2012 KVNF Annual Report

From the Executive Director:

Like the world around us, public media is called to respond to the shifting sands of rapid change. At KVNF, that change has involved a digital revolution in the way we deliver our programming and a very real challenge to our funding model as we prepare for the long haul of a slow economy and a federal budget process in crisis. We started tightening our belts in 2008, but by the close of the 2012 fiscal year, we had to draw on our reserve funds in an effort to continue providing the service that we all value.

We are actively exploring new ways to work smarter and build our capacity sustainably because it’s so critical to provide a public service that gives our listeners programming they value deeply, and that they can access in ways that fit their lifestyles. It’s a tall order but one that’s worth the effort.

Through my participation on a national panel reviewing eligibility criteria for CPB grants and in radio meetings around the country, I know that KVNF is certainly not alone in facing these challenges. But I also know that we are not only better prepared than most other stations, we are often used as a model of the way forward. It’s an honor to work with such a great community of people in growing an exemplary public media organization, right here in our neck of the woods.

Sally Kane, Executive Director of KVNF

On the air, on the Web, in the community

How do you experience KVNF? Over the airwaves, online or on your mobile device? In your car, your home, your office? Via live broadcasts or online archives? At local events or concerts?

However you experience KVNF, we’re striving to become more accessible and more relevant to you. Here are some of the projects we’ve worked on this year:

• We continued to build KVNF’s local news programming and brought you regular coverage from the Colorado Legislature.
• We have moved KVNF’s website onto a platform that gives listeners and programmers greater interactivity and offers the ability to listen to important programs on your timetable.
• We have shepherded a unique project in crowd-sourced news about local environment and climate issues—the iSeeChange Almanac.
• We are collaborating with fellow community stations across the state to evaluate how we can pool resources and share talents to reach an economy of scale that truly supports regional news, administrative best practices and generates revenue.
• We continue to bring you bushel baskets full of new music releases and live music broadcasts.

From the Music Shelf

As always, our volunteer DJs and the music they love provide the backbone of the on-air programming at KVNF. Music Director Candy Pennetta manages the tide of incoming music and guides us to her favorites. In 2012, there has been more use of the live play-list feature and our new website makes it possible for DJs to write album reviews, create music blogs, and even chat live online with listeners during their shows. There is a palpable passion for music in the KVNF community and we are delighted to see it being expressed in new ways all the time.

In the News

KVNF’s Local News is produced each day by News Director Ariana Brocious and newscasters Brian Cambria and Eric Goold. In addition to her own reporting, Ariana collaborates with other stations’ news staffs, and manages a group of on-the-ground reporters across our 10,000-square-mile listening area to bring you regional stories of interest.

This hard-working team has covered the ongoing discussion about how to regulate natural gas development, the return of the proposed to North Fork Valley gas leasing, area coal mine news - including the recent conversion of methane gas to electricity - and the proposed uranium mill near Naturita. And that’s just the energy beat!

There have been other contentious issues from hen houses to gravel pits, as well as friendlier stories about historical preservation, life in times past and the triumphs of area sports teams. The schedule this year was also filled with plenty of election news: live debates, candidate interviews and ballot issue discussions. And, KVNF continues to be your go-to place for award-winning coverage of national and international news via National Public Radio’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

In the Community

Local Motion is our public affairs magazine which features discussions of issues that affect our communities. This year we’ve heard about school district budgets, domestic violence, early literacy and health care, to name a few. Our call-in show Bringin’ It Home provides a forum to explore Hot Topics for Cool Heads like this summer’s Cherry Days face-off between old-timers and newcomers.

Talkin’ Music features interviews and live performances from our Bamboo Room. Program Director Ali Lightfoot hosts homegrown musical talent as well as musicians traveling thru our region.

iSeeChange is a collaboration between KVNF and multimedia producer Julia Kumari Drapkin, who has spent almost a year at KVNF interviewing both local residents and scientists about climate change taking place in our backyards. iSeeChange stories on early blooms, forest fires, record heat and drought are available at kvnf.org. Check out the new interactive web site, www.TheAlmanac.org and help us build a community almanac to document change on the Western Slope.

Pass the Mic, an innovative youth radio program, brought a group of seven young reporters (ages 8-12) into the studio to create video and radio documentaries. As part of the North Fork Heart and Soul project, Ali helped these students file reports on local coal mines, farms and ranches, and profile local doctors, business owners and artists with the goal of finding common values among residents. The program will continue next fall with a new group of young reporters.

Short Features produced by KVNF listeners spice up our offerings. Tune in to learn about local recipes, pick up garden tips, look at the stars and soothe your soul.

Community Concerts provide summer gathering places all through our region. This year, KVNF aired all 12 concerts in Ridgway, Ouray and Paonia, just so you wouldn’t miss the fun!

Thanks for your support!

KVNF is YOUR community radio station! Every day staff, board members and our 70+ volunteer DJs work
to inform, enrich and connect the communities of our region. Involve yourself in the station and let us know
how we can make KVNF even better.

KVNF Staff

 KVNF Board of Directors  

How You Can Support KVNF

• Keep your annual membership current
• Join the Monthly Giving Club or become a Sustaining Monthly Giver
• Join the Turn It Up Club (an annual fund, independent of pledge drives, for ongoing stewardship gifts of $250+)
• If you own a business, become a KVNF Underwriter or Business Member
• Volunteer your time: answer phones during pledge drive, help with mailings, or become a DJ
• Make a legacy gift to KVNF in your will
• Donate your unwanted vehicle to KVNF through our Vehicle Donation Program
• Attend the annual meeting in October
• Sign up for KVNF’s e-mail newsletter, Airwaves, at kvnf.org
• Let us know what you think about programming on KVNF: join the Community Advisory Board or call the
Comment Line at 970-765-8680
• Tell your friends about KVNF
• “Like” KVNF on Facebook
• Follow KVNF on Twitter