Flashback - KSER's 2004 Everett Move

This past weekend's Manager's Mailbox included a question about where we used to be:

Dear Tom@KSER.org: When did you guys move into your fancy Everett digs?  I seem to recall you used to be in a little shopping center here in Lynnwood. Moving an entire radio station must have been a lot of work.  John, Lynnwood.

John: You're right. KSER was launched in 1991 and, during those early days, we broadcast from one of the two world-class shopping centers in Lynnwood.  One, of course, is Alderwood Mall. The second one is High Point Plaza. That's where KSER was located.

KSER Sign at High Point Plaza

As you can see in the picture, the old KSER sign still adorns the huge sign-board outside High Point Plaza on Highway 99 just south of Everett. We're right up there with Waldos and some other fine establishments.  We're not sure why our sign is still up there, but it represents a significant chunk of our multi-platform marketing campaign.

In February of 2004, KSER left the hustle and bustle of High Point Plaza and moved to our new serene, yet urbane, location on Wetmore Avenue in downtown Everett.

2623 Wetmore - October 2003 by Christophoto

The interior of our new location had to be retrofitted to be a radio station and all of the equipment, files, CD's, etc. had to be moved from Lynnwood to Everett.

Soon-to-be Studios; December 2003 by Christophoto

KSER's Ed Bremer to volunteers: "Stop taking pictures, get to work."

"That John Prine CD's in here somewhere." by Christophoto

Volunteers hung drywall, put up walls, built CD shelves, cleaned and painted. With the help of engineers they also wired the studios and installed the equipment. All in cramped quarters for days and weeks on end. Not once did the police have to be called.  And the finished product is the KSER you listen to today.

August, 2012 - Mayor Ray Stephanson - KSER Wall of CD's

KSER's Ron Taffi with Singer-Songwriter Austin Jenckes, 2012

KSER World HQ - 2012

Isn't it great what dedicated volunteers can do? Not only do they provide a large chunk of the content every day on KSER, but in many ways they actually built the radio station! Of course, keeping it going requires a lot of work and money.  That's where you can help. Our fall pledge drive begins in less than two weeks. But you don't have to wait. You can make a tax-deductible contribution at anytime online.

So, yes, moving an entire station was a lot of work. Fortunately, that was before my time. And if we ever move again, I plan to be on vacation.

p.s. Here's a reminder; Amy Goodman tickets are available now. The popular host of Democracy Now! (5 a.m.; 7 a.m.; 5 p.m. on 90.7 KSER-FM) is coming to Everett October 27th.  You can get all the information here. And you can order tickets here.  Pre-ordered tickets are $17 ($18.59 w. service fee); tickets at the door (if any are left) will be $20.