What matters most—You, our members
May 22, 2023
Early in the pandemic, so many businesses lost customers because the face-to-face interactions they relied on were curtailed. This was particularly acute among small businesses such as restaurants, bars and retailers. Much has changed in three years and most of us are out in the world again. But economic uncertainty is still affecting us. Is a recession coming or is it already here?
You may have heard that National Public Radio (NPR) had to cut ten percent of its workforce this spring because of steep declines in podcast revenue. NPR’s budget relies heavily on underwriting, and advertising and marketing budgets are generally the first thing companies cut in uncertain times.
At Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), we’re also facing a shortfall in revenues. We’re working hard to stabilize our budget before the end of our fiscal year on June 30. But we have a unique strength. And that is you, our members. For more than 50 years, members have helped us to weather challenges like we face today to create MPR – an incredible and important resource for our region. Today, as always, we turn to you, our listeners and members, to rally with us. MPR was built on the idea that we foster one-to-one relationships and local, loyal connections. Listeners are a key part of everything we do. We are here to serve our whole region—to connect the region to itself in healthier ways.
We often tell you that membership provides the largest share of our budget: fully $22 million in annual support made up of gifts of all sizes. We’re known nationally for the significant number of you who support our work through membership — 120,000 and counting. No other public media entity enjoys such a deep and loyal base. We are truly grateful for your support.
Hearing from listeners is one of the best things about our work here at MPR. One of the things you tell us when you become a member or renew your membership is that you count on us; that we are part of your routine. You turn to us for vital information that equips you for your day and music that inspires you when you need it. You want to make it available to others to better see and understand people and communities that make up our great state. MPR offers you the essentials: conversations that connect you with community, consistent facts and news coverage, and the respite of your favorite music.
Last month a woman who owns a small construction company called into Angela Davis’s show on MPR News to share her experiences of working in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. She noted that although she had not had much luck with her previous marketing efforts, she decided to try underwriting with MPR News in 2020, during the early days of the pandemic. She reasoned that even if she didn’t get many leads, she’d at least be supporting a news service she values. Well, she said, her business took off because her message promoting her woman-owned construction company resonated with our audience. Three years later, she continues to support MPR and grow her business through her underwriting spots, a real win-win. You can listen to her share her story here, starting at the 40 minute mark.
We’re proud to have support from businesses in our community, and because of their investment and yours, especially our sustaining members, we continue to make our services available to all, free from any pay wall. David Safar, Managing Director of The Current, says it best, here.
We’re counting on you. When you decide to invest in membership, you ensure access for everyone. A healthy MPR makes for a healthier Minnesota. We’re here for you, not for profit and not for special interests. You rely on us, and we’re counting on you to reach deep and increase your support to sustain the MPR you turn to every day.
When we all come together, we can fund public media and keep MPR strong. If you have not yet given this year, now is the time to renew your support. If you have already given this year, thank you — we hope you may consider an additional year-end gift. We need to hear from you by June 30 with your generosity.
Thank you for your essential support.
Duchesne Drew
President, Minnesota Public Radio
About Duchesne Drew
Duchesne Drew is Senior Vice President of American Public Media Group and President of Minnesota Public Radio. In this role, he leads the teams that produce MPR News, The Current, APM Reports and Marketplace. Additionally, he oversees YourClassical MPR as a part of Minnesota Public Radio.