KCUR Year in Review 2009 A service of the University of Missouri-Kansas City {} compel ling + connec te d KCUR Year in Review 2009 KCUR Dear friends, Community When the year began, I was told to be worried about comes from – and where it goes – so you’ll find revenue Advisory our future. I heard pundits say the internet would and expense information included here as well. replace radio listening, listeners would no longer Board contribute, and the federal government and University We also want to take this opportunity to again thank would be forced to eliminate any help with our our many volunteers who generously give their time funding. Public radio would outlive its purpose. to the station and who help to make our services Members possible. For the Year in Review, we’re turning the Angela Bennett Fortunately, none of that is true. KCUR has more spotlight on KCUR’s 2009 “Volunteer of the Year” Scott Burnett listeners and more relevant local and national and award recipients. Patricia Cahill, ex-officio international programming than ever before. Marilyn Carbonell KCUR appreciates all of our listeners who let us know Mark Eagleton However, the economic slowdown has made us – through their comments and financial contributions Linda Edwards reexamine our expenses, eliminate salary increases, cut – that public radio is significant. We believe that Jane Gard back on travel – we’ve even eliminated the purchase of public service begets public support. Dale Jarka KCUR coffee mugs. We have worked on receiving new Janet Justus grants and other sources of income while continuing Thank you. Kris Ketz with our on-air membership drives and underwriting. Fred Mitchell Regina Nouhan The KCUR Year in Review is (as the name implies) Steve Paul the station’s 2009 yearbook, of sorts. It’s our chance Patty Cahill Adriana Pecina to brag about our accomplishments over the last year General Manager Steve Roling – a recap of our news awards with highlights from our KCUR Radio David Smith local talk shows and our local music shows. Phyllis Stevens P.S. After perusing these pages, we encourage you to David Warm We want to take this opportunity to thank our spend some time enjoying our terrific website and the William Whitener underwriters and major donors who help us continue myriad of stories and features to be found there. If you our mission of providing our listeners with high- have any comments or questions about KCUR, please quality programming and services (look for a list send me an email at [email protected]. of underwriters and major donors on the following Mission pages). Our listeners should know where our money Statement of KCUR KCUR Radio will provide a premier non-commercial program service which allows people in our urban community and listening area to better their lives and tomorrow’s communities. It is the responsibility of KCUR to provide an audience of significant size with a program service that informs, entertains and enriches the community. Awards Local news coverage is a cornerstone of KCUR programming. Awards presented in 2009 to the KCUR news team include the following:
Kansas City Press Club – Society of Kansas City Association of Black She has served on the board of directors of NPR and as Professional Journalists Heart of Journalists president of the board of Public Radio in Mid America America Awards Broadcast Radio Talk Show Award: “The Walt Bodine (PRIMA). Radio Station of the Year: KCUR-FM Show” Cahill earned a B.A. and M.A. from the University of News Program (gold): KC Currents – Susan B. Wilson, Broadcast News Magazine Award: “KC Currents” Kansas. Her term on the CPB board will expire in 2014. Sylvia Maria Gross, Alex Smith, Annie Walsh Broadcast Radio Feature Story Award: “Ties to Alvin Health Care Foundation of Greater Talk Radio (gold): “Up To Date” – Steve Kraske, Ailey Endure in Kansas City” – Laura Spencer Kansas City Stephen Steigman, Danette Alexander, Kara Caldwell This year, the station was awarded a $35,000 grant Corporation for Public Broadcasting from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas Investigative Reporting (gold): “Kansas City In August, the United States Senate approved the City to support local health coverage. The grant funds Homicides: Beyond Data” – Dan Verbeck nomination of KCUR General Manager Patricia Cahill a reporter and has enabled the station to enhance its to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation health coverage on the web at www.kcur.org/health. Business Reporting (gold): “From Wall Street to Main for Public Broadcasting. The health care foundation has awarded this grant to Street” – Maria Carter KCUR for several years now. Cahill has been the general manager of KCUR-FM for Business Reporting (silver): “Brazilian Beef Company 22 years. She also serves as an assistant professor of Missouri Arts Council Takes Over U.S. Industry” – Frank Morris Communication Studies at the University of Missouri- In July, the University of Missouri-Kansas City was Kansas City. awarded a $5000 grant from the Missouri Arts Council Feature Story (gold): “Greensburg Anniversary” – Frank (MAC). The award was designated specifically for Morris All told, Cahill has worked in public radio for more KCUR 89.3 FM, operated on the campus of UMKC. than 40 years. Prior to KCUR, she was the general The grant is part of a $7 million package that MAC Feature Story (silver): “Paying to Burn the Prairie” – manager of KMUW-FM at Wichita State University, as awarded to non-profit organizations throughout the Sylvia Maria Gross well as its news and program director. Cahill was also an state. The focus of the grants is to support various instructor in speech communications and journalism at programs involved in the distribution of arts education Feature Story (honorable mention): “The Matthew 25 the school. and performance in Missouri. Project” – Steve Bell
2009 Year in Review 2009 Year
1 Up to Date
with Steve Kraske of Online and on the air, we’re on top of it The Kansas City Star
2009 was a memorable year for Up to Date. This year we spoke The best part? All of these broadcasts are in our on-line program with authors, politicians, physicians and actors … chefs, musicians, archive at kcur.org. Listen at your computer or download to your mp3 journalists, film critics, and bio-ethicists. We expanded our regular player. Listen to what you want – when you want. “religion roundtable” discussions and welcomed Brian McTavish on a weekly basis to give us some ideas for the weekend. We even began Thanks to all of you for supporting the show. We look forward to “tweeting” – follow us on Twitter at KCURUptoDate. spending more time with you in 2010.
This year was also an especially exciting one for remote broadcasts: January’s Missouri Governor’s inauguration from Jefferson City; an October broadcast with Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl in Steve Kraske’s Stephen Steigman kitchen; and a December visit with celebrity chef Nigella Lawson at Producer, Up to Date Webster House. These broadcasts require a lot of extra work, but we think they’re a great way of “stepping outside the (broadcast) box.”
The Walt Bodine Show Another year of what matters to Kansas City
It’s been an eventful year on The Walt Bodine Show. Team Bodine grew But we’ve also talked about the things that matter to Kansas Citians in to include producer Jamie Medlicott and intern Daniel Barber. We’ve their everyday lives. We’ve hit on the challenges faced by pedestrians talked about everything from the science of sleep to Iraqi refugees and bicyclists in Kansas City, access to grocery stores, and how stimulus living in Kansas City, from our fair city’s parks and winding boulevards funds acquired by the police department would be used. to more treacherous twists and turns in a tongue twisters show. Most exciting, however, were the opportunities we had to invite each We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming some heavy hitters into the and every one of our listeners to join us in person for The Walt Bodine studio this year. Walt had the chance to tell Lilly Ledbetter of the Show during our live remote broadcasts in the spring. And if you didn’t Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, “You travel first class because you are, catch the documentary Walt Bodine: To Kansas City With Love that by golly.” Saturday Night Live’s Jason Sudeikis talked to us about the aired during our Kansas City History Series, check it out at kcur.org/ nuances of his Joe Biden impersonation. Economist Bill Black joined us WaltBodine. shortly after he appeared as a recurring interviewee in Michael Moore’s Capitalism: A Love Story. And Carlotta Walls LaNier, one of the Little Thanks for another great year, Kansas City. Rock Nine, spoke with us about her three years as one of the first African American students to attend Little Rock High School after the Supreme Court ruled that “separate but equal” would not hold in the public schools of this country. Gina Kaufmann Co-host, The Walt Bodine Show KCUR 89.3 FM KCUR
2 KC Currents Embracing our local media leadership role
We’ve noticed that stories first reported on KC Currents are popping We all stepped up our interviews of local musicians this year, including up in other media around Kansas City more and more frequently. We’re Latin rockers Making Movies, the reggae band Blue Riddim, and not only flattered, but also especially proud to be adding new voices legendary jazz singer Marilyn Maye. and ideas to local news and arts coverage. KC Currents has tried to keep a keen focus on the local, taking you places and introducing you Our hard-working interns made some outstanding contributions to folks whom you might not have met otherwise. this year, too: Ashly Kissman reported on a new trend towards green burials; Annie Walsh talked to a champion teen chef; and Tim Here are just a few of our favorite stories from 2009: Bridgham visited the workshop of a master luthier.
Sylvia Maria Gross visited the living rooms of families facing We hope you heard local stories that moved, intrigued, or motivated foreclosure and examined the unique effects of the housing crisis you this year on KC Currents, and we plan to bring you much more in on Latino immigrant neighborhoods. Susan B. Wilson visited with a 2010! raucous knitting group in a church basement and a support group for mothers whose children are incarcerated. Alex Smith brought listeners to a martial arts academy that focuses on the Israeli practice of Krav Maga, and took us behind the scenes at one of the oldest haunted Sylvia Maria Gross houses in the West Bottoms. Producer, KC Currents
KCUR News New partnerships to overcome challenges
This was a momentous year – a difficult year for many in the Kansas Also in 2009, KCUR forged new partnerships. Our joint coverage City region – and KCUR was on the ground covering it from many with KCPT had our reporters producing television stories for the first different angles. time ever. Our collaboration with other Missouri stations covering the financial turmoil contributed a large and growing body of work to the We had stories on the foreclosure crisis, told from the point of Missouri Budget Project. view of people losing their homes, and also from that of police and maintenance workers who have to do the unpleasant work associated In 2010, we hope to announce still more partnerships that will with reclaiming a home. We brought you stories of tough times in the dramatically broaden and deepen our coverage and enhance KCUR’s manufacturing and auto industries, but also of people putting new reputation as a bright light in the public radio news galaxy. Stay tuned. careers together from the wreckage of their old jobs. We covered the promised influx of federal stimulus money, and the enormous struggles faced by Missouri, Kansas, and many area municipalities as they grappled with the worst budget crises in memory. Frank Morris News Director, KCUR In addition, we significantly stepped up our arts coverage, as other media outlets had to cut back. We poured resources into the web and have worked to make our site a destination for regional news. 3 Arts Coverage on KCUR An amazing year for the arts in Kansas City
This was a great year for the arts in Kansas City – and for KCUR’s arts Kansas City Ballet. The program presented a unique challenge for coverage. In July, KCUR received a $5000 grant from the Missouri Arts Lang and the dancers: how to perform in a “tent-like skirt.” Council (MAC) that has allowed us to expand and enhance our on-air arts coverage by pairing stories with interactive slideshows on KCUR’s • Moisés Kaufman Tackles “Into the Woods” at the Rep web site. Our primary area of focus: Theatre Deconstructed, which When Eric Rosen, the artistic director of Kansas City Repertory examines the various jobs and professions within the theatrical arts. Theatre, asked noted playwright and director Moisés Kaufman to pick a musical he’d like to direct here, at the top of the list was We encourage you to check our archives at www.kcur.org/multimedia Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” for arts coverage that you may have missed, including these highlights: Thanks to all of you for supporting the arts in Kansas City! We look • Quality Hill Renovations Change Experience for Actors and Audience forward to sharing more stories with you in 2010. In 2009, the second of three phases of renovations at the Quality Hill Playhouse was completed, resulting in changes that are impacting both the physical and artistic dimensions of what audiences will experience. Laura Spencer and Steve Walker Arts Reporters, KCUR • Dancing with a Tent-like Skirt Provides Challenges Choreographer Jessica Lang staged “Splendid Isolation III” for the
A note from Bill Shapiro, host of Cyprus Avenue 31 years of intelligent rock and roll
2009 marked the 31st Anniversary of Cyprus Avenue on KCUR, devoted four hours of Cyprus Avenue to their wondrous material and I affording me another 52 opportunities to share my lifelong love of music “ain’t done yet.” The fact that these recordings have sold multimillion with an amazingly loyal audience. When the show began, I described copies gives me faith that music matters and great music sustains. it as “an intelligent look at rock and roll.” In all honesty, I’m not really sure what “rock and roll” is today. The form has morphed into I cannot adequately thank you, my listeners, for your continuing and countless sub-genres and has clearly become the world’s “pop” music. exceedingly generous support of KCUR during the station’s fundraising drives. You are genuinely appreciated. Finally, I want to thank those who With so much music available from so many sources, it’s impossible to have attended Cyprus Avenue Live at the Folly, which has provided us be aware of, let alone listen to, even a meaningful sample. Rest assured an opportunity to visit in person, to see and hear some of the artists that I make every effort to find recordings that move or impress me whose music enlivens the radio broadcasts, and the opportunity to to share with you every Saturday. In candor, only a few new releases in maintain the Folly Theater – the best live music venue in Kansas City 2009 met my criteria for something great or enduring, a fact that may for over 100 years. reflect a music buying audience more interested in something new and momentarily distracting than in something that sustains over time.
The clear highlight of 2009 was the remastered Beatles catalogue, Bill Shapiro 4 which represents the best pop music ever conceived. I’ve already Host, Cyprus Avenue A Year of Highlights at The Fish Fry From the Cowtown Ballroom to the Nakota Nation
2009 was another great year at the Fish Fry. Highlights included his acoustic guitar and illustrated his points with an impromptu studio a visit from Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm (aka, the “2 performance. Man Wrecking Crew”), a conversation with Joe Heyen and Tony Ladesich about their film, “Cowtown Ballroom … Sweet Jesus,” and a We also caught a rising star, Shay Estes, and bid a fond adieu to the spontaneous unplugged in-studio performance by Mato Nanji of the Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor. In addition, 2009 was a stellar year blues-rock group Indigenous. for new releases and reissues, and Michael Byars – the hardest working music director in public broadcasting – garnered a wealth of fresh Cedric Burnside gave fresh insight into the life and career of his recordings for The Fish Fry library. grandfather, blues legend R.L. Burnside. One final note: I look especially forward to 2010, as The Fish Fry will Heyen and Ladesich were kind enough to liberally feature interview be celebrating its 25th anniversary on KCUR-FM. footage with me in their documentary about Cowtown Ballroom. Their documentary brought back fond memories of seeing Van Morrison, John Mayall, and other greats who played that legendary venue. Many listeners responded with their own memories of Cowtown in the early 1970’s. Chuck Haddix Host, The Fish Fry Mato Nanji, a Native American from the Nakota Nation, talked about how his heritage influences his music. He then proceeded to pick up
Reflections from Renée Blanche, host of Night Tides A great year for new releases and exciting interviews
Night Tides exploded in 2009 with the CD release of AOMusic’s past summer. Einaudi’s previous releases include “Divenire” and “Eden “Twirl.” The listening experience is a smorgasbord of geographical Roc.” This year, he teamed with brothers Robert and Ronald Lippok rhythms layered with the masterful vocal styling of Miriam Stockley and composed “Cloudland” under the pen name, Whitetree. and various children’s chorus ensembles. For maximum listening pleasure, I recommend that you play it LOUD! As always, I encourage you to check out playlists and archived programs on www.kcur.org/NTArchives. Another Night Tides’ favorite, Steve Roach, enjoyed a busy year. Fans of his long-form electronic music were treated to a trio of releases: Thanks to all of you for supporting the show. I look forward to “Afterlight,” “Immersion: Four,” and “Dynamic Stillness.” discovering and sharing more music with you in 2010!
A native Kansas Citian and new Night Tides artist, Sounding the Deep, made quite an impression with the CD release of “Night.” His music was the perfect Night Tides fit, and it was a genuine treat for me to air Renée Blanche music by a local artist. Host, Night Tides
One final highlight for me in 2009 was my opportunity to interview pianist-composer Ludovico Einaudi who was on tour in the states this 5 Underwriters listing As of December 31, 2009
Aberdeen Village Carolyn Curry Elbel Memorial The Elms Resort & Spa Hawk Student Employment AIDS Bicycle Challenge Foundation Energy Star Hayward’s Pit Bar B Que American Friends Service Committee Center for Practical Bioethics Episcopal Community Services Heart of America Shakespeare Festival American Heartland Theatre Central Presbyterian Church Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri Heartland All Species Project American Humanic Child Abuse Prevention Association Ethnic Enrichment Festival Heartland Men’s Chorus American Jazz Museum Children’s Mercy Hospital Evans & Mullinix Law Firm Heartland Renewable Energy Society American Restaurant City in Motion Dance Theater The Family Conservancy Heavy Constructors Americans for Fairness in Lending City Market Farm to Market Bread Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Ameristar Casino City of KCMO Fasone & Partners Public Administration Applebee’s International, Inc City Tavern Festival of Faiths Hidden Glen Arts Festival Arkansas Arts Center Civic Opera Theater of KC Fine Arts Chorale HomeFree USA Atchison County Historical Society Colonial Church in Prairie Village Fisher & Phillips LLC Hot Basal Audubon Center Colorado Technical University Folly Theater Houlihan’s BB’s Lawnside Bar-B-Q ComfortCare Homes Friends of Chamber Music Hovey Williams BKD, LLP Commerce Bank GEHA Hudson Home Backwoods Community Christian Church Genworth Financial Humane Society of Greater Kansas City Baltimore Bend Vineyard Community of Christ Good Samaritan Project Intercontinental Hotel Bancability Network of Banks Communiversity Dr. John Gordon International Relations Council Bang & Olufsen on the Country Club Congregation Ohev Sholom Grand Arts Islamic Center of Greater Kansas City Plaza Conservatory of Music The Grasspad JCCC Carlsen Center Bartlett-West Contract Furnishings Great Harvest Bread Co. Jack Miller Subaru Beaver Productions Coterie Theatre Greater Kansas City Acura Dealers James B. Nutter Benton Festival Country Club Bank Greater Kansas City Chamber of Jay Wolfe Automotive Group Bloch Cancer Foundation Country Club Christian Church Commerce Jeffrey Burne & Associates Blue Grotto Country Club Congregational United Greater Kansas City Community Jewell Inc. Blue Koi Church of Christ Foundation Jewish Community Center Blue Nile Café Creative Courseware Greater Kansas City Food Policy Jewish Federation of Kansas City Bo Ling’s Custom Lawn & Landscape Coalition Jiggle Jam Family Music Fest Bonterra Catering Datamax Greater Kansas City Japan Festival Johnson County Community College Boulder Visitors Bureau Dement, O’Flaherty & Collier Green Acres Market Johnson County Education News Bureau Brookside Art Show Dermatology Consultants Midwest, PC GreenTech Efficiency Solutions Johnson County Library Brookside Barkery DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation HCA Johnson County Transit Brookside Business Association Fighting AIDS) H.M.S. Beagle Junior League of Kansas City Missouri Brookside Chiropractic and Acupuncture Digital Labrador HNTB Corporation Just Desserts Bakery and Pastry Shop Brookside Farmers Market Digital Lagoon Habitat for Humanity Kansas City/ KC Cat Clinic Brown & Ruprecht Digix Inc. Habitat ReStore KC Tribune C-BIZ Dobies Healthcare Group Half Price Books KCPT Public TV 19 CFM Distributors Donnelly College Hallmark Business Expressions KU Alzheimer and Memory Program Café Augusta Downtown Council Halo Foundation KU Confucius Institute Cafe Sebastienne Dry Basement and Foundation Systems Harbinger Property Group Kacico Dance Company Caliber Construction Duff’s Buffalo Ranch HarperOne Kansas City Actors Theatre
KCUR 89.3 FM KCUR Californos Restaurant Dynamic Earth Harriman-Jewell Series Kansas City Ballet The Elders Haw Ranch Kansas City Business Journal 6 Kansas City Cancer Center Mid-America Arts Alliance REACH Healthcare Foundation Swope Health Services Kansas City Chamber Orchestra Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Renaissance Festival Systen, L.L.C. Kansas City Chorale Center Research Medical Center Ten Squirrel Kansas City Civic Orchestra Mid-America Nazarene University Resources of Kansas City, Inc. Ten Thousand Villages Kansas City Hospice Mid-America Regional Council Retro Inferno Terrace on Grand Kansas City Irish Fest Midwest Highland’s Arts Fund Rimann Liquors Time Warner Cable Business Class Kansas City Jubilee Mid-Winter Art Fair at Ward Parkway River City Solutions Tinseltown Media Kansas City Kansas Public Library Minsky’s Pizza The Roasterie Tivol Jewels Kansas City Museum Missouri Western University Rockhurst University Toy & Miniature Museum Kansas City Power & Light District Moxie Catering Rose Brooks Center Trapp & Company Kansas City Puccini Festival Musica Vocale Rosemann & Associates Truman Library Kansas City Repertory Theater National Visitors Council of Greater KC Russell Advertising Truman Medical Charitable Foundation Kansas City Sailing National World War I Museum Ryan Lawn and Tree Unicorn Theatre Kansas City Scottish Highland Games Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Schloegel Design Remodel Union Station Kansas City Symphony New Ear Scott Joplin Foundation University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City Zoo New Letters Weekend Writers Scrape the Plate Catering University of Saint Mary Kansas Historical Society Conference Second Presbyterian Church USA Rise Up Kansas Humanities Newburger Foundation Shapiro Protzman & McMullen Vanderslice Home Tour Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy Northeast Arts Commission Shawnee Mission Medical Center Vespa Crossroads Kansas City Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art Northland Symphony Orchestra Sheehan Irish Imports Village Presbyterian Church Keystone Nissan O’Neill Automotive Shook, Hardy and Bacon Visitation Fine Arts Society (Venue King Hershey Otto Fleck’s Dry Basement and Small Step Energy Solutions Visitation Church) Knotty Rug Foundation Smart Spot Visiting Nurse Association Lewis Rice Fingersh Outback Concerts Smiles Change Lives Ward & Ward Custom Picture Framing Lexington Tourism Bureau Oxfam America Spanish Voice Group Washburn School of Business Liberty Hospital Pak Halal International Foods Speaks Funeral Home Washington University Lied Center Park University SPIN! Neopolitan Pizza Wayside Waifs Linda Hall Library Parkville Mainstreet Merchants Spur Communications Weston Chamber of Commerce Live Nation/CCE St. Louis Pat Rhia Productions St. Andrew Christian Church Westport Center for the Arts Livestock Exchange Building Paul Messner Puppets St. James Church Westport Regional Business League Luke’s Lab Pella Windows St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Westwood Manor Lyric Opera Pembroke Hill School St. Paul School of Theology Wheels To Freedom MAST Ambulance Services Perceptive Software St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School White Light New Age Books M&I Bank Pet Cremation Services St. Teresa’s Academy William Jewell College MPress Printing Peter’s Clothiers Starlight Theatre Willow Productions Madrid Theatre Pitch Stinson Morrison Hecker WineAndMusic.com Majestic Restaurant Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative Stueve Siegel Hanson Winslow’s Barbeque Mark Twain Writers Workshop Polished Edge Stuff World’s Window Mazuma Credit Union Polsinelli Shugart Suburban Lawn & Garden Wornall House McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Powell Gardens Summerfest Concerts YouthFriends Restaurant Prairie Village Merchants Sunflower House
McDowell, Rice, Smith & Buchanan Project Workout on Wheels The Sweet Guy in Review 2009 Year Metzler Remodeling RBC Wealth Management Sweet Spot Marketing 7 Major Donors Consistent high quality and rich diversity…thanks to you.
The following lists include members who donated $500 or more between July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009.
$500 - $999 Members Bill & Dorothy F. Curry Salah & Penny S. Harzi John & Dena Adams Ivan Damjanov John Haslam Shannon Aita Barry & Pat Daneman Stephen & Jean Hawkins All Care Sweeping Renee Daniels Jerry & Rosemary Heidrick John & Cathy J. Anderson Terry Davin Karen L. Helwig-Marchand John & Joan K. Anderson Cheryl K. Dillard Nicola Heskett & Walter Cofer Rania Anderson Duana M. Dralus Miki L. Heyne Dr. & Mrs. Edward Andres Richard & Janet S. Dubinsky John & Carol Hiebert Matt Anthony Rex & Kathy L. Elbert Honeywell Foundation Jane Ash Ben & Sandra L. Embry Gary Hood Julia Atkins Brad & Virginia Epsten Charles S. Hughes Alan & Mary Atterbury Rayla A. Erding Human Resource Management Association of Mark B. Bailey David R. Erickson Johnson County Gloria J. Bandstra Escreen Jim A. Jennings Bank of America Matching Gifts Program Glenn W. Esser Amie C. Jew Gordon & Nancy Beaham Samuel O. Fadare Johnson and Grotewiel Giving Fund Dave W. & Dianne Bell Howard & Lisa Feingold Bryan & Linda Johnson Don & Ann Bender Susan J. Fershee Mike & Jerilyn Jones Eliot & Marcia R. Berkley Joe L. Fessler Jesse & Jo Anne Jones Patricia A. Bernal Dana E. Fields K.C. Southern Industries Charitable Fund Bruce D. Bettinger Bradley & Linda M. Finkle George & Kathleen J. Keenan Rick & Alice Blanner Meg Fishback Kristen Kelly Lee G. Bolman & Joan Gallos Tim Fisher David & Shannon Kelman Laurie A. Bomba & Andy Fromm Jack & Anne Fitzpatrick Jonathan M. Kemper Suzanne Bremser Daniel & Candace N. Flanigan George & Mary H. Korbelik Scott & Michelle Britton-Mehlisch Jan E. Fortney William & Regina M. Kort Douglas D. Buesher Louise Frank-Graham Sara Kurtz Randall D. & Penny Burdge Mark Frazier Herbert & Barbara Kussmann Jeff & Merrikey O. Burkey Michael G. Gerken Mary D. Lewis Kathryn Burlison Chad M. Giddings Linda Lighton & Lynn Adkins Michael Byars Paula L. Godwin Brian & Cathy R. Lincoln Patricia D. Cahill Laura Lee Grace Fred J. Logan Alan & Barbara Ann Callaway Richard C. Green, Jr. Lowenstein Brothers Foundation Lourdes Carvajal Gary J. & Vera Gregg Dennis & Susan Marker Robert L. Claassen Michael W. & Sharon Grochowski Tami D. Martin John W. Clark Richard Gumpertz & Karen Rowinsky Gaye McCarty-Stevick Jason & Stephanie Cole Jerry & Janet L. Guyer Ken & Cynthia R. McClain Carter T. & Jennifer Combs Thomas E. Hafer Jeremy & Becky McElduff KCUR 89.3 FM KCUR Linda D. Cooley John Flaherty & Marnie A. Hammer Darren McElfresh William & Jill J. Coughlin George & Kim L. Hanson Andrew & Patricia McGhie 8 Tex & Teresa Courtney Crumbaugh Kelly Z. & Robyn Hart William & Joyce McKnelly Donald McMican Paul & Deborah D. Russell Marie S. Woodbury-Claiborn Teresa Larocco Cydney E. McQueen Peggy F. Schmitt Peter L. Woodsmall Lon & Nancy Lewis Family Fund Merck Company Foundation Stan & Tommye Sexton Jerry Young Alise Martiny Carol H. Merry William J. Shapiro Zoglin Family Foundation Thomas A. & Jean W. McDonnell Fred Mitchell Yvonne Shull Paul McGraw James & Virginia Moffett Paul & Dianne C. Shumaker $1,000 Members The Morgan Family Foundation Steve & Valerie Moore Beth K. Smith John C. & Ellen A. Aisenbrey Regina Nouhan Jill A. Moormeier Robert F. Smith Suzanne E. Allen Debra W. Parmet Galen Morrison Scott M. & Mary Beth Smith Anonymous Listener Roger & Karen Prewitt Richard J. Mundis Burt & Barbara Smoliar Lowry K. & Linda Arnold Robert P. & Dianne Priest Marli Murphy Shelley A. Snyder Keith & Connie Ashcraft Jamie P. Rigden Jay M. & Kathryn Nadlman Morton I. & Estelle Sosland AT&T Foundation Landon & Sarah F. Rowland Frank & D. Joan Neff Jean St. Pierre Bert & Joan M. Berkley Elaine B. Ryder Katherine Newman Georgia S. Staples Mark & Renee M. Bernhardt Roswitha Schaffer Pamela J. Nicklaus & Steven Simpson Debbie Starks Stephen R. & Andrea Bough Ralph Schultz Family Foundation Mr. Paul B. O’Gorman Mary Steeb Catherine A. Brazeal John Scott Jane Josephine Overton Martha Steintamp George Breidenthal Gilbert & Mylinda S. Scott Marvin & JoAnn Ozley Lisa A. Stickler Marilyn R. Carbonell & David Weinglass Randell L. Sedlacek Pak Halal International Foods Teressa T. Stout Holly Combest John & Mary N. Sherman John M. Parisi Alexandra Jean Strong Michael Cox Paul K. Shumaker Kent & Ava J. Payne Ben F. Studebaker DST Systems, Inc. Advised Fund Susanne Christopher Shutz Sanford & Elizabeth S. Peterson Sweet Spot Marketing Mark H. Edelman David Smoot Pfizer Foundation Steve Taylor Eric R. & Beverly O. Elving Gita Sprague Carolyn J. Phelps Nalini Tella Embarq Matching Gifts Program Sprint Foundation Larry & Betsy D. Piebenga Claude & Bertina P. Thau Bob & Susie Evans Pat & Deborah Starke Piersol Foundation, Inc. Ellis B. Thigpen Andrew & Elizabeth Felling James E. Stowers III & Michelle Stowers Scott Pioli William J. & Tracy Thomas Patti A. Flinn Charlie Sunderland Lewis & Sally Popper T M House Cleaning J. Peter & Barbara Gattermeir Julie Sykes Nigel & Karen M. Price Tomkins Corporation Foundation Hallmark Corporate Foundation Ursula Terrasi Quest Diagnostics Wayne & Diane E. Tompkins Tom L. Handley Vanessa Thorsten Mike & Usha Rafferty Oscar K. Tshibanda Mark L. Hayes Robert & Kim Van Maren Donald & Pamela Raffurty Sherrell H. Tyree Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Foundation Mark A. & Nancy J. Viets Ruth W. Rick George & Elizabeth Ulbrick Henry & Karen L. Herrmann Sean Wang Albert Riederer & Sandra C. Midkiff Donald E. Walker, Jr. Michael L. & Lucile C. Hobbs W. Russell & Debbie Tate Welsh Kristi L. Roberts Todd A. & Janice Walline Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Nancy J. Welsh Stephen & Judith Roling Jeffrey Weidman William T. Kemper Foundation The Westport Fund Beth E. Rosemergey Pam Whiting & David Bayard David Woods Kemper Memorial Felecia Williams Vernon & Elizabeth S. Rowe John & Michele A. Wilinski
Foundation in Review 2009 Year Joshua Rowland Stephen K. & Marta Williamson Deedee King Gerald & Deborah A. Rushselt Jerome P. & Tammy Wood 9 The John C. Dods III Watts Endowment Society:
Power for the Future
Hundreds of thousands of people listen to KCUR. Thousands of these children and grandchildren. Members also get to know the people listeners support the station with their membership contributions. And whose voices you hear on the air, and how the magic of KCUR radio is a very devoted group of KCUR members are investors of the future. created.
These investors are the John C. Dods III Watts Endowment Society. When you join the Watts Endowment Society, you align yourself with distinguished members who share a passion for insightful Earlier this year, we renamed the society to honor our late friend and news programs, intelligent analysis, lively interviews and surprising community leader, John Dods, who was the inspiration behind the entertainment. And you share a commitment to making all this endowment’s development. John believed it was necessary to “ensure available to the entire community in a non-commercial format. a strong future for KCUR in our community,” and his devotion to the station inspired others to follow his lead. Together, they created an You can learn more about the Watts Endowment Society and how ensemble of passionate public radio patrons. to help provide more power in KCUR’s future. Visit www.kcur.org or call Danny Baker, director of development, at 816-235-2861. Join those Members of the Watts Endowment Society are commited to ensuring who are taking their membership commitment to a new level, and are that KCUR thrives and serves the generations that follow us - our enjoying the benefits.
John C. Dods III Watts Endowment Society members Members as of December 31, 2009
Charter Members: Members: Kris and Lisa Ketz Anonymous (in memory of Ann Douthat) Anonymous (in memory of Elizabeth A. Gibb) Deedee King (in memory of Dick King) John C. and Joan Dods Danny Baker Mark and Shelly Kramer The Kenneth C. Hill Foundation Nancy Bowman Mary Larson-Diaz (Director: Charlotte Hill) Pete B. Browne and Julie Walker-Browne Dennis and Laurie McCormack Robert W. Lefferd Michael Byars Mira Mdivani and Dennis Ayzin Linda and Mike Lyon Patricia Cahill (in memory of Sam Scott) Mitchell Capital Management Company Regina Nouhan, M.D. Ernie Capobianco Sarah Morris RLS Illumination Fund Marilyn Carbonell and David Weinglass Uzziel and Adriana Pecina Peter G. and Elizabeth Torosian Foundation Jan and Richard Dubinsky The Ralph Shultz Foundation (Trustees: Jean T. Kiene, Mark F. Titus, Lisa Jane and Keith Gard Steve and Judi Roling Kiene and Richard H. Kiene, III) George and Barbara Heymach Elaine B. Ryder Dale E, Jarka, M.D. and Brian M. Wicklund, M.D. Steve and Judy Sherry Stuart Jenkins and Family C. Parker Van Hecke Vivian L. Jennings and Roger D. Doeren David and Julie Warm KCUR 89.3 FM KCUR
10 KCUR Financials Local support makes it happen.
Eighty-four percent of KCUR’s operating budget is funded by the Kansas City area community. This revenue makes possible the outstanding programming you hear on KCUR and kcur.org, including your favorites from National Public Radio, plus exceptional local news coverage, health information, business reports, features, music and arts coverage.
During KCUR’s 2009 fiscal year, nearly 10,000 members made gifts exceeding $1.3 million to maintain the programs they value.
In addition, community businesses and corporations continued to discover the quality of KCUR programming. Underwriting sales exceeded $1.14 million in fiscal year 2008. Revenues for year ending June 30, 2009 Expenses for year ending June 30, 2009
$166,189 (6%) $18,600 (1%) Our thanks $72,113 (3%) $205,724 (8%) $95,881 (3%) to all of you $240,604 (8%) $243,185 (9%) $2,441,653 $1,594,515 for your (84%) (57%)
$267,280 (9%) generous support. $344,199 (12%)
Total Revenue: $2,871,432 Total Expenses: $2,818,511
Community Support Programming (includes membership and underwriting revenue) Membership Corporation for Public Broadcasting Grants Management & General University Support* Underwriting Other Grants Engineering Endowment Revenue Promotions in Review 2009 Year *UMKC also contributed other forms of support, which (includes new media) represented more than $740,000 in value. 11 Volunteers Honored KCUR in the The heart of KCUR Community KCUR is committed to Kansas City and In November, the staff of KCUR celebrated with 200 volunteers at our annual the organizations working to improve and Volunteer Appreciation Party. Sincere thanks to our entire family of volunteers. enrich the lives of so many in our community. Special appreciation also to Terrace on Grand (Pete Herber and staff), Bonterra The radio station is proud to have sponsored the following events and organizations in Catering (Alisa Breitenstein, John Shene, and crew), Ornamental Petal (Bridget 2009 (see also a complete listing of KCUR Kelly), and the band, The Good Foot. underwriters in the preceding pages):
AIDS Walk Kansas City & AIDS Bicycle Challenge As part of the festivities, we presented the Volunteer of the Year award to American Heartland Theatre Carolyn Turner and Mike Taylor. American Jazz Museum “Jammin’ at the Gem” concert series Mike Taylor began volunteering for KCUR in Carolyn Turner first volunteered as an on-air ArtsKC pARTnership Awards Bach Aria Soloists the ‘80s. Mike remembers showing up for his pitcher for KCUR in 1997. Carolyn recalls, “In Bloch Cancer Foundation Walk first volunteer shift when the “phone room” was a casual conversation with someone – who I Child Abuse Prevention Association “Power of located in a corner of the station that is now later found out was a member of the KCUR Prevention” gala the newsroom. He recalls, “We didn’t get many Advisory Board – we talked a bit about our City in Motion “A Modern Night at the Folly” pledges ‘cause there weren’t many listeners and no favorite programs during the driving time to and showcase development director.” from work. I guess my enthusiasm for KCUR’s Coming of Age: Kansas City (Shepherd’s Center programming prompted him to refer me to the Central) “Most of my early efforts were in the phone room,” development director and the rest is history.” Communiversity Mike continues, “Occasionally, I’d volunteer Cyprus Avenue “Live at The Folly” concert series 40-hour weeks during fund drives. I also helped “My first time pitching was fun and interesting,” Ethnic Enrichment Festival promote KCUR at a jazz concert in Volker Park, Carolyn remembers, “and I was fairly nervous. But The Family Conservancy “Family Achievement Night” handing out pamphlets and signing people up for a the staff and other volunteers put me at ease.” Folly Jazz Series mailing list. I volunteered at one or two Whad’ya Good Samaritan Project “Corks and Canvas” auction Know? broadcasts and the first July 4th broadcast “KCUR has always been professional in its Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Green Acres Market “Healthy BBQ Cook-off” of A Prairie Home Companion at Starlight approach to fundraising,” she says. “I’m impressed Habitat for Humanity “30th Anniversary” Theatre. Most recently, I helped address and stuff with how the equipment we use has improved over celebration envelopes for the station’s holiday mailing.” the years. The local news department just gets Heart of America Shakespeare Festival better and better. Through the years, changes in H.O.R.S.E. “The Horse Boy” movie screening Through the years, Mike says he has witnessed programming continue to keep KCUR interesting International Relations Council many good changes at KCUR, from the growth of and up to date. And the staff always makes us feel Jiggle Jam Family Music Fest listenership and KCUR’s recognition in the city; to so welcome and at home, like they consider the Kansas City Actors Theatre the amount of news and information that is volunteers just another part of the KCUR family.” Kansas City Civic Orchestra broadcast today; to the professionalism of the staff; Kansas City Irish Fest to the sophistication of the fundraising process. “And that’s what I like best about volunteering for Mark Twain Writers Workshop “The tenure of so many staff members,” Mike says, KCUR,” Carolyn concludes. “Doing just a little New Letters Weekend Writers Conference “speaks highly of the way the station is run.” something that feels right for something that’s Renaissance Festival important. I strongly believe in the mission of Sunflower House When asked what he likes best about volunteering providing the best local programming and offering Truman Library “Arianna Huffington and Friends” at KCUR, Mike replies, “I like being with the the best of National Public Radio. I appreciate national forum UMKC Alumni Awards Luncheon other volunteers – such an intelligent group. The the broad spectrum of in-depth news, analysis, KCUR 89.3 FM KCUR UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance staff’s become so gracious that it feels like family. features, and fabulous entertainment. It’s an honor Unicorn Theatre When KCUR comes up in conversation, I feel like to be able to share my enthusiasm by volunteering Wayside Waifs “Strutt with your Mutt” Dog Walk 12 saying, ‘That’s my radio station.’” a few times a year.” A Decade of Digital We’ve come a long way from one stop on the FM dial.
Wow! It was a decade of dizzying digital expansion at KCUR! lets you scroll through more than 400 stations and more than 800 podcasts, picking favorites for later listening. Pause, rewind, fast- The year 2000 was the begining of the “digital decade,” and KCUR forward or search by guest features should be added in the near future. had one very attractive “web page” where you could find the program schedule and mailing address. We have since redesigned and expanded You can find Public Radio Player developments at publicradioplayer.org. our online presence several times and now offer over 18,000 pages of high quality news, music and multimedia. The very latest development for our mobile users is the new NPR News Android app - the first Android app developed by a major US Through our live program streams, podcasts, news feeds, social radio broadcaster. networking sites, e-newsletters and mobile applications, an estimated one million people have accessed our online content this year alone. Android is the new Google-backed open-source mobile operating system. Currently all T-mobile phones operate on Android, and it is What was once a lone FM broadcast signal is now a full-fledged online expected that Verizon and Sprint will incorporate it within the year. destination, effectively changing KCUR from “Your Station for NPR Many industry experts believe that the number of Android users is News” to “Kansas City Public Media.” (Did you notice our new logo?) poised to explode, outpacing iPhones by 2012. Follow us on
The biggest and perhaps most game-changing development this year Users with an Android-equipped phone are encouraged to go to the TM was the addition of mobile applications developed by NPR and other Android “market” to download the free NPR News Android app. public radio groups. Our listeners no longer need a radio or a computer to keep abreast of the news, catch up with Walt Bodine, or keep their Unlike the iPhone app, the NPR News Android app allows backgrounding, weekends hopping with The Fish Fry. so users can click to listen to audio and toggle between applications as the audio is playing. It also uses open source code, which means that Today, several mobile applications allow you to access KCUR on your public radio-loving developers will be able to adapt and improve the iPhone, BlackBerry or any other web-enabled mobile device. app for us in the future. At launch, this app only features KCUR and other stations’ podcasts and archived NPR programs, but by spring NPR Mobile Web is a site optimized to deliver local and national news 2010, we are hopeful that it will also feature KCUR and other stations’ from NPR and KCUR directly to your phone. Recent upgrades now live streams, similar to what is available now in the iPhone app. offer a better audio experience and more audio format choices. Simply point your mobile browser to: http://m.kcur.npr.org. What will KCUR look like in the next decade?
If you own an iPhone, you can download the NPR iPhone application Arriving soon will be the rumored iTablet from Apple (and others from the Apple App Store or directly from the iTunes Store. With the like it). Connected full-time to the Internet, these devices will receive iPhone app, you can: audio, video, text (including newspapers), books, magazine, blogs, email and web content. In order to be ready for this major change in • Hear, read and share NPR and KCUR news stories technology, KCUR and other public broadcasting institutions must be • Keep up with the news via hourly NPR five-minute newscasts ready to create and present consistent, high quality, locally meaningful • Listen to KCUR live, to your favorite KCUR or NPR program content in multiple formats. KCUR’s digital offerings are off to an wherever it’s on air, or to the most recent show on demand exciting start and with continued support from our listeners, we hope • Use audio controls to pause or skip forward in any story or program to unfold creative, exciting, rich and important multimedia for our • Create a playlist of stories to hear in any order – right away or later community for many decades to come.
The Public Radio Player was developed by a consortium of public radio entities and has become one of the top free software applications on Apple’s iTunes store with over two million downloads. The program Sara Crane is free, but for now can be used only with Apple products. This app Web Administrator, KCUR University of Missouri-Kansas City KCUR-FM Non-Profit Org. 5100 Rockhill Road U.S. Postage PAID Kansas City, MO 64110-2499 Kansas City, MO Permit #6113 an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution
Renew Your Membership Since 1957, KCUR 89.3 FM has provided its audience with a service that informs, entertains and enriches the community. Each time you turn to 89.3 FM, you benefit from the non- commercial programming provided by National Public Radio, Public Radio International and KCUR’s own local shows.
You are a vital part of the KCUR community. Donations from our listeners provide a large part of our operating budget each year. With your support, KCUR is here every day with the quality programming on which you have come to rely. Whether you’re a new member to KCUR or a longtime donor renewing your membership, there are several easy ways to donate. You may: • Go to our secure online pledge form at www.kcur.org. • Call KCUR at 816-235-1551 and ask for our membership department. Request monthly billings by mail, pay with credit card or arrange for electronic funds transfers. • Mail your gift to the station. Make your check payable to KCUR and address your donation to KCUR Membership, 4825 Troost Ave., Suite 202, Kansas City, MO 64110. Thank you again for your support and for listening to KCUR. If you have any questions regarding membership, please contact our membership department. KCUR 89.3 FM 2010 Program Schedule
Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. 5 a.m. Morning Morning Morning Morning Morning Edition Edition Edition Edition Edition New Letters 6 a.m. Only a Game on the Air Human- 6:30 a.m. kind / Documen- tary 7 a.m. Weekend Weekend Edition Edition
9 a.m. Car Talk
This The Walt The Walt The Walt The Walt The Walt Whad’ya 10 a.m. American Bodine Show Bodine Show Bodine Show Bodine Show Bodine Show Know? Life A Prairie 11 a.m. Home Up to Date Up to Date Up to Date Up to Date Up to Date Companion Noon Here and Here and Here and Here and Here and Cyprus Now Now Now Now Now Avenue 1 p.m. Thistle and Talk of the Talk of the Talk of the Talk of the Talk of the Shamrock Nation Nation Nation Nation Nation 2 p.m. Fresh Air American Weekend Routes 3 p.m. On the Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Fresh Media Air Air Air Air Air 4 p.m. All Things All Things All Things All Things All Things All Things All Things Considered Considered Considered Considered Considered Considered Considered A Prairie KC 5 p.m. Home Currents Companion Documen- 6 p.m. taries and Specials
6:30 p.m. Marketplace Marketplace Marketplace Marketplace Marketplace
Wait! Wait! Hearts of 7 p.m. The World The World The World The World The World Don’t Tell Space Me! This KC 8 p.m. Night Tides American Car Talk Studio 360 The Fish Fry The Fish Fry Currents Life Kansas City 9 p.m. Classical 24 Classical 24 Classical 24 Symphony Hour Midnight BBC BBC BBC BBC BBC BBC BBC Overnight Overnight Overnight Overnight Overnight Overnight Overnight Program Descriptions 12 O’Clock Jump – Live from the Humankind – Stories of remarkable Talk of the Nation – Intelligent talk Mutual Musicians Foundation in people dedicated to humanizing our on compelling issues and your phone Kansas City’s 18th and Vine Historic society. calls are welcome. Hosted by Neal Jazz District, 12 O’Clock Jump is Conan. KCUR’s jazz, blues and comedy jam. Kansas City Symphony Hour – A weekly one-hour broadcast featuring This American Life – Personal All Things Considered – This news the live concert performances of the stories about living in America. magazine delivers in-depth reporting, Kansas City Symphony. Some are sad, many are poignant. news, analysis, commentary, interviews Hosted by Ira Glass. and occasional quirkiness. KC Currents – Amplifies the voices and stories of cultural and ethnic Thistle and Shamrock – A American Routes – A broad range communities in and around contemporary and traditional Celtic of American music – blues, jazz, Kansas City. musical journey. Hosted by Fiona gospel, soul, old-time country, Ritchie. zydeco, Tejano, roots rock and pop, Marketplace – A weekday wrap-up avant-garde and classical. of the world’s business news with Up to Date – Brings pressing local, feature pieces vital to your business, national and international issues to BBC News Overnight – An personal finances and life. the table including politics, planning international perspective on the and design, economics, history, news, including live breaking stories Marketplace Morning Report – A entertainment and social points from the BBC. 10-minute update on the world’s of view. Hosted by The Kansas City Car Talk – Tom and Ray Magliozzi, stock markets, with features about Star’s Steve Kraske. business and personal finance. affectionately known as “Click and Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! Clack” offer advice for car problems – Test Morning Edition with a large dose of humor. – Five hours of your knowledge of the week’s news in-depth news reports, features and and have fun playing along with the Classical – Classical and romantic commentary from NPR and KCUR. cast on this fast-paced quiz show. repertories illuminated by well- New Letters on the Air The Walt Bodine Show researched, insightful information. – A literary – A live review of some of the foremost call-in show exploring a wide variety Cyprus Avenue – An intellectual contemporary writers who talk of provocative issues, topics and study of the many facets of rock ‘n about and read from their works. personalities. Co-hosted by Gina roll, with Bill Shapiro. Hosted by Angela Elam. Kaufmann. Night Tides Weekend All Things Considered The Fish Fry – A party in your living – Renée Blanche – room as Chuck Haddock serves up presents a mellow blend of new age News magazine that features the best in blues, R&B, soul, jumpin’ and innovative music forms. in-depth reporting, breaking jive and zydeco. news, analysis, commentary and On the Media – Decodes what we interviews. Fresh Air hear and see in the media every day. – Interviews with cultural Weekend Edition figures and newsmakers, plus Hosted by Brooke Gladstone and – News, health, commentary and reviews of movies, Bob Garfield. finance, human interest, movie and books, television, music, theater and book reviews, sports, listener letters Only a Game art. Hosted by Terry Gross. – A magazine that and a puzzle. An NPR program appeals to sports fans and non- hosted by Liane Hansen and Scott Simon. Fresh Air Weekend – The best fans alike. It’s characterized by exceptional writing and friendly episodes from recent weekday Whad’ya Know? broadcasts. presentations. – Michael Feldman hosts America’s most off-beat A Prairie Home Companion and entertaining radio call-in quiz Hearts of Space – Quiet, contemporary – Two program, featuring trivia, music space music, electronics, classical hours of wit, wisdom, skits, music and the staccato beat of Feldman’s adagios, soft jazz, and meditation. and the news from Lake Wobegon. humor. Hosted by Stephen Hill. Hosted by Garrison Keillor. The World – An evening news Studio 360 – A richly textured and Here and Now – News, information magazine — a joint production of emotionally resonant look at art’s and cultural features. Hosted by the BBC, PRI and others — that creative influence in everyday life. Robin Young. features news, arts and culture.