When Things Go Wrong At Community Radio

If you're a supporter of independent community radio, this is a story you never want to see:

That's the lead to a story in the trade publication RadioInsight. You can read the full story here. WBAI is one of the stations owned by Pacifica, a network of five independently operated, non-commercial, listener supported radio stations. The network was launched with a single station in Berkeley, California in 1949.  But now, their station in the nation's largest radio market, New York City, is having major financial problems.

The trouble escalated this week when the Corporation for Public Broadcasting held up promised federal funding because of what it called Pacifica accounting problems. And without those federal dollars, WBAI has reportedly begun issuing notices to it's entire staff and management that they will be out of work as of July 15, 2013.  WBAI has also reportedly been unable to issue recent paychecks to employees.  What WBAI puts on the air after it's staff is gone is anybody's guess.  

For years, the show considered the flagship of the Pacifica Network was Democracy Now! with host Amy Goodman.  But in 2002 Democracy Now was spun off from Pacifica and became it's own production company.  As you probably know, Democracy Now is one of the important programs on KSER.  

Thanks in large part to smart financial stewardship by our community-elected KSER Board of Directors, KSER is not in the perilous financial position of WBAI.  But we couldn't be in great shape without you and your support.

That's why this week KSER is conducting one of only three pledge drive campaigns we do each year.  We don't play commercials. We don't get money from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  We continue to operate because of support from our listeners.  

It's easy to contribute during our pledge drive.  You can call 425-303-9070.  You can donate online at the KSER website.  

 Since it's our "Dog Days of Summer" fundraising campaign, you can also visit the station with your pet and get his/her photo taken and posted on our website!  

Zippy, the proprietor of Cafe Zippy, has already stopped by, gotten his photo taken behind the microphone and made a donation!  If Zippy can do it...so can you!  

Help keep KSER out of the headlines!

 

 

Ten Easy Ways You Can Support KSER

Is there anything more annoying that Top 10 Lists?  Wait...before you answer that, here are 10 ways you can help support independent public radio, KSER.

10. Tell all your friends and neighbors and convince them to start listening. Okay, maybe you don't like talking to your neighbors, so post something on Facebook or Twitter about your favorite KSER show.

9. Become a pledge-drive volunteer. We're doing our Summer KSER Pledge drive starting June 21 and we need volunteers to answer phones. If you'd like to sign up to help out for a 2-hour shift just call us at 425-303-9070.

8.  Plaster one of those cool KSER static-cling stickers on your car window or office or home window. We'll be happy to send you one!

7. Wear cool KSER shirts and hats available at the KSER online store. They don't cost much, but you'll be the life of the party and the most popular person at work.

6. Consider donating your old car, truck, RV or boat to KSER. Running or not, we'll pick it up and handle all the paperwork.You'll be supporting KSER and may be eligible for a tax deduction. You can find all the info here.

5. If you own or work for a business, organization or non-profit that could use some marketing help, consider underwriting on KSER. It's dramatically less expensive than traditional advertising, your message won't be lost in the clutter of a 10-minute commercial break...and most importantly, our loyal listeners will know that your organization is a supporter of KSER. Just call 425-303-9070 and ask to speak to Katie or Marc.

4. Make sure you support the businesses and organizations that support KSER.  

3. If you're one of the many great KSER listeners who regularly makes financial contributions to the station, or if you're thinking about making a donation, please know that many employers will match your contribution to KSER - so you're doubling the impact of your donation. Microsoft; Boeing; Safeco; Pemco; PSE and more will match donations. Check with your HR department. 

2. Consider making a recurring donation that fits your budget; then every month you will automatically support KSER. It's easy to do online.

1. Listen AND donate AND tell your friends to listen and donate! (Don't forget, we're going to make it easy for your friends, we're starting our KSER Dog Days of Summer Fundraising Campaign on Friday, June 21!)

BONUS. Way #11 to Support KSER:  Let fellow motorists hear KSER. Roll down your car windows and crank up the KSER music really loud. You know, crank it up to 11...

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Hey kids, Father's Day is right around the corner (Sunday, June 16), and you wouldn't want to get the ol' man another boring tie or, almost worse, just send him another lame talking cat e-card.

There's still time to plan ahead and order a cool collectors item from the KSER Store! It's fast and easy, safe and secure, there's a 30-day money back guarantee AND you'll be supporting KSER.

 What Dad in his right mind wouldn't be proud to sport the stylish KSER barebecue grilling apron (pictured above)?  It's one-size-fits-all-beer-bellies and is machine washable. So spilled barbecue sauce and drooled Scuttlebutt IPA comes out easily. And you know Dad wouldn't want to stain his cool new retro-looking KSER Ringer-T!

The KSER Ringer-T is not only great for relaxing in the backyard while listening to Passport or Poptopia Parkway, but the 'ringer' bands help showcase Pop's 'Guns' and bulging neck muscles.

And with the Mariner's battling it out for the cellar, this stackable set of four party mugs is the perfect way to make Mom believe that  Dad and his three weirdo friends are drinking coffee, not booze, while watching the M's on TV.  (Not recommended for throwing at the flat-screen.)

Finding yourself embarrassed by Dad's combover? How about the ultimate hipster cover-up: the KSER khaki cap!

There's plenty more cool stuff - easy to order online - at the KSER Store. Just click here. And remember, you'll be making Dad feel special and you'll support KSER. Of course, there's always that talking cat E-Card!