Dear Member,
   The challenges of the new year for public broadcasting and other arts and education organizations were presaged by efforts in Congress in early December to cut all funding to public radio. By the end of January or in February we expect those efforts, including de-funding public television, to be redoubled.    As these challenges have occurred, over our years of our experience, we have actually observed some reassuring dynamics. There has been, for more than 50 years, strong support for public broadcasting/public media from both sides of the aisle. The contribution that PBS and NPR have made over the decades to this nation in education, arts and culture, and news and information are parallel to none. The integrity, commitment, and quality of our programs have now shaped generations of Americans to become intelligent, engaged citizens.
   We will need your voice to carry that message with vigor to our Congressional delegation (who are fantastic supporters of KRCB, NPR, and PBS) and, most importantly to delegations in other parts of the country where you have friends and family.         Public broadcasting is a national treasure; we will absolutely need every voice of every member to carry and enforce that message.
Sincerely,

Nancy Dobbs

Dear Member,

   It is not uncommon these days to run into a supporter of KRCB and be asked, “So, how are things going?”  “Things” being understood to mean are we making ends meet in the continuing tough economic environment?  I am happy to give you an update.
   For starters, we have been very conservative in our budgeting, assuming flat revenues in our main income categories of membership, underwriting, and auction.  We’ve met those targets this year, with the community’s support. What we’ve noticed in membership, for example, is that while some have had to drop or reduce their support, others have stepped up and increased theirs. We have also been fortunate in the past 18 months to receive unexpected bequests that have been vital to our financial health.
   You should also know that the staff has been making a major sacrifice to make it all work. All staff have been on furlough over the past year - 1 day off every 6 weeks - so reduced pay to take home. And although we have been equally conservative in our spending, we have still had to borrow a bit out of our reserves to finally make it all work.
   All the same, KRCB been luckier than many of our fellow public broadcasters and non-profits in thus far successfully navigating the shoals. You are part of the reason for that success and for that we are most appreciative. Have a wonderful holiday season.

Nancy