The Save KPLU Campaign Reaches $1 Million
(Seattle-Tacoma, WA) In a little less than three weeks, the SAVE KPLU campaign has raised more than $1 million! This milestone was made possible by hundreds of KPLU supporters who pledged their support for an independent, community licensed 88.5.
“We are all very gratified that so many KPLU listeners have contributed to the campaign,” said Joey Cohn, KPLU’s General Manager and head of the Friends of 88.5 FM community group. “Listener support has allowed KPLU to grow and thrive for nearly 50 years, and pledges now to Save KPLU will guarantee an exciting future for the station for many years to come. We still have another six million dollars to raise by June 30th, but we’re off to a fast start. I want to offer my thanks to everyone who has pledged so far. ”
A purchase of the license by the Friends of 88.5 FM means that the station will become independent 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 and blues, including weekly live performances, and the station’s support of jazz education through local high schools and colleges.
Supporters can make donations at KPLU.ORG, 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.
The presidents of Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Washington mutually decided to allow a community group to make an offer for KPLU. They made this decision after a strong request by KPLU’s Community Advisory Council and an outpouring of listener concern over the proposed sale of the station to KUOW, which is owned by the UW.
Friends of 88-5 FM launched its fundraising campaign on Monday, January 11, 2016. The campaign 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 listener supported Neeb Center at the completion of the campaign. Additional funds will need to be raised for administrative and transition activities.
The universities are modifying the purchase agreement so that a community group can make an offer. That agreement is expected to be finalized by today January 29, 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.