KOSU, Oklahoma’s flagship NPR station, has received a $156,000 grant from Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma to build on its current engagement work and launch the KOSU Civic Information Project.
In 2020, KOSU received more than 12,000 questions from Oklahomans ranging from water quality to local honey. When the station responded to a Hinton man’s question about finding a COVID-19 test in April, he responded by saying, “I am so surprised and honored that you responded. I didn’t think anyone listened anymore.”
"The demand for information is high, and it is more than our existing staff can meet," said KOSU executive director Rachel Hubbard. "Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma's investment in KOSU will help us to treat people with respect and provide them with information that helps them become engaged in what is happening in their community and our state."
The project aims to fill a knowledge gap in Oklahoma, whether it’s with voting information or the roads we drive on. Through this project, KOSU hopes to connect the dots with common issues in Oklahoma communities.
"Our society needs to have informed citizens making informed choices regarding those we elect to serve in our government," said John Logan, executive director of Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. "It is our sincere hope this program will provide factual information which will enable our citizens to make informed choices for the good of our communities."
KOSU is currently raising funds to match this generous gift. For anyone interested in contributing, please contact Jenny Mae Harms at 405-744-9974 or e-mail development@kosu.org.
The project will begin in 2022 and will continue into 2023. To follow this project, sign-up for KOSU’s newsletter for free at subscribe.kosu.org/weekly or text the word 'HELLO' to 844-777-7719.
