SNAP JUDGMENT LIVE! Comes to KC

FALL 2017 THE MEMBER NEWSLETTER OF KCUR 89.3

SNAP JUDGMENT LIVE! comes to KC

PLUS:

• A shout-out to new and sustaining members • New projects aim to create a more diverse, investigative newsroom • And a $500,000 gift to expand news coverage across Kansas ON THE COVER $500,000 gift will This October, rising star Glynn expand news coverage Washington brings his hit podcast, Snap Judgment, to across Kansas Kansas City! They’ve tackled topics like health insurance See story...... 8 costs, voter fraud, prison violence, and school funding. They’ve questioned lawmakers, supported free speech and given a voice to everyday people who otherwise wouldn’t WHAT’S have had one. They’ve shown Kansans how nationwide issues will affect them in their INSIDE own backyards. A shout-out to new and sustaining This generous gift will allow us to expand the members...... 2 Kansas News Service team with our partner stations, and to provide even more coverage New projects of these important issues. aim to create a more diverse, Funding like this is especially appreciated investigative given our current political climate. We’re newsroom...... 4 constantly hearing from you that our work is more important than ever, but the context in Impressive win which we work has gotten more difficult. for KCUR’s Alex Smith...... 5 As newsrooms around the country continue to shrink, it is harder for communities to s this newsletter went to print, we got Six decades feel their voices are being heard; that issues some exciting news at KCUR. The important to them are being reported. of unbeatable ACorporation for Public Broadcasting has broadcast...... 6-7 pledged more than $500,000 to support So as we thank the Corporation for Public public radio in Kansas. Broadcasting, we also want to thank you, KCUR goes our loyal listeners and members. Without RadioActive, This is a game-changer for news organizations you, nothing we do would be possible. again!...... 10 across the state, but especially the Kansas Your support helps KCUR remain a thriving, News Service, our new regional journalism growing newsroom. We can’t thank you Programming collaboration with partner stations KMUW in enough. changes...... 11 Wichita, Kansas Public Radio in Lawrence, and High Plains Public Radio in Garden City.

Since the Kansas News Service debuted in January, its team of veteran journalists have been bringing you in-depth reporting on state politics, health, education and more.

Nico Leone KCUR General Manager

Eboni Fondren takes the stage to sing with Lost Wax at RadioActive on June 9. Photo: Brandon Parigo.

1 A shout-out to new and Underwriting sustaining members on KCUR: “IT’S THE RIGHT t is a really exciting time “I am so grateful for KCUR. I “Your station has been a part to be a part of KCUR. The listen every single day, both at of my day and life for decades; THING TO DO” I station is celebrating its 60th home and in the car and can’t I can’t imagine the democratic year on the air, our annual imagine my day-to-day life American conversation fundraising event RadioActive without it. I love discussing without unfiltered news and raised $170,000 and we are with my boyfriend the stories insights from NPR.” embarking on several new we hear simultaneously on – Debbie Totten, sustaining projects that could change our separate commutes. Thank member the way public media works you for the unbiased reporting nationwide. and beautiful, entertaining “We listen to KCUR as a storytelling!” family every morning. Even Make no mistake – without — Rebecca Stern, new our three-year-old twins can your support, none of this member recognize the voices of our would be possible. local broadcasters. Thanks for “Thank you for your all you do!” We want to take a moment to wonderful programming. I thank those of you who have – Jessica and Frank Smith, listen to it all the time ... I just made a recent gift to KCUR – sustaining members returned to the KC area after whether you’ve been donating living overseas for four years. I for years or just committed Whether you have given us listened to your programming recently. You are essential to feedback in person, online, A large number of “KCUR reflects all the things there online every day. It our success, and we don’t get through the mail or on the businesses and Country Club Bank believes: helped me stay connected to thank you often enough. air; whether you’ve connected organizations provide It’s community-supported, to the Kansas City area and with us through social media, underwriting support for it’s caring, it’s relevant, it We asked some of our new feel like I wasn’t so far away.” email or handwritten notes; KCUR, and they hold a brings global information to and sustaining members about – Lynda Kreienheder, new through your participation special place in our hearts. our community…it’s what why they listen, and we were member in station events or by your our business brings to our energized by their enthusiasm generous financial support Here are just two examples community and what we for KCUR. “I’ve pretty much become an – we are deeply honored. of what underwriters say like to support as well.” addict.” It is truly our pleasure and about their experiences: – Mary O’Connor, executive – Kerry Kilmer, new member privilege to serve you. vice president, Country “McDowell, Rice, Smith Club Bank & Buchanan began underwriting over 30 years Underwriting is to public ago because we thought it radio what advertising is was the right thing to do … to commercial stations. It but over a long period of might be the right thing for time listeners who hear it your business, too. Learn recall our name, giving our What does it mean to be more at kcur.org/business. law firm recognition.” a sustaining member? – Pete Smith, chairman, McDowell, Rice, Smith and As a sustaining member, your monthly donation remains uninterrupted. Your membership will Buchanan always be active, and your ongoing support keeps KCUR financially strong. And, of course, you can increase, decrease, or stop your monthly gift at any time. For more information about sustaining membership, please call us at 816-235-1551 or email [email protected].

2 3 New projects to create a more diverse, investigative newsroom By Donna Vestal, director of content strategy

e wish you could see Working with St. Louis Like the diversity effort, one of KCUR’s journalists Public Radio, WNPR in the biggest opportunities here is W in action. Every day, Connecticut and Oregon to create a replicable model for they relentlessly strive to Public Broadcasting, KCUR is public media newsrooms, plus, serve the information needs re-thinking how we connect investigate more thoroughly of the Kansas City region with diverse communities and and hold those in power with integrity, civility and an views, and, more specifically, accountable. unwavering commitment to how we tell the stories of truth. people living at the intersection Taking Midwest commerce Impressive win of race, ethnicity and culture. nationwide Too often, though, we are We intend to find out what hampered by resource we don’t know — and stop We’ve also signed on as a hub for KCUR’s Alex Smith limitations. That’s why we’re overlooking what’s right in front station for American Public thrilled to announce several of us. Media’s Marketplace. That new projects that will have means we’ll be telling more an immediate impact on our Recommitting to investigative business-oriented stories from CUR health reporter Alex Smith now During their first meeting, Jefferson was ability to understand and journalism the Midwest — to a national claims another title: Edward R. Murrow emotional describing that journey. reflect our community. audience. Award winner. The prestigious award from KCUR also is participating in K the Radio Television Digital News Association “He teared up describing hearing birds for the Furthering diversity in public another national CPB grant All of these collaborative efforts honors outstanding achievements in electronic first time since he was a teenager, rediscovering radio that brings much-needed heft — plus our leadership with journalism. the Beatles, and the sound of his wife saying, to our investigative reporting. Harvest Public Media and the ‘I love you,’” Diversity and collaboration We are working alongside Kansas News Service — speak Smith’s winning piece is about Kansas City Smith says. — two ideas of incredible American Public Media to KCUR’s relentless drive to native Rob Jefferson, who was deaf for 15 years “Even weeks importance here at KCUR (the project lead), Southern build on our strengths and before cochlear implants enabled him to regain later, I — are front-and-center in California Public Radio, New shore up our weaknesses. Our his hearing. Smith says he hopes his piece continued to a remarkable grant from York Public Radio and Public journalists wouldn’t have it any helps listeners understand the complexity of think about the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Atlanta. Peggy other way. Jefferson’s experiences. the scenes he Broadcasting. KCUR, in Lowe is KCUR’s reporter for described.” conjunction with three other this ambitious commitment to “Cochlear implants were a godsend for him, but public media stations, has been building investigative capacity he also describes getting them as a confusing, You can listen tasked with creating a blueprint on a regional level. overwhelming and even scary experience,” Alex to the award- for improving diversity in says. “My hope is that the piece provides a hint winning piece public media. of Rob’s journey of rediscovery of the world of Smith’s winning story profiled Rob at kcur.org. Jefferson (pictured) as he regained his sound.” hearing through cochlear implants.

4 5 KCUR has been a part of Kansas City’s collective memory for six decades. We asked a few KCUR members to share their memories of the early days.

I remember the early days I first learned about KCUR, easy to support National when KCUR’s program “the campus radio station,” Public Radio and my favorite SIX DECADES content was mostly music. when I enrolled in a Radio radio station, KCUR. The vinyl records that spun Speech course at UMKC in - Mary Loy Brown OF UNBEATABLE BROADCAST on the two turntables were the late 1960s. Our classroom KCUR student announcer catalogued by numbers was in the same building as 1967 October 21 marks KCUR’s 60th anniversary written in grease pencil on the station, in one of the row Staff producer 1968-69 the dust jackets and held houses on Pierce Street. Our in gray wooden cubbyhole instructor, Sam Scott, had If you have a KCUR memory shelves. They were carefully started the station about 10 to share, we’d love to hear it! CUR 89.3 has come a long way since And here we are in 2017, celebrating 60 years removed from their sleeves years earlier and was then Email us your recollections 1957, when two broadcast buffs began a of the station we all know and love. What a ride and gently wiped with a dust the general manager and at [email protected] or leave us Kfundraising campaign for a university radio it’s been! Here are just a few of the ways KCUR cloth before being played. chief recruiter for student a 60th anniversary wish at station. C.J. Stevens, then-director of radio and has changed since that first broadcast. help. That’s how I got the 816-235-8930. You can also TV at the University of Kansas City, and Sam Now there are so many unbelievable opportunity record your message on a • KCUR staff has grown to 60+ full- and part- Scott, the station’s soon-to-be general manager, more wonderful program to have an on-air shift — smartphone and send it to time employees. raised $700 – yep, 700 bucks – to get KCUR off choices for music, news announcing, editing and us as an email attachment. the ground. and information on KCUR. reading the news. I loved it! It Thank you for listening these • Several hundred volunteers continue to Congratulations to the changed my life and I’ll 60 years — and counting! lend a hand throughout the year. The station’s earliest broadcasts originated from station on reaching this 60- always be grateful. Maybe the third floor of UMKC’s Scofield Hall with a year milestone. And thanks that’s why it’s always been • Community support, via membership and signal range of a whopping four miles. As only for all you do. underwriting, provides a full 90 percent of the second FM station in all of Kansas City, - Becky Roberts funding for KCUR programs, services and initial programming aired for just three and a Daughter of Sam Scott, operations. half hours per night, Sunday through Friday. KCUR founder and general manager 1957-86 • Programming continues to evolve, on-air In 1981, when funding came under threat and online. (already an unsurprising occurrence), KCUR I worked at KCUR starting in began the practice of on-air fundraising • KCUR’s audience is estimated at 174,000 1975 and was immediately (coffee mugs and tote bags soon followed). In listeners per week. impressed by the high quality 1985, after a handful of earlier moves, KCUR of programming set by Sam Scott. My education was relocated to its current address at East 48th and Whether you’ve been with KCUR from its enhanced by NPR and local Troost. very humble beginnings or have discovered broadcasts. I’m sure Sam the station only recently, thank you for being would be pleased and proud By 1994, the station was broadcasting 24 hours here now. Thank you for providing us with all a day. In 1997, KCUR dipped into the “World to know that current content manner of support. Thank you, as always, for still meets his standards of Wide Web” – launching its very own, very first, listening. very … rudimentary website. excellence. - Selma Dreiseszun KCUR Production Assistant 1975-77 (Left to right) Former Kansas City Mayor Charles Wheeler, with KCUR staff members Billy Hunnacutt, Sam Scott and Edie McClurg.

6 7 TREAT YOURSELF Snap Judgment LIVE! TO THE FISH FRY coming to Kansas City HOLIDAY PARTY

hat do you get when After submitting his two- What can we expect at the you combine fascinating minute audition – Glynn Folly Show? According to W stories, killer beats and telling “inappropriate stories” Washington, “Magic. Real life, one of radio’s rising stars? to his two-year old daughter concentrated. You’ll laugh, WNYC’s hit show Snap – his enthusiasm remained in you’ll cry, you’ll laugh some Judgment, coming to Kansas check. When the call came more.” Local band Bells Atlas City this fall! informing him he had survived will score the entire event round one, Glynn – thinking in real time — something Host Glynn Washington brings his buddy was pulling his leg Washington describes as “jazz his smooth storytelling to the – hung up. Convinced by a interplay between the show’s Folly Theater on Thursday, Oct. second call, he eventually won elements.” 26. Although the program is the top prize. now a big success, it started For ticket information, visit KCUR music host Chuck as an entry in a public radio Early shows were recorded follytheater.org or call the ticket “Haddock” invites one competition. at his partner’s kitchen table, office at 816-474-4444. Listen and all to have a cool holiday season with KCUR where passing trucks would to Snap Judgment on KCUR and the Funky Butt Brass Washington was working in frequently interrupt recording every Thursday at 8 p.m., or Band as we party together the nonprofit public policy sessions. Today, he combines anytime at snapjudgment.org. this December. world, a world where, he says, music, sound and storytelling, his only tool was “the power allowing listeners to intimately Sunday, Dec. 10 of the narrative,” when he experience a profound moment Doors open at 6 p.m. heard about a public radio in someone else’s life. Show kicks off at 7 p.m. competition that promised its winners their own radio show. Knuckleheads Saloon 2715 Rochester Ave. Kansas City, MO

For tickets, call Knuckleheads at 816-483-1456 or purchase online at knuckleheadskc.com.

8 9 SAYING GOODBYE KCUR goes TO CAR TALK Programming RadioActive, again! Changes Second annual event raises $170,000 for KCUR A note from Stephen Steigman, With more than 750 people in chief of broadcast operations attendance, KCUR listeners and supporters welcomed Rachel Martin, f there’s one thing we know about KCUR listeners, it’s that co-host of NPR’s Morning Edition, they’re passionate about their public radio. Whether it’s a as the keynote speaker June 9 at I story you’ve heard on Morning Edition or Central Standard, the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Tom Magliozzi or a statement made by a politician on Up to Date or Here Crown Center. As part of KCUR’s 60th & Now, you let us know when you’ve heard something you anniversary celebrations, former KCUR like – and, likewise, when we fall short. general manager Patty Cahill was honored for 25 years of service to the You probably won’t be surprised, then, that we received station. a number of reactions about recent changes to our program schedule. In July, we made a shift to our weekday The mood of the event was enhanced afternoons, adding the BBC Newshour and an extra hour of by the decor of Studio Dan Meiners All Things Considered, and moving Fresh Air to 7 p.m. and the sale of KCUR experiences Morning Edition co-host Rachel Martin gives the keynote speech. with on-air personalities. The evening We fully recognize that asking people to change their culminated with dancing to the music provided routines is hard; after all, Fresh Air aired in the 3 p.m. slot Ray Magliozzi hey weren’t sure it could be done. Following by Lost Wax. for at least 25 years. But it’s important to know that we don’t last year’s inaugural RadioActive event, the make these changes lightly. RadioActive attendees walked away with some T committee asked itself, “How do we top At the end of September, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And the icing on that?” But with 200 more people in the room, KCUR said a fond goodbye These shifts were made after examining our listener data the cake? The event raised $170,000 for station to longtime program Car a 40 percent increase in net revenue and a and realizing we could better serve more of our audience needs and local news coverage. Talk. wonderfully exuberant audience, there was by airing a new international program at 2 p.m., and by virtually unanimous agreement that RadioActive starting All Things Considered at 3 p.m., when Kansas Mark your calendars for RadioActive 2018, For the past five years, 2017 was even more fun than last year. City’s afternoon drive begins. We examined best practices scheduled for Friday, June 8. we have aired the Best of across the country, spoke with peers at other NPR stations Car Talk program, which and spent months examining the pros and cons of different mixes unheard content scenarios. with old tape of Tom Magliozzi — who died Similar consideration went into our more recent changes: three years ago — and new the retirement of Car Talk (see sidebar) and the placement of voicing of Ray Magliozzi. Special thanks to the 2017 RadioActive Committee for making our long-running music program Cyprus Avenue, now airing We hope you will join us in on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. this event possible! thanking “Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers” and In the end, we came up with what we hope will benefit their producers for 30 years Co-Chairs: Christine Colby-Jacques Terry Matlack current and new listeners, exposing them to the best that of car (and relationship) Sarah and Jon Baum Kanon Cozad Amy McAnarney the KCUR newsroom and our national and international advice — all while giving us Scott Smith Jan Creidenberg Julie Meers partners have to offer. countless belly laughs. Kristopher Dabner Sam Meers Members: John Davidson Regina Nouhan I hope you’ll continue to let us know how we’re doing. After Car Talk’s retirement Renee Bernhardt Brad Douglas Casey Simmons all – this is your KCUR. presented us with an Jessica Best Jane Gard S. Sloane Simmons opportunity for some great Mary Bloch Sandy Geduldig Stephanie Stollsteimer new programs on KCUR. We Pete Browne Terri Henges Michele Stowers sincerely hope you enjoy Largo Callenbach Kirk Isenhour the new lineup. Valerie Chow Cathy Matlack

10 11 KCUR COMMUNITY KEY BROADCAST ADVISORY BOARD CONTACTS MEMBERS SCHEDULE Nico Leone General Manager [email protected] WEEKDAY

Danny Baker Director of Development MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY [email protected] 12 a.m. BBC World Service BBC World Service BBC World Service BBC World Service BBC World Service Maria Carter 5 a.m. Morning Edition Morning Edition Morning Edition Morning Edition Morning Edition Marilyn Carbonell Sarah Baum Angela Bennett Mary Bloch News Director 10 a.m. Central Standard Central Standard Central Standard Central Standard Central Standard [email protected] 11 a.m. Up to Date Up to Date Up to Date Up to Date Up to Date David M. Fulk Noon Here & Now Here & Now Here & Now Here & Now Here & Now Director of Philanthropic 1 p.m. Science Friday Giving [email protected] 2 p.m. BBC Newshour BBC Newshour BBC Newshour BBC Newshour 3 p.m. All Things Considered All Things Considered All Things Considered All Things Considered All Things Considered Ron Jones Jane Gard Dale Jarka Pat Macdonald Madeleine McDonough 6:30 p.m. Marketplace Marketplace Marketplace Marketplace Marketplace Director of Community Engagement 7 p.m. Fresh Air Fresh Air Fresh Air Fresh Air Cyprus Avenue [email protected] 8 p.m. TED Radio Hour This American Life The Moth Radio Hour Snap Judgment Fish Fry Deloris Phelps 9 p.m. Classical 24 Classical 24 Classical 24 Kansas City Symphony Director of Membership 10 p.m. Classical 24 [email protected]

Sam Meers Regina Nouhan Steve Paul Steve Roling Jeanne Rooney Manager of Business Operations WEEKEND [email protected]

Stephen Steigman SATURDAY SUNDAY Chief of Broadcast 12 a.m. BBC World Service 12 a.m. 12th Street Jump Operations Jeffrey Simon David Smith David Warm Nico Leone , ex-officio [email protected] 6 a.m. Only a Game 1 a.m. BBC World Service 7 a.m. Weekend Edition Saturday 6 a.m. New Letters on the Air Donna Vestal Director of Content Strategy 10 a.m. Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! 6:30 a.m. Humankind [email protected] 11 a.m. Ask Me Another 7 a.m. Weekend Edition Sunday Noon TBA (Not determined at time of printing) 10 a.m. This American Life To send general comments, email [email protected] or call 1 p.m. TBA (Not determined at time of printing) 11 a.m. Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! (encore) 816-235-1551. 2 p.m. Freakonomics Radio Noon Snap Judgment Sarah Morris, Charlie Upchurch, Nic Zweifel, ex-officio ex-officio ex-officio 3 p.m. Radiolab 1 p.m. The Moth Radio Hour 4 p.m. All Things Considered 2 p.m. TED Radio Hour 5 p.m. A Prairie Home Companion 3 p.m. Fresh Air Weekend 7 p.m. Cyprus Avenue 4 p.m. All Things Considered 8 p.m. Fish Fry 5 p.m. Reveal Newsletter design by UMKC Strategic Marketing 6 p.m. On the Media and Communications. 7 p.m. Studio 360 8 p.m. Night Tides

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