Why Your Donation Matters

Why local public radio matters

Nearly 20 years ago, a group of local citizens succeeded in bringing non-commercial, public radio to Snohomish County. The concept of listener-supported radio was still unusual. There were no public radio stations in the North Puget Sound.

From the beginning, KSER was to be rooted in the community. For most of history we had only one paid staff member. Most of the voices heard on the station belonged to volunteers -- local voices reflecting community news and happenings. Important alliances were developed with other cultural institutions and non-profits. Financial planning and management did not exist. There were many months when paying the rent was a challenge.

As we near our third decade of life, KSER has gained organizational and fiscal maturity. With 13,000 weekly listeners and nearly 1,000 members, KSER now has a $350,000 annual budget and 3 employees.

KSER now broadcasts premier national and international public radio news programming, like the BBC News Hour, Democracy Now, and the Takeaway. Our local news and public affairs programming runs the gamut from local election coverage to local environmental, labor, human rights, and social justice issues. Our music programs cover the breadth and depth of musical creativity, from Bluegrass to blues, local musicians to World music.

And KSER is the only broadcast station – commercial or public, TV or radio – covering the issues that matter here in the Snohomish County and the North Puget Sounds. KSER is truly one of the area's most important cultural resources.

Building a stable future

As a community licensee, KSER has no major "institutional" backer. Nearly 50% of our budget comes from listener support. Other sources include rental income from our tower. A smaller proportion of our income is derived from underwriting, special events (such as concerts and our annual dinner), and grants. In 2009, we will receive NO MONEY from the Federal Government.

KSER’s the current economy presents challenges to its future. As support from the business community has shrunk due to the economic downturn, we rely move than ever on your individual contribution.

KSER is addressing this challenge, in part, by establishing several new donor organizations to involve those able and willing to make a special commitment to the station. The KSER Community Leaders is one of these organizations. KSER Community Leaders are willing to support this important community resource with gifts of $240 and more each year. Leaders can make their donations as a $20 monthly contribution through our online giving program.

The KSER Community Leaders will help build a foundation upon which KSER’s financial stability and future service improvements will rest. These philanthropic leaders will enable KSER to expand community-based informational and music programming, support staff and volunteer programming efforts, and stabilize its budget.

In these challenging times, you rely on KSER more than ever for our non-commercial, independent news and information and our inspiring alternative music.

To make a contribution, click here now.