SAVE KPLU’s Capital Campaign Begins January 11
(Seattle-Tacoma, WA) On the heels of the mutual decision by the presidents of Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Washington to allow a community-based group to make an offer for KPLU, SAVE KPLU is launching its fundraising campaign on Monday, January 11, 2016. The group is led by KPLU's General Manager, Joey Cohn with assistance from the chair of KPLU's Community Advisory Council, Stephen Tan, the KPLU management team and other members of the community. In addition, a community governing board is being formed.
Donations to the SAVE KPLU campaign will ensure the survival of an independent, local newsroom, hand-picked and professionally curated jazz and blues, and a continuing commitment to local music education. At kplu.org people can make donations, learn more about the campaign and get updates. KPLU is also planning several events throughout the Puget Sound area to encourage community conversation around the campaign and future of KPLU.
SAVE KPLU needs to raise $7 million in six months, which matches the amount of the current offer stated in the letter of intent outlining PLU’s sale of KPLU to the UW. (One million dollars in in-kind underwriting for PLU over 10 years is also part of the deal.) As the community group proceeds, it intends to negotiate with PLU for use of the Neeb Center at the completion of the campaign. Additional funds will need to be raised for administrative and transition activities.
Cohn says, “This campaign is a huge challenge, but one we are excited about and know we can achieve because of the passion and support for KPLU from the many big-hearted listeners in our community. It is, indeed, our defining moment.”
The decision by UW and PLU to allow a community-based group to buy KPLU was made after a strong request by KPLU’s Community Advisory Council and an outpouring of listener concern over the sale, which was announced on November 12, 2015. The universities are modifying the purchase agreement so that a community group can make an offer. That agreement is expected to be finalized by January 15, 2016. The purchase of KPLU by UW will proceed and will be forwarded to the FCC for approval. As that process moves forward, a community group will have until June 30, 2016 to raise the funds to buy the license. If the group makes an acceptable offer, the UW will step aside and allow that entity to buy the station.
The station will become an independent, public radio station with oversight from a community-based governing board. KPLU’s award winning, independent news department will remain intact, allowing for greater, in-depth local news coverage in the Puget Sound region. In addition, NPR programming will continue, as will the award-winning jazz including weekly live performances, and the station’s support of jazz education through local high schools and colleges.