Ben Brandow Named KBCS Interim General Manager 

KBCS 91.3 FM has named new leadership to steward the community radio station, a self-funding service of Bellevue College.  

Ben Brandow, a long-time KBCS employee, was selected as the new interim general manager. He has worked at the radio station as both the past assistant director of development and current director of development since 2017. 

“When I listened to KBCS for the first time, I instantly knew there was something special happening there, and I wanted to be part of it,” Brandow said. “I could hear my own values and love of music reflected in the station’s programming.”  

For over 50 years, KBCS has offered diverse cultural and news programming not found elsewhere on the dial, including bluegrass and folk, Americana, protest tunes, K-Pop, Hawaiian music, and much more.  

Brandow is no newcomer to public radio as a whole. He started his career in radio volunteering at his alma mater’s radio station at Missouri State University. In a professional capacity, Brandow has held development roles at High Plains Public Radio and Lakeshore Public Radio and Television, covering the Chicagoland area. He also holds a master’s degree in communications from Purdue University. 

Today, he’s responsible for the financial and operational workings of KBCS, and is up for the challenge, motivated by his love of the mission.  

“KBCS creates a through-line between diverse music and progressive public affairs programming in a way that brings our community closer together,” he said. “With over 30 talented volunteer DJs and contributors to our public affairs programming, KBCS provides an opportunity for the public to play a role in their local media, not just consume it. I’m excited to be a part of its ongoing success.” 

Brandow noted that the station’s impact is felt in many areas: opportunities for students to learn radio skills, often through work-study jobs or paid internships; amplifying voices not usually heard on commercial radio stations; and offering eclectic musical shows for specific audiences.  

When not working at KBCS, Brandow enjoys playing guitar and exploring the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty with his wife and two children.