Jazz88 | KBEM

LISTENER DRIVEN, KBEM-JAZZ88

Owned and operated by Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), KBEM-FM turned 50 in the fall of 2020 after hitting the airwaves in October of 1970. Recognized as the Twin Cities’ leading non-commercial radio voice for jazz, roots music, and education, KBEM is one of the most listened-to jazz stations in the United States! It is also the exclusive home of MnDOT’s First Alert Traffic reports. 

Today, KBEM, better known as Jazz88, continues to play an important role through service to students and our community. MPS students participate in the metro area’s top jazz radio station’s educational program, which focuses on all aspects of broadcasting and media. Currently, students can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. during Jazz with Class on 88.5FM, or online at jazz88.fm. In fact, the B-E-M in KBEM stands for, Board of Education Minneapolis. 

“For decades, KBEM has opened doors of opportunity for students in our community not only in radio but in everyday life and their future careers. The station provides exceptional educational programming and hands-on work experience for our students,” notes former MPS Superintendent Ed Graff. “KBEM serves a critical role in our community and our schools, and with everyone’s continued support we can look forward to it thriving for another 50 years.”

“KBEM’s educational programs will keep growing and expanding with ongoing, generous listener-member support,” says KBEM Jazz88 Station Manager, Johnny Lee Walker.  

KBEM encourages you to visit jazz88.fm to learn more about how you can support this educationally-based station.