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.

Delmarva friends radio group submits proposal

Delmarva friends radio group submits proposal

The friends group contends the stations are in the state their in because of mismanagement. The Friends of Delmarva Public Radio, Inc. also say the proposal from  the consultant, Public Radio Capital (PRC), would culturally diminish Delmarva. PRC recommended the stations become mostly automated. WSCL would become a classical service with programming provided by an outside service. WSDL would become a AAA service with programming provided by an outside service. The Friends hope to preserve the current services according to an article in The Cape Gazette.

Two major obstacles stand in the way. They are facilities and funding. DPR's facilities are being demolished to make way for a new library at Salisbury University. The Salisbury University Foundation has made it clear they no longer can afford to fund Delmarva Public Radio's deficit.

If the friend's can get a reprieve and find new facilities, they need to find a way to grow the audience, increase listener support, increase foundation support, and increase corporate support. They'll also need to look for ways to decrease expenses. These things don't happen overnight.

What could be done?

• Seek help with your fundraising and your goals and objectives. The Station Resource Group and The Development Exchange have resources to help stations.
• Be Brilliant on the Basics. Check out the article by Deb Blakeley and Israel Smith.  How far from the basics is the local content?
• Focus - Do a few things well.
• Look for alliances to increase the quality of local content. Start with other public media outlets.
• Could Delmarva Public Radio find ways to work with their competition without being consumed?
• NPR's flagship programs are expensive. Alternate information programming is available through the networks and independent content providers. The Public Radio Exchange is a good place to start.
• The two stations can still have local content under the PRC proposal. There is room for local programming within the two services being proposed.