Who cares about public radio?
I do!
Discussion abounds regarding who listens to public radio such as the diverse hybrid NPR community radio station formerly known as KHSU.
Conversation on the Former Fans and Volunteers Facebook page and among friends and colleagues often starts with the assumption that the listeners of public radio are of a certain demographic that has money, certain hair color and length.
David Gordon, Executive Director for channel 13 PBS North Coast, shared some insight about just this. He shared words of wisdom that were shared with him by a radio mentor of his in decades past.
“Public radio is not something most people care about until they reach the age of ‘giving a shit.’That is, until they start to have families, mortgages, etc; things that require them to pay attention to more than just themselves.”
Please keep in mind there are many youth in this community that listened defacto to KHSU. (I have even heard of some that listened by choice.) Once they come to a certain age as David eluded to they will be regular listeners with the imprinting of their childhoods. Along with being regular listeners they become supporters.
Back in the day there even was programming especially for the children. Taking Redwood Earlines and Paul Woodlands programs off the air was a decision that happened behind the backs of the CAB. (That’s a story for another time.)
My children have grown up on KHSU and it’s diverse programming. I want this influence back in their lives.
My students benefited from diverse programming informing my teaching. I want this influence back in their lives.
Pod casts are all well and good. Pod casts have their place.
Live radio brings a collective consciousness. I want this influence back in my life.
Friends of KHSU 