AUSTIN, Texas – April 7, 2016 – Austinites wanting to give voice to the stories, music and experiences that make Austin – “Austin” helped KUT and KUTX public radio raise more than $625,000 during the semi-annual membership drive, which ended last night.
KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station, and KUTX 98.9, The Austin Music Experience, began the eight-day membership drive with a goal of recruiting 2,000 new members. The stations met the new-member goal and raised more than $625,600 to support independent journalism and information programs on KUT, and hand-picked music reflecting the spirit of Austin on KUTX.
“Listeners and listener support are the lifeblood of our public service,” said Stewart Vanderwilt, director and general manager of KUT and KUTX public radio. “We’re only able to increase our public service to this growing community with a broad base of support that comes from new contributors.”
Fifty-eight percent of the 2,000-plus new members became sustaining members – a special set of donors who care deeply about the services provided on the stations and make continuous monthly gifts via credit or debit card — like a subscription — to enable on-air fund drives to focus on recruiting new members.
KUT and KUTX depend on local individuals and businesses for 80 percent of their annual operating budget. Donations pay for programming and broadcasting expenses, such as KUT’s award-winning news staff, and paying for programs such as “Texas Standard,” "Morning Edition," “All Things Considered,” "This American Life," "Wait, Wait…Don't Tell Me," "Marketplace," "Fresh Air" and many others, while helping KUTX reflect the musical diversity of Austin through one-of-a-kind performances in Studio 1A; the Austin Music Minute, the KUTX Artist of the Month and more.
About KUT 90.5 and KUTX 98.9, The Austin Music Experience
KUT and KUTX are community supported public media that fuel Austin’s love of discovery. KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station, uses the highest editorial standards to report the stories that matter to Austin and KUTX 98.9, the Austin Music Experience, enriches listeners’ lives with the music and experiences that reflect the spirit of Austin.
###
Contact: Erin Geisler (512) 475-8071