-- Service is first of its kind in public media fundraising --
April 19, 2011, San Francisco --- Loyal audiences have loudly voiced their support for public media during recent months, and their financial support continues even in tough economic times. Classic fundraising drives are still critical for the success of listener-supported radio, but KQED recognizes that interruptions to favorite programming can become tiresome after loyal listeners have already pledged their support. With this in mind, KQED is proud to become the first station to offer its audience an innovative thank-you gift: the Pledge-Free Stream.
On April 21, KQED is rolling out this history-making alternative to the classic pledge drive. The new Pledge-Free Stream is the first of its kind, the first attempt by any public media station to offer audiences the satisfaction of giving without pledge break interruptions. By donating $45 before May 5 at kqed.org/donate, members will receive special access to the Pledge-Free Stream that will enable them to listen to KQED Public Radio on a computer or smartphone without interruption for the duration of the May 2011 Spring fundraiser.
“We are excited to introduce the Pledge-Free Stream as an option for our listeners and loyal members,” stated Donald Derheim, executive vice president and chief operating officer, “because we want to create a better public radio experience during our on-air fundraising periods. This is, we hope, only a step toward alternative funding models that generate significant donor revenue and enable uninterrupted access to great programming. We’re hopeful that what KQED does here in the Bay Area will spread everywhere to the benefit of public radio listeners around the world.”
Public media outlets across the nation will be looking to KQED and the popularity of the Pledge-Free Stream. Serving the technologically progressive Northern California audience, KQED has itself long been recognized as a leading innovator in the public media system. The station's inventive fundraising techniques, dating back to the 1950s – notably, the concept of audience memberships, pledge nights, and televised auctions – became the national fundraising standard early on in the public broadcasting industry.
*The details