Annual Report 2011

Download the full 2011 Annual Report [PDF File]

Letter from the General Manager:

On behalf of the staff at KMUW, I hope you are doing well.

Through your support of the station this past year, you helped us provide significant programming for a significant audience, hundreds of stories and music programs and hours of
news and entertainment.

We experienced another roller coaster year on many levels, from the continued concerns surrounding the world economy to record-breaking KMUW fundraisers; from the tough decisions to eliminate certain staff positions to adding staff resources to produce more local news. It’s truly been a year that lives up to the Kansas state motto, but we kept our eyes pointed “ad astra” as we navigated through the issues.

One of the exciting things about working in public radio is that no two days are ever the same. Of course, the most appealing part of that for me is coming across new information on Morning Edition that helps me better understand an issue, maybe hearing a new artist on Global Village, or laughing at a joke about current events on Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me.

But, another way to define “no two days are alike” is to call it “change.” Sometimes change is easy, and sometimes it’s hard. We’ve looked to our strategic plan to help us manage change.

The plan keeps us focused, and we are seeing continued, measurable results in increased listening and increased listener support as the benefit of making thoughtful, targeted adjustments to our program service.

Difficult changes are sometimes put upon us by unseen forces. An unemployed listener might not be able to afford a contribution. A legislator who doesn’t see value in public radio may convince his or her colleagues to reduce or eliminate support.

People who don’t listen to public radio may cry for its elimination because they think the programming is biased in one way or another. But, I suggest the public/private partnership of state, federal, business and foundation support and
thousands of listener contributions have created a powerful, non-commercial radio service for every American. And, it’s that broad base of support that keeps public radio independent and free from influence.

Without your involvement, we face an uncertain future. With your financial support, KMUW can keep you connected to the world. We know that’s one thing that will never change.

Thanks again for your continued support of Wichita Public Radio.

Mark McCain
General Manager

Download the full 2011 Annual Report [PDF File]