Round Up: “Standing Up”

The term “New Normal” is annoying. It assumes that anything is really normal these days. There is a general sense of disdain about this saying, and I am inclined to agree. I have no personal control over changing the state of things, beyond calling and writing to my elected officials and showing up when I feel it is appropriate to my values. 

On a very positive note –  you all are stepping up!

I am so impressed with those in our community who have stepped up with additional contributions, increased Calendar Club donations, and words of encouragement, as well as some really great ideas! I have had some wonderful conversations and hope that continues. 

A big thank you to The Point Reyes Light (paywall warning) and Ben Stocking for the article on KWMR’s current situation after the defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. We are so fortunate to have such great local journalism. I was also interviewed on KALW last week. It was sort of funny that I was nervous!

As I have mentioned previously, this is a long-game situation. KWMR has been put in a position of having to start immediately raising about 25% more funding per year (on a very tight budget). This is in addition to our regular fundraising efforts including our annual Pledge Drive and our End of Year Appeal. Yes, you will be hearing more from us, and realize that it is associated with this “new normal.”

The very best way that you can support KWMR is to become a Calendar Club sustaining donor (or increase your current monthly amount), in addition to funding the other appeals mentioned above, in whatever way works for your budget. If you have a business or nonprofit, consider underwriting KWMR. If you have an old car, consider donating it. If you make Required Mandatory Distributions of IRA’s, consider including KWMR.

I had a fun conversation with KWMR supporter Andrew Couch from My Sound Legacy. It’s a bit of a deep dive on how I came to end up at KWMR, and where we are now. I prefer real radio since you can’t see me!

It is a good idea to not accept this current situation as final. As citizens we need to continue to advocate our elected officials on the importance of free speech and public media. Here is a great article in Current that articulates this well.

And yes, I’m doing ok. I’m disappointed and a bit overwhelmed, but I work with an amazing team of folks and we have a super supported Board of Directors and volunteer programmers.  And with you all out there cheering us on, I’m sure we can prevail.

Amanda Eichstaedt
Station Manager and Executive Director

p.s. You can track what is happening via Protect My Public Media.

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