2O2O ANNUAL REPORT
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 1 9/30/20 12:11 PM In an age when news briefs suffice for too many, WAMU provides context and even- handed analysis of the events that impact the world, our nation and neighborhood. We are proud our donations support this incredible resource.
Victor Fazio and Kathy Sawyer Leadership Circle members since 2012
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 2 9/30/20 12:11 PM Dear Friends,
It is often said that the only thing constant in life is change.
This has certainly proven true for the majority of 2020. Our country, our region and indeed most of us have been faced with making and accepting tremendous changes. And you have been right there with us.
When the region was placed under stay-at-home orders, WAMU rapidly shifted our entire working operation to homes scattered around the region. This was no small feat, as our small technology team recreated a studio in my sunroom in a day and a half. Not only did all the hosts go fully remote, but so did the engineers, reporters, producers and other station staff. We all put in extended time and energy to bring you the news of the impact the global pandemic had — and continues to have — across our region. I am incredibly proud of the entire station for accepting and, in fact, embracing this change.
But I am also grateful because without you, these changes would not be possible.
In the wake of the protests following the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, I am hopeful for more changes — in our country, our region and each other.
It has occurred to me, the movements and protests I experienced prior to landing in journalism are being replicated today by a new generation. The names have changed, and the chants are different from those in my youth, but they are addressing the same basic inequalities.
It is my hope that your experience with WAMU and the conversations we have and the stories we air, have encouraged your participation and constitute a daily engagement in truth and reconciliation. We aspire to communicate with the deliberate intention of contributing to a more egalitarian, diverse and harmonious future for this region.
Thank you for being an important part of WAMU. We are stronger because of YOU.
Kojo Nnamdi Host, The Kojo Nnamdi Show
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 3 9/30/20 12:11 PM You helped WAMU stay home
When COVID-19 became widespread in the Washington region, day-to-day life changed dramatically — including how WAMU operated under stay-at-home orders.
WAMU and DCist reporters and hosts quickly set up shop in their living rooms, closets, basements and bedrooms to keep listeners and readers up-to-date on the continually changing public health guidelines and coronavirus resources across Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
At the height of the pandemic, when most streets were barren and businesses were closed to the public, WAMU and DCist reporters were working tirelessly to provide breaking news and stories that documented the human impact that spanned the region.
Their stories have examined how the pandemic has affected families, service workers, renters and homeowners, local businesses, educational institutions and public transportation. The reporting has also highlighted how the pandemic has affected communities of color disproportionately.
Both newsrooms continue to offer sustained coverage of the pandemic’s effects on the region well into 2020.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 4 9/30/20 12:11 PM You kept local journalism alive
Celebrating its second year as part of WAMU, DCist launched a standalone membership program in November 2019. The DCist membership experience invites supporters to help shape projects and celebrate Washington, D.C., alongside the team’s journalists and other readers.
Over 1,000 members help support reporting across the region, from breaking news, to arts and food coverage, to health-focused stories.
In June 2020, DCist welcomed photojournalist Dee Dwyer and reporter Aja Beckham to its newsroom to expand the site’s coverage of the District’s Wards 7 and 8. They joined the team through a competitive fellowship with Report For America and will work with DCist for a year. Their fellowship is also supported by the generous contributions of two Leadership Circle members, Matthew S. Watson and Bruce Cohen.
DCist also saw tremendous growth in traffic — registering more than 22 million pageviews over the last year and a 45% increase in regularly returning readers.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 5 9/30/20 12:11 PM You helped tell the stories of the region
Covering Climate Now In September 2019, DCist, the WAMU newsroom and both 1A and The Kojo Nnamdi Show joined 250 global news outlets to dedicate a week of coverage to the climate crisis and how it’s affecting our region. Reporters covered how individuals can make local change and highlighted how climate change disproportionately affects the region’s communities of color, among other stories.
The Ghost Fleet Borrowing a coworker’s canoe, WAMU environment reporter Jacob Fenston and WAMU photojournalist Tyrone Turner set out on the Potomac River in search of the “ghost fleet” of World War I-era steamships. This award-winning, multimedia feature documented the history of how these ships came to rest in Mallows Bay and their impact — both positive and not — on the river’s environment. Environmental coverage is supported by Jodie T. Allen, The Farvue Foundation and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 6 9/30/20 12:11 PM The Affordability Desk Generously supported by the Sunrise Foundation, WAMU launched a reporting project with a dedicated team of reporters to examine the affordability crisis in the Washington region — its causes, its effects and potential solutions. Money Diaries, a popular series, asked people across the region to open up about their monthly household budgets and shed light on how the high cost of living affects their lives. In the midst of the pandemic, the team re-focused their attention on the growing economic crises facing the region — including unemployment, evictions and the challenges faced by small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Protests Against Police Brutality Demonstrations in support of racial justice erupted throughout the country and the Washington region following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. WAMU and DCist reporters covered the protests as they evolved — in sound and images — and have been reporting on the protests’ continued effects on the local communities.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 7 9/30/20 12:11 PM Events went virtual
Kojo In Your Virtual Community In response to this extraordinary moment, Kojo Nnamdi re-imagined his series of community events to keep Washingtonians connected and informed. These virtual panel discussions cover issues that are top-of-mind during the pandemic, including healthcare disparities, racism and parenting.
What’s With Washington Trivia After a successful live event in January, the What’s With Washington podcast crew’s virtual trivia events brought some much needed levity to those staying at home. Host Mikaela Lefrak brings listeners together to test their knowledge of the D.C. region with questions that incorporate visuals, sound and humor. Like — “This quirky, famous scientist is a D.C. native and Sidwell Friends graduate.” (Find the answer on the next page).
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 8 9/30/20 12:11 PM Diane Rehm Book Club In May, WAMU launched a monthly book club hosted by Diane Rehm. Diane’s book selections include themes that resonate with current events, such as “The Plot Against America,” “Love in the Time of Cholera” and “The Bluest Eye.” These discussions have brought together hundreds of readers from around the world and include opportunities for participants to ask the panelists questions.
Leadership Circle Town Hall With the annual spring Leadership Circle reception canceled because of regional stay-at-home orders, WAMU looked for a new way to extend its gratitude to leadership donors. The first-ever virtual Leadership Circle Town Hall was held in early May and included an exclusive report on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the station, along with updates on listener engagement and
fundraising goals. Answer: Bill Nye Bill Answer:
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 9 9/30/20 12:11 PM Year at a glance 71,535 MEMBERS
5,909 1,068 314 members who members who members who have been donors have been donors have been donors for 10+ years for 20+ years for 30+ years
150 staff 5K+ people working from home joined us in person or during pandemic online at an event
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 10 9/30/20 12:11 PM 1M+ 3M+ $1.7M+ downloads downloads of raised from vehicle of 1A On My Mind donations
+93% +43% increase in increase in combined web visitors WAMU/DCist to DCist page views
1 shoutout 4 regional in The New York Times Edward R. for Dating While Gray Murrow Awards
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 11 9/30/20 12:11 PM Beyond the region
1A Gets A New Host After conducting a national search to identify a new host of 1A, WAMU welcomed Jenn White to the program. Jenn comes to WAMU from WBEZ in Chicago where she hosted her own midday talk program and critically acclaimed podcasts. In her first few weeks at1A , she convened conversations on free speech and hate speech online, housing discrimination, the pandemic and the protests against racial injustice. Some of her guests included Senator Mark Warner, Padma Lakshmi, LeVar Burton, Masha Gessen and Zadie Smith. Since launching in 2017, 1A has become a trusted source for public dialogue for millions of listeners across more than 420 NPR member stations nationally.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 12 9/30/20 12:11 PM Shattered: Life After Being Shot Eleven gunshot survivors shared their difficult, personal experiences with gun violence through a visually compelling series with audio segments. This award-winning multimedia project was produced by WAMU in partnership with the Guns & America reporting collaboration. Guns & America is supported by The Kendeda Fund.
The Big Broadcast WAMU’s longest running program — “your Sunday night oasis” — features radio programming from the ‘30s, ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Shows from radio’s Golden Age, curated and presented by Murray Horwitz, continue to entertain listeners while providing context and connections to today’s world.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 13 9/30/20 12:11 PM Podcasts
On My Mind Diane Rehm’s podcast, On My Mind, has continued its bi-weekly schedule, covering the pandemic, up-to-the- minute politics and issues of race. Diane has interviewed many notable guests in the past year including Madeleine Albright, Gloria Steinem, Dr. Anthony Fauci, José Andrés, Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas.
What’s With Washington Season 2 of the What’s With Washington podcast began in fall 2019, bringing the success of the popular “What’s With Washington” on-air stories to a different platform. Each episode provides a deeper answer to listeners’ questions about the Washington region.
Dish City A product of The Pod Shop by WAMU, Dish City launched a successful first season of episodes and listener meet- ups exploring city change through D.C.’s iconic foods, like mumbo sauce and jumbo slice pizza. The second season, released in the spring, pivoted to explore the pandemic’s impact on the local restaurant scene.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 14 9/30/20 12:11 PM Unprecedented Unprecedented, launched in October 2019, tells the raw stories of ordinary people who pursued justice and defined the limits of the country’s First Amendment rights. Each episode features a different Supreme Court case that influenced the current interpretation of the Constitution and includes special appearances by NPR’s Nina Totenberg.
Dating While Gray Developed in The Pod Shop by WAMU, Dating While Gray explores the wild world of love and dating after age 50. It launched on the eve of Valentine’s Day 2020 and caught the eye of The New York Times. When the pandemic hit, dozens of listeners wrote host Laura Stassi to say the podcast was keeping them company at home.
No Compromise Though the Guns & America reporting project is wrapping up at the end of 2020, NPR is taking on content for a podcast launch this fall. No Compromise is a limited-run investigative series exploring the world of Second Amendment activists who believe the National Rifle Association is “too soft” on guns.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 15 9/30/20 12:11 PM Your support made a difference
The report below covers WAMU’s fiscal year from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020.
Revenue Membership/Development/Events 49% $ 16,585,657 Corporate Underwriting 38% 12,952,433 NPR 6% 1,956,618 Federal Funding (CPB) 5% 1,661,066 Other Income 1.5% 570,402 In Kind Contributions 0.5% 153,655 Total Revenue $33,879,831
Expense Content/Programming 35% $ 11,480,409 Membership/Development/ 23.5% 7,813,883 Underwriting Occupancy & Support Costs 17% 5,583,838 Technology 12% 3,881,741 Management & General Expenses 8.5% 2,836,269 Marketing 4% 1,416,125 Total Expense $33,012,265 Surplus $867,566
Complete audited financial statements can be viewed at wamu.org/reports.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 16 9/30/20 12:11 PM Moving WAMU forward
Leadership Team Dawnita Altieri, Chief of Staff Rob Bertrand, Senior Director of Technology Lynn M. Croneberger, CFRE, Chief Development Officer Diane Hockenberry, Senior Director of Marketing and Engagement Monna Kashfi, Chief Content Officer Carey Needham, Associate General Manager
Community Council
Navroz Gandhi, Chair Christy Gavitt Manuel Ochoa Susan Weiss, Vice Chair Kumera Genet Heather McDonald Voorman Michael Akin Nakeisha Neal Jones Raymond Weeden Scott Astrada Sojin Kim David Bradley Avis Thomas Lester Ex Officio Don Britton Michele A. Manatt Peter Tannenwald Lucinda Crabtree Alexis Moreno Matthew McCormick C.C. Gachet David A. Nemazie
A view from the top of the newly-renovated WAMU broadcast tower.
Photo: Paul Fitts, COO of Vertical Technology Services
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 17 9/30/20 12:12 PM THANK YOU
All the initiatives highlighted in this report would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors and community partners.
WAMU would like to extend a special note of gratitude to members of the Tower Society, foundations and institutional funders who donated $10,000 or greater in the past fiscal year.
Tower Society Members
Anonymous (5) Mr. Thomas S. Kahn & Ms. Susanna Schwartz-Sanchez Ms. Jodie T. Allen Mr. Brad & Mrs. Kathryn Kerchof Ms. Karen C. Bates John Lansing Mr. John T. Beaty Jr. & Ms. Anne Mehringer Ms. Michelle S. Lee Ms. Medea Benjamin Mr. Kent W. Lynn & Mr. Gregory S. Thomas Mr. Kyle Ward Blackman Ms. Ann F. Miles Ms. Georgia J. & Mr. Stephen R. Bupp Mrs. Brenda Wills & Mr. Amos Leon’ Otis Mr. Stephen G. Charles Dr. Deborah Jewell Schumann Dr. Bruce Bittel Cohen Ms. Lisa Seigel Mr. David Charles Crane & Mr. Jeffrey Wells Mr. David C. Shih Ms. Mary Ann Elliott Dr. Ernst & Ms. Sara L. Volgenau Ms. Signe S. Gates Mr. Matthew S. Watson Ms. Julie P. & Mrs. Margot L. Zimmerman Mr. John Hamre Ms. Joyce E. Isis
A list of corporate sponsors can be viewed at wamu.org/corporate-sponsors.
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 18 9/30/20 12:12 PM Foundations and Institutions
American Endowment Foundation National Philanthropic Trust Ameriprise Financial Omidyar Network Matching Gifts Aviv Foundation Pershing LLC AYCO Charitable Foundation Pew Charitable Trusts Matching Gifts Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Public Welfare Foundation Benevity Community Impact Fund/Fees Raymond James Financial, Inc. Brokerage Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Matching Gifts Program Schwab Charitable Fund Cars for Charity Share Fund CFC National Capital Area (CFC 0990) STG INTERNATIONAL, Inc. of Arlington VA Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc Sunrise Foundation Charles Schwab & Co Inc T. Rowe Price Trust Co. Chevy Chase Trust TD Ameritrade Clearing Cornell Douglas Foundation The Betty And Wes Foster Corporation for Public Broadcasting Family Foundation Diane & Norman Bernstein Foundation The DECK Foundation Estate of Susan M. Antos The Farvue Foundation, Inc Estate of Kathy Campoli The Kendeda Fund Estate of Jennie Moehlmann The Miami Foundation Estate of M. Paul Zimmerman The Morris and Gwendolyn Facebook Journalism Project Cafritz Foundation Community Network The New York Community Trust Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC/IRAs The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund TIAA Financial Services/IRAs Google Matching Gifts Program UBS Financial Services Inc Greater Washington Community Vanguard/IRA Foundation Vanguard Charitable IMF Helping Hands Campaign Vanguard Charitable Merrill Lynch Endowment Program Meyer Foundation Wells Fargo Advisors/IRAs Microsoft Matching Gifts Program World Bank Group Morgan Stanley Brokerage Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust
Due to space limitations, we regrettably cannot list all those who contributed to WAMU last fiscal year. We are incredibly grateful for your generous support. Thank you!
J017120-01 WAMU Annual Report 2020.indd 19 9/30/20 12:12 PM Cover image: On May 18, 2020, Metro started requiring all passengers to wear masks. © Tyrone Turner, WAMU/DCist
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