NEW BEGINNINGS, NEW CHALLENGES

posted by Jack Gibson

The New Year brings new opportunities. At the end of 2009 Arizona Public Media (AZPM) was notified of a generous donor gift to provide the local matching funds for two Corporation for Public Broadcasting digital equipment grants. This will allow the organization to replace our last analog radio transmitter and secure equipment needed to complete the digital transition, as well as to increase our capacity building infrastructure. Our goal is to sound and look better to more people than ever before as we stay current with new technologies designed to help provide better service to our community.

In 2010 we are also premiering our new Rewards Card as an additional “thank you” for your membership support at the $40 level or more. The previous Member Card was only available at the $75 or higher membership level, so we are pleased to re-invigorate this member benefit at an amount that is more affordable, and offers discounts at even more places than ever before.

Though KUAT Channel 6’s year end fundraising goals were better than the national average, we still ended the year with a shortfall. Member dollars are used to purchase national programs like Frontline and Masterpiece and create locally produced series like Arizona Illustrated, The Desert Speaks, WaveLengths, ARTe, and others. I will keep you updated on our fundraising progress as we continue to provide you, our audiences, with the best in public media.

On behalf of all of us at AZPM, please accept our very best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new Year!