Sunday, September 13, 2009
New KERA station puts focus on North Texas music scene
It's been a few months since North Texas Public Broadcasting, Inc. (KERA) officially acquired 91.7, and they're still a few weeks away from launching the new music station over the airwaves. The programming on KXT-91.7 FM will be within the public radio “Triple A” (Adult Album Alternative) music format with diverse, adult-oriented playlists covering a broad spectrum of music such as folk, acoustic, world music, alternative, and indie rock and country.
Among the programs under consideration for the new station are World Café (distributed by NPR), Echoes (from Public Radio International), Undercurrents (from Native Voice One), American Routes (from American Public Media), plus music specials. NPR news headlines will be broadcast at the top of the hour. KERA’s own local programs will include interviews, studio performances, and arts-related news and commentary.
The music programs currently featured on 90.1 will scoot over to 91.7, including Celtic music program, The Thistle and Shamrock, and 90.1 at Night -- which will be appropriately renamed "The Paul Slavens Show" and keep its five-year standing airtime of Sunday nights between 8 and 10 p.m.
"If you like Denton music, you're going to love this new station," KERA board member, Tim Crouch told the audience at a recent member event; and KERA President and CEO, Mary Anne Alhadeff promised "lots of local music" on KXT. The audience was then treated to a five-minute sample of what KXT will sound like. It was an eclectic, mostly acoustic set, generally featuring singer/songwriters.
The Triple-A format, while rife with potential, could go either way in quality: Believe it or not, there is some music in North Texas that's not great. KERA/KXT is eager to feed into the local music community, a commendable and worthy endeavor, but they will need to curate carefully through the deep well of local talent. It would behoove the station to pay attention to the multiple genres available in North Texas -- it can't just be singer/songwriters, and it can't just be Denton -- it has to be the best of everything we have to offer.
The good news is that everyone on board seems quite aware of this opportune position and likewise open to listener feedback (this means you, dear music lover). KXT is a very timely addition to local media, what with the whole world listening in on the sounds of North Texas and all. It's time for everyone -- musicians, fans, and media alike -- to step up and do what we can to continue this culture unique to our community.
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Folks, we (the US) are broke. If this venture is being funded with tax dollars it is self indulgent and criminal.
We can't afford, nor do we need tax funded music stations.
CitizenKane Anonymous
2 months, 1 week ago
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CitizenKane, take a deep breath. Relax. Smile. Have a cookie. Life is good.
Granny Anonymous
2 months, 1 week ago
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CitizenKane, we (the Texas) seem to be relatively responsible with fiscal policy considering <a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local-beat/Texas-Budget-Surplus-Makes-Legislators-Look-Good.html">our surplus</a>.
Considering <a href="http://www.kera.org/about/">KERA is local</a> here in North Texas, what in the world are you talking about?
Scott Doyle Verified
2 months, 1 week ago
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Well I will tell you what we do need and that is for China to continue to be dumb enough to buy our t-bills. What a joke! They are so invested in us that they can't let us fail. Its just funny.
tetsujin28 Anonymous
2 months, 1 week ago
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tetsujin28...are you kidding?
The Chinese are hoping we fail to pay on the debt. If we defaulted, they (the Chinese and rest of the world) would walk right in (with the full weight and authority of the World Court and world opinion) and start seizing assets including timber and minerals in national parks, national lands and the rest of our treasure. All to pay off the debt that we owe them.
But keep in mind big spenders, that we got that publicly funded radio station in return.
CitizenKane Anonymous
2 months, 1 week ago
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The station is publicly funded in the sense that it is literally funded by the by the people who listen to it
If you ever listened to KERA, you would be familiar with their very annoying, yet necessary pledge drives. Only 2% of NPR funding comes from government grants (and even that is not a guarantee, as the grants are competitive and have to be applied for). The rest of the funding comes from VOLUNTARY listener support, and private underwriting.
palchik Anonymous
2 months, 1 week ago
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::private underwriting.
Egads! That sounds like populism...
The other tiny tad of government support that is oft forgotten is its not for profit status, which exempts it from paying taxes on it's corporate profit. Yes, it still pay s property taxes and taxes on services (I think) so that IS a bit of a boost to any company bottom line.
Not gonna break the bank, but definitely it allows non-profits to survive in conditions that raw competitive corporations might collapse. It's a good policy. Your books are open to anyone, so any competitive advantage is sacrificed. In return, you get a "by" on a lot of tax.
And I just don't see KLIF scrambling to pick up "This American Life" any time soon.
Jason Rice Verified
2 months, 1 week ago
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But keep in mind big spenders, that we got that publicly funded radio station in return.
This has absolutely nothing to do with anything federal, why are you still whining?
Scott Doyle Verified
2 months, 1 week ago
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If you believe that KERA doesn't get governmnet funding through various grants your an idiot. Here is the take from Wiki...
Funding Like other noncommercial stations in the United States, KERA broadcasts on-air pledge drives to raise money to pay for programming. The majority of KERA's funding comes from membership pledge drives. Additional funding is accrued through corporate sponsorship and underwriting announcements. Only 10-percent of the station's funding is government supported.
Ah 10% is from government funding sources....i.e. taxes.....
It isn't whining, it's a fact.
CitizenKane Anonymous
2 months, 1 week ago
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Instead of blathering on with the rhetoric, CK should have bothered getting some facts straight.
http://www.kera.org/about-news-090609... » Who made the decision to buy the station?
The decision to purchase the station was made in March 2009 by KERA’s Board of Directors and senior management. The Board’s Executive Committee, the Finance Committee and a special working group comprised of board members were involved in the process every step of the way.
» How can KERA afford to buy this station?
KERA prudently manages its finances, which is a major reason why the station was able to secure independent financing.
The core infrastructure for the new station is basically in place: broadcasting equipment and technology, studio facilities, and the program and administrative staff.
A membership program will begin when the new station fully goes on the air, and we are approaching program sponsors.
» How will it be paid for?
Very favorable terms were secured from nonprofit-focused lenders. The loans will be paid over time.
» Was government stimulus package funding used to acquire this station?
No.
» Were any government funds used to purchase the station?
No.
Travis Bush Verified
2 months, 1 week ago
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Note to self:
Jason Rice Verified
2 months, 1 week ago
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Jason..that would look awesome on the inside of you're drawbridge...
Travis Bush Verified
2 months, 1 week ago
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Clearly there is no government but that of the federal variety. In fact, I don't even know why those are two separate words?
Golly gee, thanks CK!!
Scott Doyle Verified
2 months, 1 week ago
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Actually CK has a point because the Chinese are rather likely to come and possess your house and in exalting their communist leader begin a chorus of "follow the lead-a lead-a lead-a, the roof, the roof the roof if on FIYA!!"
DC Anonymous
2 months, 1 week ago
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What does KERA know about Local music scene,history and the moment now.....A/T,you are or you wanna be...A/T...I aint no square Peg in a round hole...
alexander troup Verified
2 months, 1 week ago
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It's pretty neat that they are doing this. I'm glad to see them broadening their horizons!
Casandra Haynes Staff
2 months, 1 week ago
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I remember back when KERA was mostly music... When Chris Douridas did 90.1 at night every night. Hopefully the new station will be as innovative as that was.
But it'll be tough for them to compete with all the great streaming public stations: WFUV, WTMD, KCRW, etc. In fact, KCRW is where Chris Douridas now works.
Taxpayer funded or not, I'm glad public radio exists, and I'm a proud, paying supporter.
RICH GRAHAM Verified
2 months ago
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Rich, FYI, only about 10% of what fuels KERA and NPR is taxpayer funds. And that amount is dwindling. It's a yesteryear myth that we happy taxpayers are the ever ready sugar daddy. We do however contribute. But the lion's share (and then some) is listener/ member funded and bequeathal endowments, etc. (Remember that when the station has it's next 'Pledge Drive' in October, please!)
And as far as I know, this new station will be funded altogether differently than a standard NPR affiliate....which is what KERA is...although it far exceeds the 'standards' of the industry.
As for Troop's question: (That WAS a question, right?) 'What does KERA know?'. A lot. As anyone listening to Paul Slavens (or having a beer with Gini Mascorro) etc. etc. knows. There is a very hip and worldly undercurrent of music lovers and followers and devotees at the station. Thank GOD they can now put those musical chops to work! “YMCA”
Rawlins Gilliland Verified
2 months ago
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Wow, I thought this was a story about a radio station, not about the role of government in a democratic republic?
Well, if I may be so bold as to go off-topic... I'm looking forward to the impact that the station will have on the local music scene. I've been in DFW for 25 years, and it seemed like creativity in local music kind of died away when KERA stopped devoting time to the hometown artists. Sara Hickman's "Radiation Man" says for us to send our clothes to a Dallas address, but she lives in Austin now. Sadly, I don't think we can get her back... but the next Sara is out there somewhere.
Kelly Clarkson is nice enough, but we need to grow and nurture our own artists, not have them plucked out by American Idol starmakers. Supporting KXT will support the next generation of artists -- some of whom will be heard once and never again, and some of whom will become household names. Like the Dixie Chicks -- who all moved to the Hill Country.
And with that, we can return to our regularly scheduled political fight.
Robert Brooks Verified
2 months ago
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R.I.P. KVVT whom I shared a building with for years while working here at KVRK.<br> Maybe KERA can find a place for the employees that are now jobless.<br> We also must now cover our full rent payment. Anyone care to give to 89.7, the non-commercial listerner supported station? :)
Rachel Skinner Verified
2 months ago
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