KGNU, the independent community radio station broadcasting on 88.5 FM and 1390 AM, has revealed a new visual identity created by the design agency Order. The refreshed look brings a modern vibe while honoring the station’s long-standing commitment to independent journalism, cultural programming, and diverse music.
The old logo featured classic radio imagery, including a radio tower with concentric circles representing radio waves. It used a black-and-orange color palette to convey energy and a strong community presence. Bold typography highlighted the station’s frequencies alongside the phrase “COMMUNITY RADIO,” emphasizing its grassroots media roots.
The new logo boldly departs from this traditional style. Gone are the radio tower and waves, replaced by a clean, modern design built entirely from geometric shapes. The fresh wordmark appears in bright blue, giving it a dynamic, vibrant feel that signals a shift towards a more contemporary identity. Inspired by Lineto’s LL Cobra VIP, the typography features block-like, modular structures with intersecting lines, creating a futuristic, eye-catching look.
While the old design relied on standard bold fonts for clarity, the new approach embraced a modular typeface with unique letterforms. The geometric design blends sharp angles with smooth curves, adding rhythm and movement. The style mirrors KGNU’s creative spirit and its role as a platform for underrepresented voices and alternative perspectives.
The new identity uses LL Cobra VIP and LL Supreme Bold and Light from Lineto. This combination ensures clear readability across different formats while keeping the overall look cohesive. LL Cobra VIP’s geometric influence extends beyond the logo, inspiring additional graphic elements in KGNU’s visual materials. These adaptable shapes help the station’s in-house team quickly create graphics that complement their content.
The rebrand introduces abstract background patterns in three styles, each loosely representing stages of the broadcasting process: transmitting, receiving, and sharing content. While the distinctions are subtle, this flexible framework helps maintain consistency in the station’s design across various platforms.
Moving from the previous orange-and-black scheme to a rich, saturated blue brings a sense of renewal, reliability, and energy. The blue adds a fresh, modern feel while staying connected to KGNU’s independent roots. It supports the station’s goal of staying relevant in today’s digital media world.
The rebrand reflects the spirit of community radio while embracing modern aesthetics, reinforcing KGNU’s role as a vital cultural and informational resource for its audience.
