KVI

KVI is a commercial radio station located in Seattle, Washington (U.S.), broadcasting to the Seattle area on 570 AM. KVI currently airs a conservative talk format called "News Talk 570 KVI". Before 1949, KVI was located in Tacoma, Washington at 1280 AM, then 1060 AM, then 760 AM and finally 570 AM by late 1932. Its transmitter is on Vashon Island and its studios are located with KOMO-TV at KOMO Plaza (formerly Fisher Plaza) in Seattle.

History

KVI's legacy can be traced back to its debut on November 24, 1926, where it was licensed to Tacoma, Washington at 1280 AM. By the spring of 1928 its signal would be shifted to 1060 AM, followed by a larger shift to 760 AM, in the fall. By September 1932, it had moved to its permanent 570 AM frequency. In 1949, KVI relocated its studios and city of license to Seattle. KVI broadcasts from a single tower on Vashon Island.

In 1959, Gene Autry's Golden West Broadcasters added KVI to its portfolio. KVI switched to a very successful personality adult contemporary format in 1964. By 1973, KVI had evolved into a middle-of-the-road (MOR) direction. It was during this period that it became established as a dominant player in the market. KVI was the original flagship station for the ill-fated Seattle Pilots in 1969 and for the Seattle Mariners, from their inaugural season of 1977 until 1984. KVI was also the original home of the Seattle Sounders (NASL) from their inaugural season in 1974 until 1976 and was the westside flagship station of the Washington State University Cougars from 1972 until 1979 and again from 1983 until 1987.