AUSTIN, Texas – Oct. 28, 2016 – Central Texans showed their support for in-depth journalism and music that reflects the spirit of Austin by investing more than $576,000 in KUT 90.5 and KUTX 98.9 during the fall membership drive, which ended Wednesday night.
To keep pace with Austin’s population growth, KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station, and KUTX 98.9, the Austin Music Experience, set a goal of recruiting 2,000 new members. By the end of the nine-day, semi-annual membership drive, 2,019 listeners became first-time donors to the stations.
New and sustaining members are the lifeblood of KUT and KUTX, paying for the news, music and cultural programming Central Texans rely on. Sustaining members are a special category of members who make continuous monthly gifts to the stations via credit card – like a subscription – to enable on-air fund drives to focus on recruiting new members.
Among this year’s thank you gifts were a John Aielli bobble head celebrating his 50th year on the air; KUT and KUTX T-shirts and coffee mugs featuring the stations’ recently unveiled logos; and KUTX Live Vol. 8, featuring 21 one-of-a-kind performances from artists performing in KUTX Studio 1A.
KUT and KUTX depend on local individuals and businesses for more than 80 percent of their annual operating budget. Member donations pay for programming and broadcasting expenses, such as KUT’s award-winning news staff, and programs such as “Texas Standard,” “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered,” “This American Life,” “Wait, Wait…Don't Tell Me!,” “Marketplace” and “Fresh Air,” while helping KUTX reflect the musical diversity of Austin through one-of-a-kind performances in Studio 1A; the Austin Music Minute, the KUTX Artist of the Month and more.
About KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station, and KUTX 98.9, The Austin Music Experience
KUT and KUTX are community supported public media that fuel Austin’s love of discovery. KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station, uses the highest editorial standards to report the stories that matter to Austin and KUTX 98.9, the Austin Music Experience, enriches listeners’ lives with the music and experiences that reflect the spirit of Austin.
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Contact: Erin Geisler, (512) 475-8071