Iowa Public Radio Needs Funding Boost

"A Change Will do You Good"

Sometimes. And sometimes it takes a while for the change to take effect. Iowa Public Radio (IPR) needs funding from Iowa's Public Universities to make up for shortfalls. Turmoil at the top resulted in funding problems according to IPR leadership.

The Creston News Advertiser reports "IPR had an extended period with interim leadership, which resulted in interrupting the plan to increase funding from large donors.” IPR is asking for over $235,000 in additional support from the university regents. The strategic plan was to be free from university funding by 2017.

CEO Mary Grace Herrington was fired by the board in 2013. Some of the board members publicly discussed the firing. The result was a settlement for Herrington of $197,000.

IPR hired a new CEO in January. Myrna Johnson was new executive director.
The report, published Friday, credits  The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (MCT) Vanessa Miller (McClatchy/Tribune - MCT Information Services)