90.5 / 105.7 MUSIC

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Annual Report - FY 2011 From The Interim General Manager This is typically where you’d find a welcoming message from Northern Public Radio’s longtime Director & General Manager, Tim Emmons. Sadly, we lost Tim to cancer before he was able to craft one last official message to our many listeners, supporters, and friends.

Tim left an indelible mark on this community in the form of Northern Public Radio as you now know it. Twenty years ago, Tim was instrumental in not only launching Northern Public Radio’s second FM radio station – WNIJ – but also in re-shaping WNIU into the 24/7 classical music station we still enjoy today. Under his leadership we have continued to evolve as a station dedicated to providing quality radio programming to the region.

Tim's relative good health this past year afforded him the opportunity to work with our staff to form a succession plan. As part of that plan, I will be serving as Interim General Manager. He and I prepared for this transition and feel strongly that we will preserve Tim's legacy at Northern Public Radio, its mission, and its service to the community. While much of this past year has been spent preparing for this sad day, we also found reasons to celebrate.

2011 marked WNIJ’s 20th anniversary as the area’s NPR News station. As such, this past year was filled with reminiscence and fun. We held a listener-focused “20th Anniversary T-Shirt Design Contest” in February (you’ll find a few listener designs below and throughout this booklet) and welcomed hundreds of visitors to an Open House in April. Last year wound down with an appearance from former NPR Newscaster Carl Kasell, who was also on hand in 1991 when WNIJ first signed on the air. The pages of this Annual Report present detailed looks at these and other highlights of our year.

Thanks so much for being a part of this milestone year; we look forward to your continued support. You are always welcome to connect with us online, through phone calls, or email -- we encourage your feedback. Sincerely,

Staci Hoste [[email protected]]

2 Fiscal Year 2011

REvENUE

ExPENSE

3 89.5 NEWS Pictured: the current NIU Broadcast Center on First Street in DeKalb as it appeared during renovations in late 1990 As WNIJ winds up its 20th anniversary year, many of us at Northern Public Radio have spent at least a little time reflecting on the past two decades. WNIJ has weathered a few changes since first signing on in April 1991. One of the biggest developments took place in the summer of 1997, when WNIJ and WNIU swapped frequencies and WNIJ expanded the “news/talk” portion of its program schedule. By moving WNIJ to 89.5-FM (it was originally at 90.5, where Classical WNIU remains today) we extended the reach of our NPR News service. Adding intelligent talk programs to our midday lineup solidified our position as “Your NPR News Station.” Since 1997, WNIJ’s audience has more than doubled -- a feat no other radio station in our market comes close to matching. The emergence of internet technologies through the past two decades has significantly changed the way we receive – and deliver – public radio content to our listeners. As part of WNIJ’s 20th anniversary year, we recently completed a much-needed overhaul of our website ( wnij.org, wniu.org ). While we continue to tweak the new site, we’re examining the best ways to bring you the content you need on the platforms you expect to find it. Please take a moment to check out the new site and send us your feedback at npr@niu.edu. As WNIJ begins its third decade, we continue to put the listener first. We‘ll keep bringing you comprehensive news and intelligent conversations about politics, the economy, science, the arts, and more. We understand that not everyone is going to like everything they hear on WNIJ or WNIU. But your continued engagement with – and support of – our stations helps us craft the best public radio service possible. As always, you can contact me with your questions or comments. I look forward to continuing our relationship, and I thank you for your support. Sincerely, Bill Drake [[email protected]] Program Director, WNIJ / WNIU

4 The Year In News ...some of the stories WNIJ brought you in 2011... JANUARY: Egyptians protest in the streets, the first salvos of Arab Spring… Shooting in Arizona kills six, wounds 18, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords… Illinois state income tax increase takes effect

FEBRUARY: UN approves sanctions on Libya… 14 Wisconsin senators flee to Illinois over new laws that strip state workers of rights… “Snowmageddon” buries northern Illinois and Midwest… Dixon area observes Ronald Reagan centennial

MARCH: NIU releases final report on the 2008 campus shootings… Arab Spring protests spread… Massive quake and tsunami devastate Japan and strand an NIU Alumni tour... Rockford School Board votes to close seven schools… New mosque opens in Rockford

APRIL: Britain’s Prince William marries commoner Kate Middleton… Aftershocks continue to rattle Japan… Tornadoes rip through the U.S. South, killing nearly 300... Controversial Rockford Schools Superintendent Lavonne Sheffield resigns

MAY: Osama bin Laden killed by U.S. secret raid in Pakistan... Palestinian rivals sign reconciliation... Syria continues severe repression of protests… Mississippi River causes record floods… Killer tornado devastates Joplin, Missouri

JUNE: Protests continue in Syria and Yemen... Illinois Civil Unions law takes effect... Ousted Governor Rod Blagojevich convicted on 18 corruption counts in retrial... Former area resident arrested on charges of abducting and killing Sycamore girl 50 years ago

JULY: South Sudan becomes world’s newest nation… British tabloid world shaken by corruption scandal… Atlantis begins final mission of Space Shuttle program... Illinois Republicans take Democrat electoral remap to court…Two girls electrocuted detasseling corn near Sterling

AUGUST: violent riots spread through Britain… Uprisings continue in Libya and Syria… Standard & Poors lowers U.S. credit rating, stocks nosedive… Hurricane Irene chews up New England infrastructure

SEPTEMBER: Palestine requests UN membership in an attempt to push for recognition... Tenth anniversary of 9/11 attacks passes quietly… Record wildfires consume Texas… Two area mental health centers appear on Governor Quinn’s cutback list

OCTOBER: Libyan dictator Qaddafi captured and killed... “Occupy” movement begins on Wall Street and spreads across country, including Rockford... Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies... European leaders agree to resolve Euro crisis… Wisconsin concealed firearm law takes effect

NOVEMBER: Sex abuse scandal shakes Penn State... Congress fails to come up with deficit reduction plan… NIU student killed at off-campus party... Federal Trade Commission blocks Rockford hospital merger

DECEMBER: vladimir Putin’s parliamentary election win sparks protests in Russia… Herman Cain quits GOP presidential race after sexual misconduct allegations... Rod Blagojevich sentenced to 14 years in prison... Illinois Congressional remap is upheld 5 90.5 / 105.7 MUSIC Everlasting Entertainment Alongside the growth of 20-year-old sister station WNIJ, WNIU continues to hold its own as the region’s only full-time, commercial-free classical music radio station. As classical music becomes increasingly rare on the radio nationwide, we’re proud to provide this vital service to our listeners 24 hours a day on WNIU.

Through the past year, WNIU enriched its 24/7 classical music programming with these special features…

• Rockford Symphony Orchestra Concerts: Steven Larsen and the RSO include six “Classics” concerts in each performance season, integrating familiar and lesser-known works by the masters and local composers alike. These “Classics” concerts are recorded live at Rockford’s Coronado Theater and broadcast throughout the season on WNIU 90.5.

• Classical Live Series: Produced and distributed by American Public Media, WNIU continues to broadcast occasional concerts usually associated with a significant cultural event. In 2011, Classical Live concerts on WNIU marked San Francisco’s Centennial celebration; the last night of the BBC Proms, the world’s largest classical music festival; and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Franz Liszt.

• Metropolitan Opera: WNIU continues to broadcast live performances by the Met Opera – when in season – on Saturday afternoons.

• Holiday Music: WNIU presented the always-anticipated St. Olaf Christmas Festival… the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve service live from Cambridge, England… and the annual New Year’s Day from Vienna program.

6 Reading Beyond The Lines Northern Illinois Radio Information Service (NIRIS) -- a division of Northern Public Radio -- provides current print information to blind and print- impaired citizens of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. NIRIS programming transmits on a sub-carrier (SCA) frequency to special receivers loaned free of charge to eligible listeners at home, hospitals, and nursing homes. Anyone unable to read, hold a book or turn a page because of a visual, physical, or learning disability may borrow a receiver. volunteer readers at the NIRIS studio share content from a sampling of newspapers, food and shopping ads, books, popular magazines, and special interest programs.

Barbara Schlomann introduces many listeners to NIRIS in her role as vision Rehabilitation Therapist at the Center for Sight & Hearing in Rockford. Her assessments, rehabilitation and training programs focus on improving daily living skills. To that end, NIRIS programming provides an important community connection for people with vision loss.

"Many of my individuals have difficulty reading the newspaper due to the small print,” says Schlomann. “I explain the advantages of listening to a newspaper being read versus the frustration of struggling to read the newspaper. NIRIS offers an excellent alternative for individuals with vision loss to keep apprised of current events." Many other local care-givers like Schlomann assist interested persons in completing NIRIS applications or obtaining additional information from our offices.

NIRIS welcomes your support, volunteering, and word-of-mouth networking. The service is funded almost entirely by contributions and grants. To volunteer, make a contribution, or inform us of someone who could use the NIRIS service, please call 815-961-8000 for more information.

Pictured: T. Booker Williams and Jackie Towns-Tenard read together from various parts of the Chicago Tribune, Friday mornings.

7 IEn additivon toe lonngstantdings annual traditions like Northern Public Radio’s “Abreo & the RSO” outing in February , or WNIJ/WNIU’s “Left Bank Stage” presence at Rockford’s On The Waterfront Labor Day weekend festival, listeners had several new opportunities to mingle and meet staff in 2011. In April , WNIJ celebrated 20 years as the area’s NPR News station by opening its doors to the public for an afternoon of refreshments and tours through our newsroom, production studios, and galleries of memorabilia. [Our Rockford office and Riverfront Museum Park held a 20th anniversary Open House in the fall.] In May , friends of Classical WNIU enjoyed a reception and tour of the Coronado Theater, featuring conversation with Rockford Symphony Music Director Steven Larsen. In November , NPR news icon and current Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me cast-member Carl Kasell visited DeKalb to meet WNIJ listeners at NIU’s Barsema Alumni & visitors Center.

Pictured below: Rob Riley demonstrates the Coronado’s 1920’s-era organ for WNIU guests… Together, Carl Kasell and Dan Klefstad woke up Morning Edition listeners for years… WNIJ reporter Mike Moen guides Open House visitors through our newsroom.

8 Creating Community Each year, the stations of Northern Public Radio devote thousands of airtime minutes to promoting the efforts of other community non-profits. Through public service announcements (PSAs), online Events page listings, and station sponsorships, we aim to connect our educated, engaged listeners to events, activities, and causes they may find worthwhile.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS No-charge “PSAs” for non-profit endeavors are randomly rotated and read as time allows. Mail your information to 801 N. First Street, DeKalb, IL 60115, fax to 815-753-9938 or email [email protected] for consideration.

“SUBMIT EVENT” ONLINE You can share event details through our website: www.northernpublicradio.org under the Events tab, sidebar. A "Guidelines" link provides additional instruction.

STATION SPONSORSHIPS Station Sponsorships typically involve collaborative promotion between the station and partnering organization. WNIJ/WNIU may choose to sponsor events believed to be compelling to our audience, connected to programming, and/or serving a significant community need. Because inquiries often outnumber available airtime, we meet quarterly to discuss and decide upon Sponsorship commitments. Therefore, requests are encouraged well in advance of an event. Email [email protected] for more information or a copy of our Sponsorship Request Form.

Northern Public Radio partnered with many community-enriching organizations this year: Charlotte’s Web for the Performing Arts Klehm Arboretum Crusader Community Health McHenry County College DeKalb Festival Chorus Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center Elgin Community College Midway village Museum Federal Reserve/"MoneySmart Week" NIU School Of Music Four Rivers Environmental Coalition Rockford Coronado Concert Association Fox valley Repertory Rockford Dance Company Gurler Heritage Association Rockford Symphony Orchestra Illinois Renewable Energy The Music Academy Kantorei Singing Boys of Rockford Timber Lake Playhouse Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Woodstock Mozart Festival 9 “The mission of Northern Public Radio is to enrich, inspire and inform adults in northern Illinois through programs and services that share ideas, encourage thought, give pleasure and create community.” Support Made Easy Listener-Members make what we do possible! We simply ask contributors to place a value on the listening they do to WNIJ and WNIU. You get to decide the amount – and every gift helps. Here are several ways to support your favorite Northern Public Radio programs and services:

Sustaining Membership Setting up ongoing monthly contributions from your credit card, checking or savings account fulfills your philanthropic commitment to the station conveniently, affordably, and indefinitely - until you decide to stop or adjust the amount. "Sustainers" never need renewal reminders, sparing your mailbox from clutter while saving the station a little extra time and money, too.

Producers Club Members of our esteemed Producers Club generously support the station with annual gifts of $1,000 and more. As the Producers Club evolves, the station is able to better forecast for future programs and projects — all aimed to best serve our listeners and their communities.

Sound Future Campaign Recognizing Northern Public Radio in your estate planning is a simple way to ensure that future generations have access to the public radio service you value. Estate gifts range from bequests and life insurance to IRAs and trusts.

Matching Gifts Many employers sponsor matching gift programs that sometimes double - or triple! - charitable contributions made by their employees. If your company participates, request and submit the proper form with your gift and we'll follow up. Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses as well.

Support Our Supporters Patronizing businesses who partner with 89.5 WNIJ and Classical WNIU demonstrates your appreciation for their commitment to public radio. Consult our list ( pages 12-13 ) of organizations that have recently supported Northern Public Radio programming. Or, browse an online directory of Corporate Supporters under the “Support” tab at www.northernpublicradio.org.

10 Vehicle Donation Program Before trading in or trashing an old car, push it the extra mile to benefit Northern Public Radio! You’ll find a link to more information at our website. Volunteer Time, Service, Or Goods volunteers provide time and talent to station projects like pledge drives, mail assembly, and other efforts. In-kind food or supply donations from local businesses become part of the positive volunteering experience -- a unique way to get your company's name in front of our active, engaged audience. Spread The Word Loyal, enthusiastic listeners are our best spokespeople! Let us know how public radio affects or enriches your daily life. We showcase listener testimonials on our airwaves, online, and in station presentations, to name a few.

Find complete details under the “Support” tab at www.northernpublicradio.org.

A Word From Our Listeners… "I don’t know what I would do without public radio. I don’t know how I would get to work! I always have something new to talk about -- something that I’ve learned." - Leslie Smith, Rockford -

“(Classical music on WNIU) was made with care and time. It’s worth listening to, and it helps me slow down! It helps me put things in perspective and makes life a lot more fulfilling.” - Corey Begalka, Elgin -

"This radio station is a powerful force in my life. NPR and WNIJ represent what so many of us are longing for in this country: kindness, peaceful discourse, fairness and a respectful attitude toward each other." - Marty Zack, Batavia -

About The Sketches In This Booklet… Early in 2011, we asked WNIJ listeners to submit design ideas for a “20th Anniversary T-Shirt” contest. We received more than a hundred entries which we displayed at the station through our Open House in April. Gregory Lang of Rockford submitted the winning design that inspired our T-shirts (see cover). Once again, we thank everyone who spent time with paper, pencils, or computers to put their appreciation for WNIJ into words and pictures. A sampling of those works of art appears throughout the pages of this report!

11 Corporate Support Northern Public Radio underwriters contribute to the success of a valued community service while reaching an exceptional audience of active, educated adults with above-average income. These Corporate Supporters include organizations of all sizes - from large financial, health, and law institutions… to innovative technology driven companies… to traditional and specialty retailers… to arts and educational organizations. We appreciate their partnership and encourage your personal support of them whenever possible. Meaningful Connections… "Frequently, I'll have clients tell me that they are very gratified that I'm supporting public radio. I do it because I really believe in public radio and what it brings to the community." - Attorney Rick Turner, Sycamore -

"Smart, thoughtful people listen to public radio... those are the people that you'd like to appeal to, to spend money at your business or visit." - Tammy Farrell, Kishwaukee Health System, DeKalb -

“I like to patronize local businesses in general. But when I hear about a business that’s supporting WNIJ or WNIU, I think it’s even more important, because that says a lot about what they think of the community around them.” - Vicki Kwarciany, Elburn -

Thank You Corporate Partners! Abreo Restaurant - Rockford Cave of the Mounds - Blue Mounds, WI Adriatic Café & Bar - Rockford Charlotte's Web for the Performing Arts - Rockford Air Play Sports - Sterling Chicago Rockford International Airport - Rockford American Institute of Architects, Northern IL Chapter CHIP Alumni of Rockford Annie's Little Pots - Princeton Citizens First National Bank Aspen Counseling - Rockford Clodius & Co. Jewelers - Rockford AT Wellness Solutions - Kingston Coronado Performing Arts Center - Rockford Aurora University Craig-Cinnamon Christmas Trees - DeKalb Autumn on Parade - Oregon Dan's Custom Painting - Lee Balance Chiropractic & Wellness Ctr. - Genoa David Boccignone of Ameriprise Financial - Rockford Basalay, Cary & Alstadt Architects - Ottawa DeKalb Interfaith Network for Peace & Justice Basketcases Unlimited - Clare Der Rathskeller - Rockford Becky Beck's Jewelry Store - DeKalb Discover Sycamore Beloit College Donnelly's Wild West Town - Union Blackhawk Bank Duck Soup Coop - DeKalb Blumen Gardens - Sycamore Elgin Choral Union BMO Harris Bank - Rockford Elgin Community College BMO Harris Bank Center - Rockford Elgin Symphony Orchestra Bockman's Auto Care - Sycamore Ellwood House Museum - DeKalb Books On First - Dixon Emery Christiansen Group - Loves Park Bread and Roses Women's Chorus - Sycamore Emmanuel Episcopal Church - Rockford Brickman Music Enders Flowers - Rockford Brightbill-Ericson / New vision Laser Ctr. - Rockford Ferguson Financial Group - Pecatonica Burpee Museum of Natural History - Rockford Finnegan's Bookstore - Utica Café 900 – DeKalb First Lutheran Church - Rockford Canal Corridor Association/LaSalle Canal Boat First National Bank & Trust Company - Beloit, WI Castle Printech - DeKalb Foster & Buick Law Group - Sycamore 12 Thank You, Partners… (continued) NIU School of Theatre and Dance - DeKalb Franklin's Frames and Art - Sycamore North Central Cyclery - DeKalb Frontier Communications North Pointe Health & Wellness - Roscoe North Winnebago / Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - Rockford Garrett's Restaurant and Bar - Rockford Northern Illinois Hospice & Grief Center - Rockford Genoa Main Street Northern Illinois Union Group - DeKalb Gensler Gardens - Loves Park Northern Illinois Water Works - DeKalb Giovanni's Restaurant - Rockford Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists - DeKalb Gone to the Dogs - DeKalb OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center - Rockford Gordon Hardware - DeKalb Ottawa visitors Center Hauser-Ross Eye Institute - DeKalb Peruse Auto & Truck - Peru Hayes' Body Shop - Sycamore Prairie State Winery - Genoa Hear More Music - Rockford Prairie view Dental - Sycamore Hemmens Cultural Center - Elgin Princeton Tourism - Princeton Herrmann Countertops - DeKalb Priority Promotions - Sycamore Highland Community College - Freeport Holly Mathiesen of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans -Rockford Randall J Manus, Attorney - Freeport Home Builders Association of Rockford Raue Center for the Arts - Crystal Lake Hy-vee - Sycamore Raymond James & Associates Illinois Renewable Energy Association - Oregon Re:New DeKalb Illinois Student Assistance Commission Rock River valley Blood Center - Rockford Illinois valley Community Hospital - Peru Rock valley College - Rockford Information Controls - Rockford Rockford Area Realtors Integral Therapy Center - Roscoe Rockford Christian Schools J Carlson Growers - Rockford Rockford Coronado Concert Association Janesville Area Convention & visitors Bureau Rockford Dance Company Janesville Presents Rockford Health System Jeff Keicher State Farm - Sycamore Rockford Park District Johnson Creek Hardwoods - Mount Carroll Rockford Symphony Orchestra Jonamac Orchard - Malta Rotary Botanical Gardens - Janesville, WI Just A Second - Rockford RRJ Painting & Wallpapering - DeKalb Just Goods, A Fair Trade Marketplace - Rockford Rue La Paris Café - Rockford Ken Spears Construction - DeKalb Runner's Image - Rockford Kindred Healthcare of Illinois - Sycamore Sauk valley Community College - Dixon Kishwaukee College - Malta Schmeling Building Supply - Rockford Kishwaukee Community Hospital - DeKalb Servpro of Rockford Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra - DeKalb Severson Dells Nature Center - Rockford Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden - Rockford Snare Systems - DeKalb Kryptonite Bar - Rockford Spectrum Progressive School - Rockford Ladd Upholstery Service - Ladd St. Charles Singers Lakeside Singers - Evanston Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center - Utica Law Office of Jim Black & Associates - Rockford Step Into Wellness - Rockford Lehan Drugs and Medical Equipment - DeKalb Stone Creek Development - Geneva Lincoln Inn Family Restaurant & Bakery - DeKalb Stratford Inn / Mitchel Lounge - Sycamore Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society – Rockford Sweet Earth Gifts, Jewelry, Engraving & Beads - Sycamore Lovell's Discount Tire - DeKalb The Natural Cook - Sycamore Lundeen's Discount Liquors - Sycamore The Nature Conservancy - Franklin Grove Luther College - Decorah, IA The Next Picture Show - Dixon Lutheran Social Services of Illinois - Rockford Timber Lake Playhouse - Mount Carroll Maze Lumber - Peru Turner Law Offices - Sycamore McHenry County College - Crystal Lake Tyler's Landscaping - Rockford McGreevy Williams - Rockford University of Illinois Extension MCR Framing/Cattywampus - Genoa Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford Members Alliance Credit Union - Rockford Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock valley Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center - Rockford Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb Midway village Museum - Rockford Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva Midwest Museum of Natural History - Sycamore Urban Christian Education Fund - Rockford Milex Auto Care & Mr. Transmission - Sycamore Waubonsee Community College - Sugar Grove Mineral Point Artisans - Mineral Point, WI Westminster Presbyterian Church - Rockford Montessori Private Academy - Rockford Wild Ones, Rock River valley Chapter Music Academy of Rockford Willow's Cleaning Service - Machesney Park NIU Community School of the Arts - DeKalb Woodstock Mozart Festival - Woodstock NIU Convocation Center - DeKalb YMCA of Rock River valley – Rockford NIU Liberal Arts & Science Extended Programming - DeKalb 13 Broadcast Studios / Main Office: 801 N. First Street, DeKalb, IL 60115 Main Switchboard: 815-753-9000 General inquiries: [email protected]

To share news releases and leads: WNIJ News 815-753-7000 [email protected]

For information about programming: Bill Drake - Program Director 815-753-0068 [email protected]

To inquire about your Membership: Jayne Crosby – Membership Coordinator 815-753-0067 [email protected]

For details on corporate / planned / estate giving: Staci Hoste - Interim General Manager 815-753-0080 [email protected]

To submit Public Service Announcement materials: Guy Stephens - News Producer 815-753-0079 [email protected]

For details about WNIJ/WNIU events and volunteering: Diane Drake - Communications & Events Manager 815-753-0061 [email protected]

For information about NIRIS equipment or volunteering: Cindy Lynn Ostergard - NIRIS Director 815-972-2955 [email protected]

For a full staff directory, click "Contact Us" in the footer at www.northernpublicradio.org.

Printing by Castle PrinTech, DeKalb 14 WNIE 89.1 WNIQ 91.5 WNIW 91.3 89.5 NEWS Freeport Sterling LaSalle

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