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KALW x COLLINS

In a world where we carry entire universes of playlists, podcasts, and live streams in our pockets, the notion of tuning into a “radio station” might seem as antiquated as vinyl or rotary phones. Yet, there is something irreplaceable about the resonance of public radio, a medium that captures the pulse of a community in ways no algorithm can ever replicate. KALW, for 80 years, has been the living, breathing voice of the Bay Area, a station that doesn’t merely broadcast but understands and expresses the complex, shifting rhythm of the place it serves.

As one of the first FM stations west of the Mississippi, KALW’s pioneering spirit is woven into its DNA. This station trained women in broadcasting during World War II and brought the NPR and BBC World Service to the West Coast. In many ways, KALW remains at the cutting edge of what public radio can and should be: socially engaged, community-focused, and tirelessly dedicated to exploring solutions rather than problems.

When tasked with creating a new identity for KALW’s 80th anniversary, we faced an extraordinary challenge: how to honor this illustrious history while propelling the station into its next era.

The bold simplicity of the logo—a star emerging between the “k” and “a”—is at once symbolic of epiphany and the meeting of minds, ideas, and cultures.

The design reflects KALW’s mission, borrowing inspiration from the clean, arresting aesthetics of mid-century jazz and classical posters. The vibrant color palette and a typeface that’s both contemporary and timeless ensure that KALW’s brand speaks powerfully across all mediums.

This new identity aims to capture the essence of KALW: a bold voice, unwavering in its commitment to the future while deeply rooted in the community’s heart. It is a design as forward-thinking and dynamic as the station itself.

Credits

Barney Stepney

Alex Wallace

Tom Elia

Dev Valladares

Eric Park

Barney Stepney

Monica Semergiu

Graham Holoch

Melissa de Mata

KALW Public Media

David Boyer

Liz MacDonald

Tina Pamintuan