Giving to KOSU: the crazy smart thing to do for radio that's crazy smart
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
For Scott Nutt, Stillwater, KOSU serves as his primary connecting point for what’s happening at home and around the world.
“Whether it’s the crisis in Crimea, an impactful local story about energy and the environment or a profile of an Oklahoma musician, I learn something new each and every time I connect with KOSU,” Nutt said. “Everyone who relies on KOSU as a source for knowledge and discovery should give to the station -- it’s the smart thing to do.”
KOSU, the NPR station serving Oklahoma City at 91.7, Stillwater at 88.3 and Tulsa at 107.5, as well as online audiences at kosu.org and @kosuradio on Facebook and Twitter, has set its goals of at least 1,500 pledges and $225,000 during its spring 2014 pledge drive, which continues through Wednesday, April 2. Listeners can contribute on the station’s Web site by computer or smart phone, or call 855-808-5678.
“As a noncommercial radio station, the majority of KOSU’s funding comes directly from the community, and without our listener and business supporters, we simply wouldn’t exist,” said Kelly Burley, KOSU Director. “We’re very thankful for our current listener contributors and hopeful that others will join them to help us cover the tremendous cost of creating impactful stories and music 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and delivering it to car and home stereos, smart phones and computers.”
As a pledge drive incentive, KOSU is offering a prize drawing from The Canebrake, an Oklahoma echo-resort and spa. Located 45 minutes southeast of Tulsa, The Canebrake has donated a destination package valued at $850 that includes a two night stay in their King Suite, a couple’s one-hour massage, Sunday brunch for two, and two yoga classes for two guests. No pledge is required to enter for a chance to win. Contributors who give at least $10 a month will also receive the KOSU member card, which features discounts to participating restaurants and cultural/entertainment venues.
KOSU is encouraging all contributors to join the station’s sustaining member program. More than 700 listeners already renew their financial gifts automatically as Sustainers each year. Sustainers receive first-notice invitations to special KOSU events while helping the station reduce mailing costs by payment reminders and expiration notices.
KOSU pledge drives support the station’s programming and broadcasting costs, which will exceed $400,000 in 2014. These costs include the production of local news, including State Impact, which brings policy and people together around energy and environmental issues, as well as long-form feature stories and local political and social commentary.
OSU airs many of NPRs best news programs, including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, On Point, Here and Now and Fresh Air, as well as public radio's premiere business newsmagazine, Marketplace and Marketplace Morning Report.
KOSU airs public radio’s most prolific long-form storytelling programs, including This American Life, Radiolab, The Moth and Ted Radio Hour, and entertainment programs such Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, Car Talk, The Dinner Party, Wits and A Prairie Home Companion.
KOSU also partners with Oklahoma’s independent music source, The Spy, to present programs including The Oklahoma Rock Show, The Red Dirt Radio Hour, Songs from the Plains, Your Welcome, Oklahoma’s only all-vinyl radio show, Tasting Notes, Freakbeat, Millions Now Listening, Juke Joint Revival, SpyLab, Toaster Brunch, Gold Soundz and The Blank Generation.
The station also offers continual classical music at 91.7 HD2 in Oklahoma City, 88.3 HD2 in Stillwater and through a live audio stream at kosu.org. A full listing of KOSU’s program schedule is available at kosu.org.
Besides its on-air and online content, KOSU also actively connects Oklahomans with each other through its monthly community conversation, On Tap, held the final Wednesday of the month at Picasso Café in Oklahoma City’s Paseo District, and Premiere, Film Row’s monthly street party held the third Friday of each month in the 600 and 700 blocks of West Sheridan Avenue in downtown Oklahoma City.
“The more that listeners support KOSU, the more we can bring meaningful news and artistic expression to life through traditional radio, digital media and the community.” Burley said. “Our potential will ultimately be determined by listeners’ willingness to support our purpose.”
CONTACT: Kelly Burley | KOSU | kelly@kosu.org | 855-808-5678