the Fall Fundraising - KOTO Community Radio

the
KOTO
Newsletter Fall 2014
Fall Fundraising
KOTO SKI SWAP
JOIN US FRIDAY NIGHT, November 7TH FOR THE PRESWAP AND Saturday, November 8TH . VOLUNTEER,
DONATE, SHOP OR RIDE THE RAILS…THIS EVENT HAS
WHAT YOU NEED! TO VOLUNTEER OR GET MORE
INFORMATION GO TO….
WWW.KOTO.ORG
SAVE THE DATE!
We have a very aggressive goal
for our fall fundraising of
$70,000! So many of you have
donated again and again to your
favorite DJs, Guest DJs and
shows. Thank you for supporting
your community radio station
and for keeping KOTO on the air
365 days a year commercial free
and non-underwritten. We are
close but still need to raise
$4,000. You can still donate or
pay your pledge by going to
www.koto.org. Donate $40 or
more per person/year to become
a KOTO member.
Amazed. Inspired. Grateful.
That’s how your generosity
makes us feel!
KOTO Ski Swap
KOTO Annual Mtg
KOTO Lip Sync
Saturday, Nov. 8
So much new this
year! To volunteer
go to:
www.koto.org
Thursday, Dec. 11
Saturday, Jan. 24
Get your tickets early…or
start rehearsing
soon! Competition will be
fierce!
Location to be
determined.
KOTO 2014 FALL NEWSLETTER
From the Desk of the ED….
In a media saturated world it is crucial to differentiate the role of KOTO community radio from
commercial or satellite radio. The crux of community radio is access and development. By providing
access to a community at large you offer an outlet for cultural, political and artistic voices and opinions,
which might elsewhere be excluded. So many of you engage in this through personal commentaries,
Access, news stories and through Off the Record. KOTO is extremely proud to offer local not-for-profits
and events the opportunity to share their programming, fundraising and volunteer needs to the
community at large.
We are very fortunate to live in a small town that offers big city culture. Live music is as prevalent as
aspen trees in Telluride. Musicians are in the studio regularly performing acoustic sets. KOTO staff and
volunteers have also assumed the herculean task of broadcasting/streaming Bluegrass and Blues and
Brews music festivals to listeners both local and worldwide. All the while our tribe of volunteer DJs spin
free form music of every genre 365 days a year. One of the thousand reasons to love where we live!
“It’s a matter of life or death” is rarely meant literally…unless you live in a remote part of the mountains.
KOTO is the lifeline between law enforcement and the community. Reports of avalanches, mudslides, missing
persons and wildfires are relayed through our radio station. Our local sheriff, Bill Masters, comes in on
Wednesdays to record “The Masters Minute” which informs citizens of the calls his department has responded
to during the previous 7 days. Gathering information, disseminating that information and acting as a
community hub during emergencies is “a matter of life or death” and part of our commitment to you our
listeners. We also help you find your keys.
Careful cost analysis of the appropriation of KOTO’s resources, both monetary and in staff time, served as the
catalyst to reduce the number of special events beginning in 2014. The most successful and vital events Lip
Sync, Street Dance, Duck Race, Halloween and Ski Swap continue the cultural traditions of both Telluride and
KOTO. Like EVERYTHING else at KOTO, this wouldn’t be possible without your support of time, treasure
and talent. (This is where you pat yourself on the back)
KOTO has had quite the year! There have been growing pains as we redirected our resources to radio
programming and good business practices. Some decisions have been neither easy nor popular ~ but
necessary. To all of you that have lent your positive energy, skills and resources to help us along the
way…. many, many thanks!
Dina Coates Koebler
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KOTO 2014 FALL NEWSLETTER
KOTO News Team
Cara Pallone…News Director
Even during the off season, there is never a dull moment in the
news department. It’s the KOTO News Team’s haven of
productivity, creativity, brainstorming, and, on occasion, silliness (stop by
and meet our new newsroom pets). This past year as news director has been a
whirlwind. I am inspired daily by this community — the people, the issues, the stories we get to
tell. The job is not without its challenges; sometimes it seems there are not enough hours in the day. This
is also what I love most about working in the news business: I never look at the clock unless I am
wishing for more time. You may have noticed some new elements on the news the past several months,
such as the popular “Masters Minute” and more in-depth features that take us out into the field. We are
in attendance at all local government meetings and we try to make as many events as possible in a town
that has more events than one could possibly make! Since we launched our Tuesday evening public
affairs show, “Off the Record” in February, Caitlin and I have hosted more than 70 people from our
community. Maybe you’re next. Listen for our broadcasts at 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the
rebroadcast at 8 a.m. the following morning and 9 a.m. on Saturdays. And, feel free to stop by the
newsroom anytime to meet us and share your thoughts. We would love to hear from
you. (970) 728-3206 or news@koto.org
Caitlin Ketel…News Reporter
The news team continues to bring topical and timely stories five days a
week throughout the off-season. With the election, local government
projects in the works, and the housing crunch, there's no shortage of
news. In the last two weeks, we've submitted four stories to Rocky
Mountain Community Radio, a platform for sharing content state-wide.
This means important things are happening in the region that have statewide interest.
Lastly, we would like to thank everyone who donated the past
fundraising season on behalf of the news team. We so appreciate every
dollar our loyal listeners pledge. KOTO news strives to be the first phone
call you make when you have a story idea or news tip, and your
donations and feedback are a good indication that people are tuning in.
Our number is 970-728-3206. And for all you social media savvy newsies
out there, follow us on Twitter @CaraPallone and @CaitlinKetel for
breaking updates, interesting tidbits, and a few newsroom antics.
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KOTO 2014 FALL NEWSLETTER
Station Manager
Ben Kerr
I can still vaguely remember those first organizational meetings as KOTO was getting
ready to go on the air back in the fall of 1975. Of course I was only a child. Most
everyone at those meetings was there because starting a radio station sounded like a cool
idea. Telluride was virtually void of radio signals at the time, as I recall. For the 5 or 6
hundred folks living in Telluride at that time, it was a big deal. A big 10 mighty watts
deal. The broadcast antenna was to be put atop one of the highest structures in town at
the time – the Miner’s Union Building.
Since a majority of the population lived between the cemetery and Mahoney Drive, 10
watts would do just fine. And the small studio, located in the SE corner of the Miner’s
Union Building, would suffice. I don’t think anyone at the time had a concept of what
Telluride, much less KOTO would look be like 39 years later.
Well, we haven’t moved far physically from where we were then, but we’ve come a long
way in many other aspects. We’ve increased our power and tower location twice, over
the years, increased staff from 1.5 to 5 and increased the budget from a few thousand
dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars. KOTO became an NPR affiliate station in
1986.
But more importantly, KOTO has been the sound on your radio, fairly consistently, for
the past 39 years, bringing you music played by your friends and neighbors, local news
of import, coverage of local emergencies, birth & death announcements, lost dogs, found
stuff, and the chance for almost anyone who wants to, to have a voice on the airwaves.
Want to become a DJ? Shoot an email to ben@koto.org.
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KOTO 2014 FALL NEWSLETTER
ODE to KOTO….Corey Beaton
Assistant Station Manager
To know K-O-T-O,
And the way things here go,
I’ll write you a poem,
About our purple little home.
Concentrating on me,
Is difficult you see,
Because I’m part of a team,
Each other’s shoulders, we must lean.
Calendars, webpages,
DJ trainings and such,
Reviewing tons of music,
Promoters calling too much.
Commentaries, Access,
Community events and carpool,
Fundraising, updating
Some new equipment was cool.
Posters, pouring beer,
That’s live music you hear,
During festival broadcasts
Or in the studio up here.
Shoveling will be here soon,
Trash happens every week,
It’s really quite a bummer,
When those trash bags start to leak.
Our DJ’s are the BEST!
It’s free-form every day,
And I couldn’t ask for a station,
Different in any way.
Because this is KOTO Radio
The KOTO Radio you’ve always known,
Thirty-nine years old now,
Thanks to your love shown!
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KOTO FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER
SMEF Board Election
If you have donated a minimum of $40 or 20+ volunteer hours to
KOTO this past year you are a SMEF member. Ballots for the
upcoming election will be mailed out early November and are
due by 5 p.m. December 11, 2014. It’s not too late to become a
member! Candidates can be heard on KOTO’s “Off the Record”
November 11, 18 & 25th.
Be heard…VOTE!!!
The San Miguel Educational Fund
The San Miguel Educational Fund is the governing board of
radio station KOTO-FM in Telluride, Colorado.
2014 SMEF Election Candidates
Peter Chapman
Suzanne Cheavens
Luigi Chiarani
Mark Dollard
Kathleen Erie
Jerry Greene
Mark Izard
Beth Kelly
Beth Lamberson Warren
James Loo
Amy Peters
Paul Wintin
(this is not a ballot)
KOTO 2014 FALL NEWSLETTER
2014 San Miguel Educational Fund Board of Director Candidate Statements:
Peter Chapman
My name is Peter Chapman. I came to Telluride in 1978 and now live in Norwood. I fell in love with the area and
KOTO from the start. I DJ an early morning show "Carpe Diem" and I have volunteered at many KOTO events. I
have served on the Citizens Advisory Board and I am a member of the SMEF. KOTO is in serious trouble and the
members have been ignored! It is time to Include the membership again and grow this precious resource and
have fun doing it. Thanks for your vote. If you have any questions call 729-0103.
Suzanne Cheavens
KOTO is amid an exciting new era of vibrant leadership, inovative, positive changes, strengthened financial
stewardship and a renewed focus on what we do – RADIO! I am a DJ (Electric Angel) with experience as a former
SMEF board member, former staff (Music Director 2007-2013), and as producer and member of KOTO’s Live
Broadcasts of the major festivals – all of which gives me a big picture perspective that will be valuable as we
move into the future. I look forward to helping create a long-range vision, a realistic budget and fostering a
healthy and open relationship with the community we serve.
Luigi Chiarani
I respectfully declare innocence of any influence in bringing KOTO radio, the SMEF Board, associates, and DJ’s to
the murky, resentful, finger pointing drumbeat of today. I’ve never been a board member, or founder, and have
no association with previous operational decisions. I don’t have conflicts with past or present staffers. But I DJ’ed,
poured beer, danced, and donated since 1987. KOTO could re-find itself through simplicity, efficiency, with focus
on the local environs. I can listen, offer humble energy to direct KOTO back to the essential spirit of sound
kindness that is my Telluride home.
Mark Dollard
I have been a KOTO DJ since 2006 - Random Factor, 2006 Rookie of the Year. The main motivation to get involved
with KOTO was to scratch my DJ itch and to learn some new music, but I quickly realized that there was more to
be gained from an involvement with an institution as unique as KOTO. KOTO must remain nimble and creative in
order to maintain its importance within our community - I feel I can play a positive role in this effort. In my
businesses I develop/manage budgets, read financial statements and build sustainable business models.
M. Kathleen Erie
Much of this year’s controversy originates in uncertainty about KOTO finances. A fresh financial person will
surely bring much needed clarity.
Since arriving in September 1999, I have been a regular and ready volunteer and contributor. But I would bring
more. A CPA since 22, I have been involved with small and large not-for-profits much of that time. I will also
provide direction for open and fair elections with secret ballots.
I would greatly appreciate your vote and support in fulfilling the SMEF Mission: To entertain, educate and
inform while reflecting the needs, desires and diversity of the community.
Jerry Greene
I was appointed to the Board with trust from members and board that my neutral position, long association with
KOTO and history as co-founder will help us move into a better future. My first goal, re-writing the by-laws, is up
for approval. Next, Board Member Code of Behavior. Next year's budget is pressing, then developing a three
year strategic plan with input and review by members, staff and other stakeholders. I am prepared to financially
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KOTO 2014 FALL NEWSLETTER
give as I ask, volunteer actively, and listen as we accomplish these tasks. In the future a successful board will plan
more and manage less.
Mark Izard
Mark Izard (DJ Loup Garou) has hosted the “New Orleans Road Trip” on KOTO every Thursday afternoon from 35pm for four years. He won the last FOUR Silver Tongue Awards for KOTO fundraising. Izard currently reviews
new music for KOTO’s CD library, volunteers for most KOTO events, and serves on the SMEF Board. Wait! Did I
say “volunteer”? Tell me one other person that does all those things simultaneously for KOTO as an unpaid
volunteer, and I will just die a slow tortuous death knowing that I did not do enough for the most beloved radio
station in the world…KOTO!
Beth Kelly
My first radio was, by far, the most enchanted object I ever did possess. It was my window to the world and my
portable solace.
I want to do my part to ensure KOTO stays relevant. I want my children to grow up knowing the human aspect of
communication, not just generic and wholesale subscriptions to algorithms and screens.
Thankfully, we have one of the most important assets any community could ever have: pure public radio. I want
to lend my non-profit and public relations experience to help elevate that treasure.
Beth Lamberson Warren
KOTO is a community treasure. I was honored to serve as the interim executive director in 2012. 2014 saw a
great deal of forward-motion and progress for the station and I plan to support that progress as a board member.
I love hearing so many people appreciate the “new and improved KOTO.” I will put my experience with five public
radio stations, committee work with NPR and CPB, and my master’s degree in non-profit management to work
for KOTO and the SMEF board. Board member protocol, the budget and updates to the by-laws are top priorities.
James Loo
Being a DJ and donor for 27 years, I care deeply about KOTO. I have years of experience serving as a volunteer
Board Member of multi-million dollar non-profit organizations including ten as Director, two as Chair, of the
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs and as Director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center for six. In
operating large non-profit organizations, fiscal responsibility is paramount. I want bring my experience and
expertise in this realm to the SMEF Board and “right the KOTO ship” into a position of financial health. With good
leadership and teamwork, this is possible.
Amy Peters
I’ve been a DJ at KOTO since 1998 (“Revel without a Pause”). I’m invested in KOTO because of the music. KOTO
has been the soul of Telluride for 40 years and I want to help KOTO thrive for another 40 years. I’m upbeat,
open-minded and a good listener and will put my previous board experience (Ah Haa, Telluride Academy) to
effective use. I’m not on any “side” of the recent unrest surrounding KOTO and will bring fresh perspective and
objective common sense to the affairs of this vital non-profit to move forward towards a magnificent future.
Paul Wintin
I've decided to run for one of the KOTO board vacancies without a personal agenda and unaffiliated. My main
objectives would be to address budget shortfalls and to regain the trust and respect once again from not only
Telluride but every last supporter of our great station. I'm extremely excited for not only an epic ski season but a
chance to actively be involved in our great radio station & amazing community too.
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