KWRS

KWRS, once known as Spokane's Pirate Radio, was a non-commercial college radio station specializing in indie and alternative rock. The Spokane-based station broadcasts out of the Hixon Union Building (or 'HUB') at Whitworth University. Today, the former KWRS is known as Whitworth FM, an online version of its former self.

The station is entirely student-run, from the leadership team to the DJs. Sara Edlin-Marlowe is the faculty advisor, but the rest of the leadership team is made up of Whitworth students. This team includes the general manager (Matthew "Bud" Bareither), music director (Nic Vargus), web manager (Alice Clawson), and underwriting coordinator (Jon Fox).

KWRS formerly broadcast at 90.3 MHz with an ERP of .016 kW. The station decided to transition to online operations because the lack of protection of their Class D license. Spokane Public Radio openly filed for the 90.3 frequency and KWRS chose not to upgrade their license years ago. Thus, leaving them open to losing their license.

In 2007 KWRS became embroiled in controversy when they banned a CD titled 'Gospel Hymns For Agnostics & Atheists' by the artist Caeser Pink & The Imperial Orgy. KWRS music director Kaleb Knox told the group's record label that the CD was “Too controversial” for airplay. Caeser Pink argued to the press that the CD contained no foul language and that banning the CD due to the political content of the lyrics amounted to censorship of free speech.

Spokane Public Radio acquired the 90.3 MHz licence, and launched KPBZ.