KBEM-FM

KBEM-FM (88.5 FM, "Jazz 88") is a Minneapolis, Minnesota public radio station broadcasting a jazz format. The station is operated by Minneapolis public school system and has also been known since the mid-1990s as a partner with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT), providing traffic congestion reports for commuters in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. KBEM is part of Minnesota's Independent Public Radio network, formerly known as AMPERS.

History

KBEM first took to the air in October 1970. Its broadcast studios were originally in the former Vocational High School in downtown Minneapolis (since converted to an office building in which WLOL now operates) and has, since 1984, been located at North Community High School. The current jazz format began in 1985. Students are a part of the station's operation during the day, delivering news reports and other programming. Minneapolis School Board meetings and Minneapolis City Council meetings have been carried live for over 20 years.