Classical KING-FM in Seattle goes noncommercial

Seattle's Classical KING-FM has transitioned from commercial to noncom, according to local news site Crosscut.com. In preparation for the shift to listener-supported operations, KING-FM has raised about $1 million of a $2 million campaign. Late last week, the station announced a $250,000 challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is now looking to secure $750,000 from KING-FM listeners to reach its goal. The station's first on-air pledge drive comes later this month. Declining ratings when Portable People Meters hit the market in 2009 led to challenges with advertising and sparked the change, which was announced last March.