Deadline looms for WPBD-FM, Lewes.

The construction deadline for another public radio station on the Delmarva Peninsula is coming up fast. The construction permit for WPBD, a community station expires on May 30th. The 2400 watt station in Lewes. Lewes is about 24 miles from Cape May by ferry. The license was originally granted for Cape May but, a tower site could not be found.

According to an article in Delmarva Now, the plan is to provide community based programming. As noted in previous blogs, the peninsula is already served with public radio news programming by five stations.

Is video the new radio star?

Inside Radio posted an article today about the importance of Video on a radio station's website. The article focuses on data gathered by comScore.

A new report from comScore shows that’s a smart strategy. The U.S. online video market attracts an average of 75 million viewers every day.  And content providers are doing a better job of monetizing those views. The gap between the number of video ad views and content views is narrowing, comScore data shows. The percentage of videos accompanied by a video ad jumped from just 14% in 2011 to nearly 23% in 2012.

Some public radio stations are on-board with this. Back in 2006 we did some early dabbling in video for radio at WNPR. We recorded and posted  the Steve Davis Quintet at Sweet Jane's in Hartford. It now has over 7000 views. WNPR's offerings are much more robust. WNPRVideo's Channel has 32 videos. The most watched is Kate Callahan and Two Doors with over 12,000 views.

WUMB919 (I had a cup of coffee with this station.) has 37 videos. Most of the views are in the 100's. The most recent video was posted about nine months ago.

WNYC has over 1500 videos. WNYC's Street Shots: Bruce Gilden, was posted about four years ago. It's a good example of the long tail of appealing on-line postings with over 600,000 views.

There are many more videos cross linked to each of these stations. An example of that cross linkage are videos posted by Colin McEnroe and the Real Life Survival Guide.

Still not convinced? YouTube is the second most utilized search engine behind Google. The platform is a must for your content.  A robust video strategy is going to bring more visitors to your station's website and will make more users aware of your content and your station.

And finally...According to the article from Inside Radio, advertisers (underwriters) are willing to pay higher cost per thousand rates for on-line video content and ads.

A Reprieve for Delmarva Public Radio?

Salisbury University is offering a new home for Delmarva Public Radio and a new plan for operating the two stations for the next three years. According to a report in The Star Democrat, Salisbury University is offering new digs for WSCL and WSDL. Their current home is due to be demolished soon.

Under the plan:

• WSCL's classical format would continue.
• WSDL news and information programming would be run by the university for the near future.
• SU would look to create news and information partnerships with other public radio stations as a plan to lower costs.
• SU will hire an individual experienced in the successful operation of public radio stations to guide the transition and to develop a new business plan, explore partnerships and the hiring of new station manager.
• SU is asking the Salisbury University Foundation Board for approval and to transfer control of the stations to Salisbury University.

SU is proposing a three year plan to turn the stations around. DPR has been losing audience and, as a result, losing revenue. They are calling on the Friends of Delmarva Public Radio to fundraise and contribute at least $250,000 a year to support the station's operations.

Got an Extra Grand?

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is on the lookout for some good grand pianos that can be used by its students. If you have a grand piano in good, playable condition, which you are willing to donate, please contact Blue Lake Public Radio at 1-800-889-9258.

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp owns Blue Lake Public Radio which is nestled in the woods of Michigan's lower peninsula. It's not far from Muskegon and Grand Rapids. 

WGBH Canvassing for Dollars

WGBH is canvassing for dollars.
If a potential donor needs to know about a service and use a service before they are inclined to give to the service...
Will this work?
Is this effective?
What is the rate of response?
What is the ROI?
Fund raising is lot like fishing. To be successful...fish where the fish are. So, am I all wet?

Canvass for WGBH-- Keep Public Broadcasting Strong
Donor Development Strategies, LLC - Boston, MA

Donor Development Strategies, LLC is looking for responsible individuals with a strong work ethic and good communication skills to raise money and sign up members for WGBH, Boston's public media powerhouse. WGBH has been an essential community resource for over 60 years, providing unique programs to all six New England states. Whether you grew up watching WGBH's children's programs, appreciate all of WGBH's great drama, science, and history programs, or enjoy the best of public radio on 99.5, Classical New England and 89.7, WGBH has probably served your life in critical ways. Donor Development Strategies, LLC is hiring people to increase WGBH awareness and membership by going door-to-door to encourage New Englanders to help keep public broadcasting alive. Learn the basics of membership building and fundraising in a rewarding, fun environment while engaging individuals, working mostly outside, and gaining a sense of accomplishment. Entry-level pay starts at $10/hour with potential to earn up to $20/hour. Competitive benefits package. Experienced canvassers will be considered for immediate leadership positions. Call Hunter at Donor Development Strategies at 617-300-3218 to learn more and set up an interview, or apply online at http://donordevelopmentstrategies.com/index.php?option=com_forme&fid=3  idealist.org - 2 days ago

Former JPR Boss Ron Kramer Sues

The mediated settlement between Ron Kramer and Southern Oregon University (SOU) and the Oregon University system is unraveling.

In June 2012 an agreement was announced between Kramer, Jefferson Public Radio (JPR) and the university. SOU contended that Kramer's role as head of JPR and JPR Foundation was a conflict. The issue came to boil after an audit suggested that Kramer's dual role as head of the JPR Foundation and Director of JPR were a conflict of interest. That issue came out of an effort by Kramer and JPR to purchase a theater in Medford, Oregon. The Theater was to serve as the new headquarters for Jefferson Public Radio. The mediated agreement, signed by Kramer, meant Kramer would not sue the SOU and the university agreed to drop legal proceeding against Kramer. Kramer stepped down from both jobs.

Kramer, through his attorney, announced last week that his is suing the SOU because they are engaging in civil rights violations including blacklisting. According to articles in the The Mail Tribune, and The Time Standard, Kramer is seeking $1.375 million in damages. The suit contents that Kramer should have been allowed to work for the foundation.

SOU will not respond until it has time to review the suit.