Kel's Corner

04/08/09

     KOSU asked you to make a difference and you delivered during our eight-day on-air pledge drive. Listener contributors banded together from all over the region to help the station exceed its goal of at least 700 pledges.

     In 18 short moths, we've nearly doubled our on-air pledge drive goals in the face of an uncertain economy. Then add to that challenge the fact that we couldn't broadcast to our listeners in and around NE Oklahoma because of the thunderstorm that knocked us off the air at 107.5, and it makes the success of the Make a Difference campaign even more special.

     The KOSU team would like to thank each and every one of you who pledged. If you have been listening but haven't pledged, or you were unable to listen in the NE Oklahoma area during the fundraiser because of the storm damage to 107.5, there's still time to make a difference for the future of this station at the giving level that is right for you.

     With the pledge drive behind us, it is time once again to set our sail for the future. One of the things we are hoping to do this year is to raise further awareness of KOSU throughout the state. But we have a very limited marketing budget. We will continue to rely heavily on the grassroots, asking you to continue making a difference for KOSU by telling your family, friends and co-workers about the station. As successful as this pledge drive was, we will need to continue pushing the boundaries of our fundraiser and business underwriting goals in the future to sustain our new programming, as well as our expanded signal at 107.5.

     As part of that effort, you will also be hearing us talk more this year about our new major giving club, The Tower Climbers, and the benefits of giving at the $1000 level and above. We will be incorporating our existing $1000 and up givers into the Tower Climbers Club while encouraging others who can afford to make major annual gifts to become a Tower Climber to help us reach new heights for public radio in Oklahoma.

     In the meantime, I look forward to the possibility of seeing some of you at the documentary film about Garrison Keillor and A Prairie Home Companion at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and again at the This American Life theater event at the AMC Quail Springs 24 in Oklahoma City, as well as at at least one community event that we'll be announcing in the near future.

     To all of our proactive public radio partners, thanks again for all that you do to support KOSU and happy listening!
kel

03/19/09

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

Author Unknown

We are into the second year of what has been described as “The Great Recession.” The meanest economy in 60 years has resulted in millions of jobs lost and consumer confidence at a near all-time low. While Oklahoma has been largely spared from the worst of the recession, these are still challenging times for all of us.

KOSU also faces significant financial challenges in this economy – the biggest is the 2005 signal expansion into northeastern Oklahoma. Another challenge is maintaining our existing corporate underwriting partnerships while creating new business relationships. That same challenge also holds true in our effort to encourage existing listener contributors to renew their support while actively seeking new KOSU members.

To meet these challenges head on, KOSU made a conscious decision in 2008 to create a new future by investing heavily in the best programming that public radio has to offer to better serve our communities in Oklahoma, SE Kansas, SW Missouri and NW Arkansas. Despite the uncertain economy, KOSU is committed to doing everything possible to sustain our dynamic program schedule.

The results thus far, have been dramatic. In public radio circles, flat has been described as the new up when it comes to listening and fundraising. But our weekly listening increased 50% in 2008 and we saw measurable growth in on-air fundraising. Since our format change, many listeners have written to tell us that KOSU is radio that makes a difference in their lives.

If you are relying on public radio now more than ever for news about the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, or our classical and jazz music that soothes or inspires, and you are in a position to make a pledge, I hope you will renew your financial support or give to KOSU for the first time during our Make a Difference membership campaign, through April 2. The goal of the eight-day on-air portion of the campaign is at least 700 pledges, and quite frankly, we need to surpass that goal. Your tax-deductible gift, at whatver level is right for you, will truly make a difference for radio that is driven by purpose, not profit.

I know that times are tough. At our house, Lisa and I are looking for ways to conserve, especially with one teen in college and another on the way in two short years. But one thing we are committed to continuing is our relationship with institutions that depend on our support. Likewise, I hope that after considering your own personal situation, you will consider a gift to KOSU, at whatever level you can afford, to help create a positive future for mission-focused radio. Every dollar makes a difference for this unique community resource. Thank You!

kel

02/02/08
These are difficult and challenging times for all of us. The deepending recession has businesses scrambling to adjust, including those of us in the media. Already, the print media are contracting their services, laying off staff and combining Internet resources in the face of shrinking budgets. The economy is also presenting challenges for public media. NPR has laid off more than 60 staff members and canceled several programs. American Public Media also is scaling back by eliminating one of the programs we carry, Weekend America.

KOSU will replace Weekend America beginning Saturday January 7th with Travel with Rick Steves. The popular travel expert will host a lively conversation between travelers and the experts as we learn to explore our world smartly, smoothly, and thoughtfully each Saturday afternoon at 1pm. Then at 2pm, we'll air the full hour of the long-running environmental program Living on Earth.

KOSU remains committed to exploring issues, engaging communities and enriching lives through programming that informs and entertains. But our ability to continue delivering quality public radio programming relies primarily on listener and corporate support.  We are most grateful to all of our listener contributors for supporting the station in 2008 and we hope our members will renew their support in KOSU again this year. And if you listen and haven't become a member, it's easy. You can become a member at whatever level makes sense for you. Whether it's a day a week, a dollar a day or more, the important thing is that you become a member -- at whatever level you can afford.

10/31/08
KOSU listener contributors are talking about their public radio station:

i am so grateful especially for the talk programs during the day. When i have to work odd hours, I don't feel so out of the loop of the world!
love the new format: not talk radio, think radio
Great new programming!!
I love your new mid day programming!!!
KOSU is the best source of news and information about the world. I listen every day.
I love all of the programs. KOSU is so unique.
We both love the new programming at KOSU.
I love your new format, especially Marketplac, Science Friday, Talk of the Nation, and Splendid Table.
I really appreciate and enjoy the new programming.
I am enjoying the new format very much. The Story, Speaking of Faith and Take Away are all good additions - and so is the broader coverage!! Morning Edition is still the most essential element for me. Thanks for the great work
I travel for business and enjoy listening to Morning Edition, The Take-Away, and All Things Considered as I drive. I also enjoy streaming the Saturday morning programs at home.
I was a staunch supporter of KOSU until you moved the transmitter and tower and withdrew reception from north central OK several years ago. You never mention restoring your signal here with a repeater or other method. When I can receive your station like I did before you sacrificed this 'market' then I'll send a check.
I work at World Neighbors in Oklahoma City. We appreciate very much the ongoing support that KOSU provides our organization. And KOSU is the BEST public radio station!
Our whole family (college students included) listens to NPR while we travel. It really helps a drive go better.
Thank you so much for all you do. We really appreciate it.
As I listen to the news on TV & talk radio, it seems there is no shortage of bad news. I would be very easy for one to feel a sense of hopelessness. But thanks to KOSU and NPR, in addition to the facts related to current events, I also get inspiring and insightful programming that reminds me that life is beautiful. Thanks to NPR for being both informative and uplifting.
Listening to KOSU has become as comforting as hearing Walter Cronkite's voice on the nightly news when I was a little girl. All was right with the world. Thank you for making my day, every day.
I am reluctantly renewing but at a much lower contribution. Although I support KOSU I am very disatisfied with NPR. The continued political bias has caused me to change the channel each time a new political poll, investigation, or review is presented. There is a definite liberal bias with the national newsroom and I am really tired of it.
I enjoyed History in the Making and hope that I can make it to future KOSU events. Thanks for the new format this year.
...We have lived in Panama, Ecuador, Venezuela and Bolivia. ..We will continue to download podcasts and enjoy NPR programming overseas. Thank you.
Great programs! Keep up the good work.
My favorites are (still) All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Prairie Home Companion, Splendid Table and Sound and Spirit. The new ones I like best are Speaking of Faith and Fresh Aire and the Takeaway. I will say, though, that I do switch stations more often than I used to when driving. There are just some times during the day that I want to listen to music, not talk. But, still, you are much worthwhile. . . .
I really like the newer programming - less music and more news-type shows - like Fresh Air, The Takeaway, The Story, and Wait Wait Don't Tell Me.
We enjoy all the programming of NPR
Viva Hearts of Space!
I would like to have "Fresh Air" on at 10am instead of at noon because I never get to hear it.
I really appreciate this Food Bank idea. I'd much rather have money go to that than get another coffee cup.
I appreciate your station and programing. The Take Away, Fresh Air, The Story... all of it. I listen at work all day long, and find myself frequently quoting a story from NPR because of KOSU's great programing and diverse reporting. Great job!
Love the new programming.
Please do not send any "gifts" -- license plate holder, magnet, magazines, etc.
We appreciate your coverage of NE Oklahoma and your story on Andrew Rice today; if you would pick up Diane Rhem, we would double our contribution.
I really like the new format but Morning Edition and All Things Considered are still my favorites. I particularly like the idea of gifts going to the Food Bank. Thanks.
I do like a lot of the new programs, especially "Wait, Wait" and "Fresh Air", but I miss being able to tune in to classical music during the day. In my opinion, there are too many new financial programs. They get repetitive.
Please continue the progressive programming changes; the general parochial"/"provincial" perspectives held by many Americans must be overcome. Enlightened public radio reporting and programs can assist with that. Thank you for your work!
Pleased to see that tonight's "Performance today" features Enid native
Brad Richter with Viktor Uzur
We really appreciate the new programming, especially Fresh Air, The Story, and of course we love Garrison Keillor.
Keep up the good work. You are my favorite companion driving to and from work.
I am enjoying your "new" programming, especially shows like "Marketplace."
Thank you for all your fantastic work. I listen all day at work. :-)
I like "The Story" during the lunch hour and Market Place on my way home
Love the new programs.
KOSU showed its worth when it picked up "A Prarie Home Companion." I never miss a show of PHC.
I really like the recent program changes. Thank you!
I love "All Things Considered" but would rather hear classical music than BBC News. I enjoy the jazz in the evenings and Love Prarie Home Companion. I have been a listener over 20 years.
I am very glad you added Market Place to your programming. This is my favorite show.
Excellent programming. Thank you.
KWGS is our primary public radio station however when we are in the northeastern part of the state on the weekends, we listen to KOSU through the Ketchum repeater.
I really, really like the format with programs in the afternoon instead of classical music. Don't like the classical music, however, do like the music program on Sunday evening--title includes something with heart or harmony.
My favorite program is "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me", although I have always been a big fan of "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition". I am so happy with the new programming that you have during the day, so now I tend to listen all day rather than turning it off as soon as the music starts! I do wish we could get the "Carol R--- Show" (not sure about the spelling). I hear it when I can pick up the Tulsa public radio and it is one of the few programs that will cause me to switch channels. Thanks for everything that you do to give us exceptional programming.
We love Car Talk, All Things Considered, Capitol Steps, The Splendid Table and now a new favorite is the morning program 'The Story'. Keep up the good work.
I am really enjoying all the new programming KOSU now offers. I'd like to challenge all other broke grad students at OSU to consider making a small one-time pledge because every little bit helps maintain the programming we all enjoy.
KOSU is my early morning and evening companion. I walk 2-2.5 hours each morning and about 1 hour in the evenings listening to KOSU for news, weather, music. I like the new format -- especially "The Take Away" at 9:00 AM with Adora Unodgie and John Eikenberry. Classical music with Fred Childs in the evenings and Christa Tippet with Speaking of Faith are two other winners. Click and Clack -- Tappet brothers -- Tom and Ray are enjoyable. I used to listen to The Splendid Table, but it's on a noon now, so I don't listen to it very often. Weekend Edition is always good. Morning Report is my major news source. I appreciate the "almost" unbiased reporting of NPR. The new format is excellent! Send Program magnet, but no other gift.
I am LOVING the new programming. I now listen to KOSU instead of the Tulsa NPR station because of the wonderful variety. I listen daily on my commute from Bristow to my Stillwater OSU classes, and I rely on Morning Edition for all my news. I also love A Prairie Home Companion and The Take Away. Keep up the wonderful work!
I feel like I am in touch with the whole world by listening to your station.
I don't have tv anymore and yet I still get all the news in a much more objective focus! Love all the programs and keep up the great work!
I like both morning and evening news programs, Frosty and Neva reports, and Wait, wait don't tell me! But I'm especially greatful for the return of Thistle and Shamrock which I've long awaited!! THANK YOU!
I start my day with NPR and look forward to Prairie Home Companion on the weekends. I would love to be in Tulsa Saturday for the show!!
I love the new programming lineup -- I love Terry Gross at noon, and the Saturday morning Wait-Wait Don't Tell Me in the lineup also.
We are really enjoying the new program schedule. KOSU is a wonderful asset for the entire state of Oklahoma. Thank you all for your dedicated hard work to make this new programming happen.
We love KOSU & the new progaming.
The Saturday lineup is great! Love Wait, Wait, Don't Tell, The Story, This American Life, the News (morning and evening), Car Talk, Prairie Home Companion.
Love the new format--now I can listen online all day! Radio reception is still poor in Ponca City.
Love your station. Sure miss the music during the day.

A public radio fundraiser is always a humbling experience for the people working behind the microphones. Just knowing that there are so many people who listen and who care enough about this radio station to support it financially really means a lot. We have heard from so many first-time contributors as well as listeners who have renewed their membership in KOSU during the pledge drive. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT. You are truly the foundation for a very special place we're creating on the radio and on the Internet, and that process is just beginning.

The Fall Membership Drive, Celebrate '08, really was a celebration for the KOSU staff after a year of extremely hard work in reinventing this radio station. During the past year, we have implemented a major format change, and added three new members of the KOSU team (State Capitol Bureau Chief Michael Cross, Membership Specialist Paula Brown and Development Director Jamie Loomis). These talented professionals are each doing a tremendous job for the station. We've worked to streamline our financial processes to improve efficiency and we're investing in new software that will allow us to better track our on-air inventory of announcements to improve how we sound. Also in 2008, KOSU overcame the most significant storm damage in the station's 53-year history, and I want to specially recognize KOSU Chief Engineer Dan Schroeder for his tireless efforts to return us to the air at 107.5 fm. And throughout the year, Dan is literally the lifeline for KOSU to maintain its on-air presence in NE Oklahoma.

Also in 2008, KOSU began the process of reconnecting with the communities we serve. The most powerful example of that community connection came during our pledge drive partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Publishing Company. KOSU listeners traded in their thank you gifts during Fight Hunger Day on KOSU and OPUBCO matched their generosity to generate more than 7,000 meals in the fight against hunger in our state. Also, during the past year, we were media sponsors for World Neighbors' World Fest, the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival in Guthrie, OSU Allied Arts current season of performances and the OSU Spears School of Business OKC Executive Management Briefings and Tulsa Business Forums. We hosted the Stillwater Chamber's Business After Hours and hosted a table during OSU's annual Lights on Stillwater event. Also, KOSU hosted an incredible gala event attended by some 250 people with the help of our good friends at the Oklahoma Historical Society, Stillwater National Bank and the OSU Foundation. I also want to thank your panelists for the event, David Walters, Brad Carson, Jim Dunlap and Muskogee Mayor John Tyler Hammons.

In the year ahead, we will pursue major funding support to sustain our signal expansion project in NE Oklahoma as well as an improved signal in Ponca City. We will also pursue grants and other sources of private funding for several content initiatives and we will continue to grow our Real World Radio initiative with Oklahoma State University. Right now, KOSU has nine student staff and we will seek funding sources that will help us ensure future real world work experiences for OSU students.

Thanks also to Development Specialist Don Crider for his work to generate new business partnerships for the station, Reporter Gail Banzet for all the early morning hours she has logged to bring listeners the news each and every weekday and General Manager Rachel Hubbard for wearing all the hats she does in all areas of KOSU's operation. I also want to thank our dear friends, Oklahoma Memories host Michael Dean, Wine Talk host Diana Lee and Legal Lowdown host Stacy Acord for their commitment to the station.

As we celebrate all that we've accomplished in 2008, it is also with a heavy heart that we prepare to say goodbye to one of our own. Hannah Barbara Fulton has been a very important member of the KOSU team for 11 years, and in February 2009, Hannah will open a new chapter in her life outside of KOSU and we will miss her greatly. There are very few people in the history of the station who have, through their longevity and service, made more of a positive contribution to the station than Hannah Barbara Fulton. We wish Hannah all the best in her new endeavors and will always keep an open door for her to return to be part of our work family as her time allows.

Finally, on behalf of the entire KOSU Team, I dedicate this fundraiser to the memory of Casey Gosnell. Casey and her parents, Tom and Evelyn Gosnell, have meant so very much to KOSU for many years. Casey was an inspiration to all of us in our work -- we always looked forward to hearing from her during our pledge drives. We will miss Casey's smile and spirit, and our thoughts and prayers have been, and will continue to be with Tom and Evelyn.

10/06/08
KOSU’s fall gala was truly history in the making on many levels. It was the first time the station had attempted an event of that size. The gala was held at the magnificent Oklahoma History Center and it featured a lively discussion on the historic race for president. We had a great time and got to meet so many wonderful people. I want to thank all of those folks for supporting KOSU by attending. And I want to especially thank our major sponsors, The Oklahoma History Center, Stillwater National Bank and the OSU Foundation, for their help in making this event possible. Based on the success of KOSU’s History in the Making, we’ll be looking for other opportunities to engage our communities in the future so stay tuned.

We continue our busy fall with a look ahead toward the fall on-air fundraiser. Celebrate 2008, October 23-30, will feature several exciting giveaways as we seek pledges from at least 625 KOSU contributors. Listeners can phone in for their chance to win tickets to the Tulsa Performance of A Prairie Home Companion and the Stillwater appearance of The Capitol Steps comedy troupe. We’re also partnering with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to help provide meals for the homeless.

We'll be celebrating all the many new reasons to listen to KOSU. But the pledge drive is still serious business for us. Listener contributions make up more than 50% of our budget and is our most stable funding source. You can make a difference for your listening future, regardless of the amount. Be part this special resource we're creating by calling in your membership pledge at 800-228-4678 or joining online at kosu.org.

Thank you!

8/19/08
The OSU campus has returned to life after its annual summer hiatus. Students are scrambling to find their classes and an available parking space. And the unseasonably cool weather hints at the autumn to come. It’s also an exciting time at KOSU. The staff has been working tirelessly this summer to overcome nature’s wrath while planning a first-of-its kind gala benefitting the station.

On Memorial Day, KOSU’s broadcast tower southeast of Nowata suffered major damage from a lightning strike. The antenna and feedline were badly damaged. Unfortunately, the weather hampered our efforts to make repairs. Our tower crew was grounded for several weeks because of ongoing thunderstorms and wind. Finally, the clouds parted, the winds calmed and the crew was able to scale the tower, remove the antenna, rebuild it and remount it. We were off the air for a full month and I want to thank all of our northeastern Oklahoma listeners for their patience and understanding. I want to extend a special thank you to our listeners who contributed toward the cost of making repairs. While the broadcast tower is insured, there is still a deductible and our listeners came through in a big way to help us meet this unplanned expense. FROM ALL OF US AT KOSU, THANK YOU!

Secondly, we are planning a very special evening for public radio in Oklahoma. History in the Making: An Evening with KOSU, will feature a buffet dinner and panel discussion on presidential politics featuring the host of NPR’s Talk of the Nation, Neal Conan. This event is a great opportunity for us to meet our listener and corporate supporters. I want to extend a special thanks to our corporate sponsors for this event, The Oklahoma Historical Society, Stillwater National Bank and The OSU Foundation. These partnering organizations have been invaluable to KOSU through the years and we are most fortunate to be working with them to make this event possible. I hope you’ll consider being part of History in the Making: An Evening with KOSU and look forward to seeing you there.

Finally, I want to congratulate Rachel Hubbard on winning a first place award for excellence in broadcast journalism from Public Radio News Directors Incorporated. PRNDI honored Rachel for her series Mali: An Example of Freedom. The series examined how Mali’s radio industry is helping its citizens be part of a democratic society. Also, the entire KOSU staff is thrilled with the news that one of our students has been selected by National Public Radio to lead the Next Generation Project this fall. Lacy Tatroult filed feature stories for us last spring as part of an independent study course partnership with the OSU School of Journalism and Broadcasting. Lacy is one her way to DC, where she will supervise up to two dozen interns at NPR. Way to go Lacy!!!

4/25/08
More than 200 listeners have already stepped forward to become Founding Members of The New KOSU. Each contributor, whether they're a first-time or returning contributor, is considered a "Founding Member" of a powerful public radio resource that features many new reasons to listen. Here's a sample of what some of our Founding Members are saying:

I am impressed by the new KOSU. The new programs are great and I like your capitol coverage. Keep up the good work!

I especially appreciate the international news from BBC.

Love the new programming, don't have to change stations when I am driving at lunch (not a classical fan).

I am impressed by the new KOSU. The new programs are great and I like your capitol coverage. Keep up the good work!

We have been listners and supporters for over 30 years. We have always enjoyed most programing. The new programming is a change for us, but to dateaa very nice change.

I really appreciate the new programs on KOSU so I'm doubling my usual pledge.

KOSU and the New York Times! That's where I get my news -- and usually, I hear about it on KOSU first!

I was surprised and delighted with the new format at KOSU. I have listened to KOSU many years but seemed to drift back to the OU station because of the current events that was broadcasted daily. I am very pleased that KOSU has changed their program format and I will be a regular listener as long as I can receive the broadcasts.

I enjoy the newly added programming, which is why I would like to be a sustaining member.

Thank you so much for the new programming! I will be leaving the radio on all through my work day.

I really enjoy the new line-up, especially Fresh Air with Terry Gross and This American Life.

I approve of the new format.

LOVE the new schedule! Thank you for changing!

I ADORE the new KOSU. It is so awesome. I don't appreciate all the mailings I received the last time I made a pledge. It seemed like a waste of your resources, my resources, and a drain on the environment.

We love the new programming, especially Fresh Air, Talk of the Nation, Marketplace Money, and To the Best of Our Knowledge. All very informative. Also big fans of Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

We love the new KOSU because we don't listen to classical music!

I love "The World." That show is just what I was looking for in public radio. The jazz and other music shows are a relief from years of classical. Thanks for making KOSU alive again!

I really like the new KOSU programming!

I greatly appreciate the recent change in programming. And, congratulations to Rachel Hubbard on the recent recognition she received--Oklahoma's 40 under 40!!

I am absolutely delighted with the new format! Any time of the day I can tune in for informative, useful and interesting programs. I especially like Writer's Almanac! It is so unique.

We both appreciate the changes you have made in the programming. I listen to your station whenever I am in Oklahoma and on the web when I am away.

We love the new KOSU programming!

We LOVE the new programming on KOSU! It is so wonderful to have great programming and good coverage north of OKC. Thank you for the NEW KOSU!

We love the new format and programs! Still waiting for "Wait, Wait...".

Thank you for your support of The New KOSU. With your support, the best is yet to come.
kel

2/20/08
One of the things I wanted to do upon my return to KOSU was to really engage our audience in a conversation about KOSU and the future. We've held a town hall meeting in Stillwater and more are planned throughout the state. We also asked our listeners to tell us about their relationship with KOSU - how and when they listen, what programs they prefer, etc. We also provided an opportunity for feedback through an open-ended question at the end of the survey. And what we're hearing back from our listeners is overwhelming. The bottom line - they are hungry for more news and information programming and they want more diversity in our music programming. It's reflective of the comments we've received through the years during our on-air pledge drives. Listeners are eager for new reasons to tune in.

Already we're taking some initial steps to improve our audience service. I am extremely pleased to welcome Michael Cross as KOSU State Capitol Bureau Chief. Michael is a self-described news "fiend" and he's definitely in his element at 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. We are increasing our commitment to Capitol reporting by making the Capitol Bureau a year-round position. Previously, our capitol correspondents gathered their sound at the Capitol, but produced their stories at KOSU in Stillwater. Our new arrangement will improve our ability to provide in-depth, comprehensive coverage of the state Capitol.

I am also excited about our newest local commentary. Duke Pesta's Classical Gasp examines current events through the eye of history. Dr. Pesta has an enormous following among students at Oklahoma State University and I know he will develop a loyal following at KOSU.

In the coming weeks and months, we'll be developing other new reasons to listen. We are currently examining our current program schedule with an eye toward the future. Our goal is to create a trusted resource that is all about compelling stories and enlightening commentary, soothing music and engaging entertainment programs. But our ability to provide quality programming is dependent upon the contributions we receive from listeners and businesses. You can help by calling with your pledge at 1-800-228-4678 or online at kosu.org.
Thank you.
kel

12/3/07

Recently, KOSU conducted its first listening tour event at the Stillwater Public Library, and I want to thank all of those who braved a chilly evening to share with us their thoughts about the station. KOSU gathered feedback from listeners during the session and from a survey we asked the audience to complete. Here is a recap of what KOSU listeners said.

I know people that listen to KOSU at night to put them to sleep.

Keep as much classical as possible. Bring back Paula (Price) or find someone like her. We need a music director and a person with the mic who can teach us as we listen to classical music. You can hear talk radio, country, rock and roll, etc. But we have no options with classical music.

I value KOSU. Your hard work and effort is showing.

I would like to see other music genres - bluegrass, folk, blues! But news still comes first. Is Mountain Stage still available?

I think improved content will drive more listeners and cash contributors than strategically placed footprints. If we are all over OKC and Tulsa, what does it matter if we duplicate their programming or can't compete? There are a lot of opportunities to improve content, and I think inexpensively with student talent. For example, as far as I know the Seretean records every performance in their hall. I believe a majority of these performances fall under public domain. This library, I think, goes back 20 years and would make an awesome hour of local programming.

Need for more choice. Need to pose the idea of public funding for public radio to city/county commissioners.

Some specific program suggestions: Thistle and Shamrock, People's Pharmacy, Parent's Journal, Fresh Air, Talk of the Nation.

Have you investigated Zorba Pastor's For Your Health? It's both entertaining and interesting. Good science programming.

Need to strengthen the Stillwater signal.

I do care for music theory with my music. I think KOSU should do more public service announcements.

The bottom question on page 4 makes no sense. The Met Opera and This American Life aren't mutually exclusive. You can run both. I've been asking for years for This American Life and I want KOSU to run it, but I would be furious if you stopped running the Met Opera. Why do you phrase the question as an either/or situation? Also, you should have Folk Sampler, Folk Salad and Mountain Stage, and Fresh Air and the Diane Rehm show.

More classical music but
    1. complete composition
    2. modern music (i.e. compose from 1960 to today)

KOSU programming makes living in a rural area palatable and connected to the wider world while enjoying the advantages of small college town living. I'll try to keep an open mind about changes!

Monitor the quality of student production. Consider noon program like showtunes.
-diversity in the evening instead of just Performance Today
-get radio plays or short stories
-get folk music on Saturday night
-world music
-produce an environmental program

Really miss St. Paul Sunday and Selected Shorts, and Fresh Air. Why are some of the news items read by Gail Banzet cut off by the Morning Edition programming? Please fix this! Need more variety in programming as well.

Thanks for asking and for listening!

The KOSU listening tour event in Stillwater November 15, reaffirmed our belief that the station should be visiting with our listeners on a regular basis in locations around the state. We look forward to sharing time with listeners in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Tulsa, Bartlesville and other cities and towns in the KOSU coverage area in the near future.

kel

10/29/07

As we conclude the Campaign for Your Radio Gathering Place, I want to say that I am thankful to be part of such a special place. KOSU is special for many reasons - first the radio station has a great working partner in Oklahoma State University, and I want to thank the OSU Regents, OSU President and System CEO Dr. Marlene Strathe, as well as the Vice President of Enrollment management and my boss Albert Colom. I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with the university as we move KOSU forward.

Also, I am most fortunate to be part of a great team at KOSU, and it's a large reason why I decided to accept the challenge of returning to the station as Director. This is a dedicated group of professionals who have burned the candle at both ends to bring quality radio to you. But they do it because they are passionate about this place. It's not just a job for them. It's a way of life and I want to recognize each of them for their dedication. So I extend a special thank you to KOSU General manager Rachel Hubbard, Financial Coordinator Hannah Barbara Fulton, Chief Engineer Dan Schroeder, Development Specialist Don Crider, and Reporter Gail Banzet. Also, I want to commend KOSU Real World Radio students Paul Repak, Jeremy Harris, Allison McCartney, Alexandra Kinkinska, and Nehal Divekar for their work in front of the microphone and behind the scenes to bring public radio to you.

Talk about dedicated, our community pitch partners and volunteers have hung in there with KOSU through the years ... and I am grateful to have the opportunity to renew so many friendships with long-time listeners and new listeners to KOSU. So many special thanks to our Community Pitch Partners including Jim Barnes, Melanie Bayles, Dr. Bob Darcy, Carrie Hulsey-Greene, Dr. John McGuire, Gary Shutt and Evan Tonsing.

As well as our community volunteers who answered telephones and gathered pledges during the drive. Thank you so much Jim and Joyce Barnes, Melanie Bayles, Amy Blose, Kara Burley, Celeste Campbell, Dustin Crawford, Dr. Bob Darcy, Carol Evans, Sharon Ford, Brooke Guyot, Rick Hendricks, Bill Henley, Katie Letzkus, Lynne Murnane, Ramesh Sharda and Tom and Jill Westbrook.

And now it is time to look toward the future, and it will have its share of challenges as we work to sustain our expansion in Tulsa and improve your listening experience. As I've told the staff, and as I'll share with you, it's going to take flexibility, determination and creativity as we move forward. We'll begin in just a couple of weeks -- with a listening tour event in Stillwater. We're inviting you to come to the Stillwater Public Library Thursday, Nov. 15, and share with us your thoughts on the future of KOSU. Our mission is to be the most trusted radio resource for Oklahoma and you are our most important working partner. So thank you. I look forward to visiting with you soon.

kel

10/15/07

In good times and bad, we know that people give because you meet needs, not because you have needs.
                                                                                                                                                                                        - Kay Grace

It has been a while since I participated in a KOSU on-air fundraiser. One of the things I enjoyed most about past pledge drives was visiting with listeners about their public radio station, and that is the primary reason why I am so excited about my first fundraiser since returning to KOSU as Director. I'm already hearing from long-time contributors and hope to hear from more of them during the pledge drive. I also look forward to welcoming new members to the KOSU family.

We are calling KOSU's 2007 fall fundraiser The Campaign for Your Radio Gathering Place. After all, that's what thousands of listeners do each week. Through KOSU, they come together for a shared learning experience based on common values, including diversity in thought and artistic expression and civility in public discourse. Some of us gather around KOSU as we wake. Others join KOSU collectively during their work commutes or at the end of a long day. Morning, noon and night, KOSU is here for you.

As we launch The Campaign for Your Radio Gathering Place, I am ever mindful of the fact that there would be no KOSU without listener support. These dedicated individuals give because we provide a service that is important to them. For many people, KOSU is a major source of local, national and international news and information. For others, KOSU is a constant companion for classical music. And still others pledge on behalf of our entertainment programs, including A Prairie Home Companion, Car Talk, The Splendid Table and Sound & Spirit. These people have invested their time to listen as well as their money to support public radio. For many of them, KOSU is the most trusted radio resource in Oklahoma and we will do our very best to live up to their standard.

Having said that, KOSU does face ongoing cost increases for programming services -- more than $200,000 this year -- as well as a myriad of less obvious expenses. For instance, KOSU spends more than $50,000 each year on electricity for KOSU's transmitter sites. We also pay $2,000 a month for NPR's satellite uplink, and there are other ongoing costs associated with our computers and recording equipment. In fact, during my first week on the job, one of our primary servers went down. It took a new computer, lots of software and hours of manpower to fix the problem.

It is all part of the cost of doing business in radio and it is not cheap. A significant public radio resource such as KOSU requires significant financial resources. Through The Campaign for Your Radio Gathering Place, we will do our very best to deliver a quality listening service that is a relevant part of your life. But KOSU's listening and Internet services are directly tied to your support. Our goal is to raise $160,000 by October 30. You can be a champion for KOSU today by helping us ignite the power of public radio. Call 1-800-228-4678 or pledge online at http://www.kosu.org/.

kel

10/8/07

I must be having fun because time is indeed flying -- already I am in my fourth week on the job as KOSU Director. I have been busy reconnecting with various leaders of the Oklahoma State University community as well as my colleagues in public radio. I have also been working closely with staff to outline our agenda for 2008 and beyond. As part of that effort, we have been evaluating and updating KOSU's mission statement, while crafting a vision and values document. Together, KOSU's mission, vision and values will serve as the cornerstone of our commitment to bring you the best radio service we can with the financial resources that you provide.

Our Mission

To be the most trusted radio resource for Oklahoma.

Our Vision

KOSU champions the production and delivery of quality news, information, arts and entertainment programs.
Through our partnership with Oklahoma State University, KOSU seeks to enhance the education mission of the University through student development and faculty outreach opportunities.
KOSU is committed to lifelong learning opportunities.
In every endeavor, KOSU strives to be a good steward of the financial resources entrusted to provide listener services.

Our Values

Diversity in voice and opinion.
Artistic expression.
Civility in public discourse.
The celebration of Oklahoma culture and heritage.
A sense of community.

With our new blueprint in hand, it is now time to begin the process of evaluating our service to you. As we ignite the power of public radio at Oklahoma State University, we will focus on seven key areas:

Branding
Community
Content
Financial
Membership
Technology
University

In the area of branding, we are developing new tools to help us share our story through on-air messages, a revised logo and new print collaterals. We are also planning outreach activities in the communities we serve to hear directly from you about the job we're doing as well as your input about the future direction of the station. Our first stop will be in Stillwater later this year.

KOSU is also examining its current program schedule to identify strengths and weaknesses that must be addressed in order to sustain the Oklahoma Public Radio network. With regard to our fourth key, financial, we are preparing for the upcoming fall pledge drive, titled The Campaign for Your Radio Gathering Place. Details of our campaign and how you can help are coming soon. KOSU also has begun planning initiatives to increase member value and to improve our signal strength in north-central Oklahoma. Finally, we are working with Oklahoma State University to increase opportunities for students. Through these and other initiatives, made possible by your generous financial support, we will ignite the power of KOSU together.

kel

9/17/07

There's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again.
Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

During the summer of 1990, I was a new graduate of the journalism school at Oklahoma State University, my wife had just given birth to our first child and I was looking for a job. Sure, I had several part-time radio gigs during college, but now I was ready to pursue a full-time career in broadcast journalism. I had planned it all out - first a stint as a reporter in a small market, then on to Dallas and eventually, the networks. I had staked out my future - and public radio wasn't part of the plan - until I met Paul Sund.

Sund was the news director at KOSU in 1990 and the station had already developed a solid reputation for radio journalism thanks to folks like Paul, Kurt Gwartney, Don Hoover, Doug Mitchell, Jennifer Reynolds, Kelly Ogle and Susan Lavery. In fact, just a few years before my arrival, Don and Jennifer had won the radio equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize -- the duPont Columbia award. At that time, KOSU was the only university station to ever win the award. I was intrigued by the success of this small public radio service at OSU. It could be a good place for me to cut my teeth before moving on, I thought. So I pursued an open reporter's position and was offered the opportunity to join the staff in August 1990. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

During a 13-year association that included roles as a reporter, news director and program director, I discovered the value of good storytelling at a time when the 10-second soundbite was already the rule on commercial airwaves. I learned that public radio strives to treat listeners as citizens first, not consumers and that KOSU supporters are very passionate about their radio station.

Together, we saw a lot of history unfold - The first Gulf War, the Oklahoma City Bombing, the 1999 tornado outbreak, the 9/11 attacks and the OSU plane crash. I also had the great fortune of celebrating the lives of dozens of Oklahomans who helped shape our great state through the Voices of Oklahoma series. I grew from a cub reporter to a national award-winning radio journalist, sharing the Oklahoma experience locally through KOSU, nationally through NPR and globally through www.kosu.org.

As rewarding as my work in public radio was, by 2003 I began to feel the need for a new professional challenge while meeting the demands of a growing family. I accepted an offer to serve AARP as Associate State Director in the Oklahoma office, and it has been a tremendous experience that helped prepare me for my dream job - my version of the New York Yankees - the role of KOSU Director.

KOSU faces many challenges in the months and years ahead. Our success in growing the station's listener and supporter base will ultimately be determined by our ability to be flexible, creative and determined. My objectives are simple - to create a virtual gathering place that celebrates diverse thought and artistic expression, to reconnect with the communities we serve and to create new reasons for people to embrace KOSU as Oklahoma's most trusted source for news and music. There's a lot to accomplish and I can't wait to get started. Truly, there's nothing half so pleasant as coming home again.

kel