A Gift of Collaboration: KEXP and Classical KING Reimagine Local Sound for the New Year

By KEXP and Classical KING

As the year comes to a close, two of Seattle’s most beloved public radio stations are offering a gift to listeners across the Pacific Northwest. KEXP and Classical KING are joining together to share new music, deepen listening, and explore how collaboration can create meaningful moments on the air.

Beginning January 10, 2026, Pacific Notions will air on Classical KING as part of the station’s Saturday evening new-music programming. The show will follow Second Inversion, extending the night from contemporary classical works into spacious ambient and modern soundscapes. Each station remains fully independent, guided by its own mission, while coming together for this shared listening experience.

While KEXP and Classical KING serve different musical communities, this partnership is grounded in a shared belief: public radio grows stronger when it listens closely and works together in service of its audience.

A Shared Vision for Listeners

This collaboration began with a simple question: how can public radio continue to support listeners and artists in ways that feel welcoming, relevant, and creatively alive?

For both stations, the answer was not about expanding territory but about deepening service.

“Both KEXP and Classical KING have always believed that discovery begins with deep listening,” says Chris Kellogg, Chief Programming Officer at KEXP. “By working together, we can invite listeners into new musical spaces while staying true to what makes each station unique.”

“At Classical KING, every decision starts with the listener,” says Michelle Maestas Simonsen, Chief Content and Engagement Officer. “People trust us to bring them music that feels thoughtful and rooted in care. Partnering with KEXP lets us explore new sounds through that same lens. Whether this show lasts for a season or just for a moment in time, collaborations like this help us understand what listeners are curious about and how we can continue to serve them meaningfully.”

A Collaboration Already in Motion

The relationship between the two stations grew during Public Radio Music Day on October 29, when KEXP and Classical KING took part in a host exchange. A KEXP host joined Classical KING’s Local Lunch, while a Classical KING host appeared during KEXP’s Drive Time.

Listeners responded with enthusiasm. Hearing familiar voices in new surroundings created a sense of joy and discovery, confirming that collaboration can open doors without losing a sense of home.

The Spirit of Pacific Notions

For host Alex Ruder, bringing Pacific Notions to Classical KING feels like a natural extension of the show’s purpose.

“The sound of the Pacific Northwest carries a kind of quiet movement,” Alex says. “Pacific Notions has always been about reflection and space. Sharing that with Classical KING listeners feels right because the music invites people to slow down and settle into the moment.”

“I often imagine people listening while looking out at the water or driving under a canopy of trees,” he adds. “The show gives people room to breathe.”

A New Year for New Music

Pacific Notions begins airing on Classical KING on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Saturday evenings on Classical KING:
8:00pm to 10:00pm — Second Inversion
10:00pm to 12:00am — Pacific Notions

Together, the programs create an uninterrupted evening of discovery, reflection, and contemporary sound.

“At a time when media can feel scattered, public radio can offer something different,” Chris says. “We can connect. We can share. We can remind listeners that this work belongs to all of us.”

Michelle adds, “This collaboration is ultimately about the listener. People come to public radio for music that feels meaningful and connected to their lives. By working with KEXP, we can offer new experiences that build on what listeners already love — depth, curiosity, and a sense of community.”

A gift for the new year, from our airwaves to yours.