Spokane’s radio landscape just got a whole lot louder, more competitive and far more interesting.
In a move that feels like a throwback to the days when local broadcasters aggressively fought for news/talk dominance market by market, Horizon Broadcasting Group has officially launched News/Talk “News Radio KBNW” on 1230 KSBN Spokane and 107.1 KBNW-FM Deer Park, creating a brand-new challenger in a format battle that suddenly has real teeth. (inside.radio)
And honestly? This does not feel like another cookie-cutter format flip.
This feels personal.
The new operation is being spearheaded by Washington State Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Keith Shipman alongside longtime Spokane broadcaster Roger Nelson — two radio veterans whose history together stretches all the way back to their KOMO Seattle days during the 1980s and 1990s. That alone gives this launch a different kind of energy. These are not outsiders parachuting into a market with a spreadsheet and a syndication contract. These are broadcasters who genuinely believe local news and talk radio still matter.
And in 2026, that belief almost feels rebellious.
The new station enters the market directly opposite iHeartMedia’s long-established News/Talk 590 KQNT, immediately giving Spokane listeners another option for local news, opinion and talk programming. But unlike some modern format launches that quietly appear overnight with little personality, KBNW is making plenty of noise right out of the gate.
The station’s lineup leans heavily into a combination of local content and nationally recognized syndication. “Spokane’s Morning News” opens the day locally from 6 to 9 a.m., followed by syndicated heavyweights including Armstrong & Getty, Lars Larson and Dave Ramsey. Local programming returns in afternoon drive with “Spokane’s Afternoon News,” while overnights feature familiar network voices including Mike Gallagher and Michael DelGiorno.
But the real story here may not be the syndication.
It is the commitment to local news infrastructure at a time when many companies are cutting back on exactly that.
The station says its news operation will feature local anchors and reporters including Steve Wilke, Joe Paisley, Erich Ebel and Scott Carlon, along with top-of-the-hour ABC News coverage and AP updates throughout the day. In an era where many stations have quietly replaced local newscasts with automation, voice tracking or generic national content, the idea of investing heavily in live local news almost feels old-school in the best possible way.
And that is exactly why people are paying attention.
Shipman said the station’s goal is to serve the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene region with immediate and relevant information ranging from breaking news and severe weather to traffic and community stories shaping everyday life. Nelson echoed that vision, emphasizing the importance of dependable local news during moments when communities need it most while also praising Shipman’s long-running dedication to protecting local broadcasting. (horizonbroadcastinggroup.com)
There is also something refreshingly unapologetic about this launch.
While parts of the industry continue obsessing over shrinking budgets, AI-generated content and corporate consolidation, KBNW feels like a station built by people who still believe somebody in the building should actually know the city they are talking about.
What a concept.
And perhaps that is why this launch matters beyond Spokane.
Because across America, listeners still respond when stations sound connected to the communities they serve. They still want local voices during breaking news. They still want updates during snowstorms, wildfires, traffic nightmares and major local events. Algorithms cannot replace that trust. Apps cannot fake that connection. And no matter how many consultants declare “local doesn’t matter anymore,” launches like KBNW suggest some broadcasters still strongly disagree.
The bigger question now becomes whether Spokane listeners embrace the new challenger in a meaningful way.
If they do, KBNW may become more than just another format launch story. It could become evidence that there is still room in modern radio for aggressive local news/talk competition driven by personalities, urgency and community connection instead of simply national syndication and automation.
And honestly, radio could probably use a little more of that spirit right now.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.