KPFA Records 6.5% Increase in Listener Support YTD

Berkeley's KPFA, the first listener-supported radio station in the nation, now in its 62nd year, is rebounding from a frightening interval of steadily declining listener support and 2 years of large operating deficits, with a heartening show of listener support that, in combination with necessary expense-cutting, has staunched the bleeding.

A modest year-to-date surplus of $210,000 was achieved by;

1) An increase in listener support of $133,000 (a 6.5% increase over the year-to-date totals of May 2010) and an overall increase in all forms of financial support of 4.9%. (Support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting declined).

2) A decrease in total expenses of $318,000 (an 11.4% decrease from the year-to-date totals of May 2010). Expenses showed increased spending on programming (up 17% by $27,000) and decreased spending on fundraising (down by 18% or $47,000), community events (down by 18% or $18,000) and salaries/benefits (down by 19% or $311,000 from 1.6 million to 1.3 million to date).

These net increases of $451,000 have converted 2010's year to date deficit (-$240,000) to 2011's year to date surplus of (+210,000).

While the last 4 months of the fiscal year can be tight, and it is unclear whether KPFA will be able to maintain black ink all the way to September 30th, it can be said assuredly these trends indicate that there will be no large operating deficit in the 2011 fiscal year and there has been *no* loss whatsoever to date in listener support and overall revenue for KPFA.

A big thank you is due to KPFA's loyal listeners who continue, in hard financial times, to be stellar in their support for local radical radio.

Keep it up! Even if there is no fund drive in progress, you can always make a donation, small or large, online at kpfa.org.

With gratitude,

Tracy Rosenberg
KPFA Listener Representative
Pacifica Foundation, Board Treasurer