jim Sheehan. Jim created these spaces to provide a home for nonprofits in Spokane. We are proud to be a part of Community Building and Jim’s vision. KYRS provides resources for the unheard and underserved in in our community. Social Justice is at the heart of our mission. And YOU are the heart of KYRS, Thin Air Community Radio, Your Radio Station.

Click here to learn more about the historic Balkan Hotel.

Click here to learn more about Jim Sheehan’s vision.

Dana Matthews is our Program Director

Dana Matthews is our Program Director. Dana makes sure that everything runs on schedule, produces lots of our graphics and helps out in more ways than you will ever know! Do you have an idea for a program on KYRS? Dana is waiting to hear from YOU!

You can help KYRS earn donations just by shopping with your Fred Meyer Rewards Card! Fred Meyer is donating $2.5 million per year to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, based on where their customers tell them to give. Here's how the program works: Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Thin Air Community Radio at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name (Thin Air Community Radio) or by our non-profit number (90929). Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping KYRS earn a donation! You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today. If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store. More information: www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards or call KYRS at 509-747-3012. Thanks!!