Just Say No To Pledge

A classical music station’s highest ratings are rarely outside of format, that is to say, a DJ with a stack of records. Those hours hosted by a smart, accessible announcer presenting an equally smart playlist, all imbued with a potent sense of place (localism) engender the highest long-term loyalty. Of course there are exceptions but it doesn’t get better or match listeners’ expectations any better than good company and good music. Here at All Classical we do just that, 99% of the time. From the department of deep thoughts, we finally asked ourselves, why then do we and most classical stations only enjoy around 10% giving among those who listen. This, too, is essentially an accepted industry benchmark. We get it right when it comes to our programming. Are we getting it wrong when it comes to our funding appeals?

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Tough Being a Stand Alone Classical Station (Anywhere).

Stations are still not out of the woods. Not In Chicago or in any city for that matter. Revenue realities are coming into focus, but what about expense realities? We’re in fiscal-year-end mop up mode with a mini-June drive here in Portland, closing a revenue gap. It will indeed be interesting to watch as KING in Seattle moves to a listener support model.

Acts of God

Given overall economic hardships, dwindling government funding for the arts, a distracted and over-stimulated audience, community malaise, dizzying media environment, must we in the arts also factor in “acts of god” when considering our long-term planning?

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