Valley 104.9 FM, founded in 2014 to serve Carnation and Duvall, is now actively working to expand its reach across the broader Snoqualmie Valley.
Established through a unique low-power FM opportunity, Valley 104.9 has become a valued voice for the community, offering programming that reflects local interests and strives to connect the valley’s diverse towns and neighborhoods.
The Beginnings of Valley 104.9
Launched through a rare FCC filing window that only opens every 10–15 years, Valley 104.9 FM came to life thanks to the dedication of Snoqualmie Valley residents who saw the potential for a local radio station to serve the Lower Valley.
The path wasn’t easy—after receiving a construction permit and call letters in 2014, the team faced significant challenges. A grant from 4Culture provided the essential equipment just in time to meet the FCC’s deadline, and the Sno Valley Senior Center stepped in to offer space for the station’s first studio, making the station’s debut possible.
Programming That Reflects Snoqualmie Valley
The station’s programming is as diverse as the valley, blending local content with a format known as “Northwest Eclectic.” According to Program Director Scott Salvatori, Valley 104.9’s music spans genres and eras “from the classic Beatles to select Taylor Swift tracks and from alt-country artists like Charley Crockett and Kacey Musgraves to newer acts like Hozier and Beck.”
The station also offers locally and nationally produced shows, including specialty programs such as the weeknight “Flower Power Hour” and Saturday’s lineup of blues, folk, and classic R&B, along with dedicated shows for Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd fans.
In addition to music, Valley 104.9 supports local events and talent. In 2024, they broadcast live from Snoqualmie Days and The Festival at Mt Si, featuring coverage by local broadcasters Terry Spring, Fakhs Ahmed, and Morgan Henley.
The station also integrates local artists into its regular playlist, and Henley, who books talent for valley events, hosts The Jammies, a popular Friday night show that showcases local music.
Connecting the Valley
Valley 104.9 FM aims to unite towns across the Snoqualmie Valley by expanding its coverage area. They are gradually expanding their lower valley coverage area to tie in with the upper valley towns of North Bend and Snoqualmie, a representative shared. This growing reach enables the station to connect residents and neighborhoods, fostering a stronger sense of community across the region.
Engaging Local Voices
The station’s mission is grounded in local engagement, offering opportunities for residents to contribute to programming and volunteering. “We are always on the lookout for local volunteers, especially those with a prior radio, podcast, or media background. We will also train those who have passion for music, local news, on-air and behind-the-scenes radio work,” explained a station representative.
Looking ahead, Valley 104.9 is planning a brief daily Snoqualmie Valley news segment. It has recently introduced new programs, such as Healing Conspiracy, an alternative health show, and Behind the Scenes with former King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert.
Carnation – Easter Egg Hunt April 1, 2024 ( Fakhs Ahmed, Roxanne and Terry Spring)
The station’s future vision also includes enhancing its FM signal, particularly in Carnation, and building connections with the emergency preparedness community to serve residents during critical moments better.
Supporting Valley 104.9
Funding and community support remain crucial for Valley 104.9’s growth. Businesses and listeners can support the station financially by visiting their website, and some volunteers contribute through company matching programs.
Valley 104.9 also promotes local events and fundraisers on-air, helping to spread awareness for causes important to the Snoqualmie Valley community.
Listeners are invited to tune in and get involved with Valley 104.9. The station streams online through platforms like TuneIn, Audacy Apple Music, and RadioBox, while their website, valley1049.org, offers details on volunteering, programming, and upcoming events.
Here’s the current lineup of programming on Valley 104.9 FM:
Friday Evening Handcrafted Music Show lineup:
- The Jammies with Morgan Henley from Carnation, 7-9 PM
- Americana Outlaws Americana, alt-country music and brash outlaw quips from Duvall, 9-11 PM
- Strange Day Radio – DJLesley from Snoqualmie, 11 PM
Saturday Afternoon Handcrafted Music Show lineup:
- Folk Soup 12-1 PM
- Wandering Minstrels with Jared Ingersol 1-2 PM
- Blues Adventure with Java 2-3 PM
- Beale Street Caravan recorded live R&B and Soul from Memphis from 2-3 PM
- That Drive’n Beat Classic R&B and Soul from 4-6 PM
- Saturday Night Oldies Show live from Carnation studio with Terry Spring: 6–9 PM
- Dead Air Grateful Dead show with Corey Daniels at 9-10 PM
- Floydian Slip Pink Floyd show with Craig Bailey at 10-11 PM
- SynthPopSymphony From LA with Matt Williams 11 PM-1 AM
Sunday Lineup
- Sunday Brunch Perfect music blend for a Sunday morning, programmed by Terry Spring, 7-10 AM
- Children’s Hour with Katy Stone, 10-11 AM.
- Midwife After Hours with Roxanne Spring, 11 AM-12 AM
- Three Woman, Three Ways News topics and discussion with Heather Stark, 12-1 PM
- Animal Radio All things pets and animals, 1-2 PM
- Big Picture Science Sundays 4-5 PM and THU 6-7 PM, with Seth Shostak
- Tales from Tolt-Valley history with Duane Davidson, Sundays 5-5:30 and Mondays 6:00-6:30 PM
- Healing Conspiracy: Alt health information, 5:30–6 PM
- Behind the Scenes Politics with Kathy Lambert: Sundays, 6–7 PM and Tuesdays, 6–7 PM
- US Phenomena with Mario Magana: Paranormal topics broadcasting from Seattle, 7–8 PM,
- Desert Oracle Radio Tales from the desert with Ken Layne Sundays 8-9 PM
- Radio Masterpieces – Old-time radio from Redmond’s Bruce Caplan, 9-10 PM
- Musical Starstreams – Ambient music with Forest 10-12 AM
- Global Alert News – Environmental news and views with Dane Wigington 12-1 AM
Tune in to enjoy a variety of shows tailored to the interests of the Snoqualmie Valley community!
As Valley 104.9 FM grows, it remains committed to being a voice for the Snoqualmie Valley, celebrating its music, supporting local events, and building community connections. With expanding reach and diverse programming, the station is dedicated to fostering engagement and offering a platform where residents can tune in, get involved, and stay connected to the valley they call home.
