Thank you for your Dec. 18 editorial, “Saving a source of local news,” on the sale of KPLU and for your passionate support of local journalism, something we journalists rely on to keep our region a strong place for local news. In that spirit, I want to clarify several points.
The two-segment report on the state’s clean energy grants was not a project exclusive to KPLU. It is the work of Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins, who is part of the organization Northwest News Network, and whose investigative stories are heard on NPR stations across Washington, Oregon and Idaho, including KUOW. A total of eight NPR stations fund stories by Jenkins and other reporters who have become household names: Anna King in Richland, and Tom Banse who roves the region for quintessentially Northwest tales. Whether or not KPLU is sold, Snohomish County listeners will continue to get the state capitol and regional coverage they rely on through these great reporters.
KUOW remains strongly committed to covering local news. We produce hour-long local shows like “The Record” and “Week in Review.” We also present local news in four-to-six minute reports that are integrated into NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.” This approach reflects how people listen to radio: in relatively short spurts while they’re on the bus, in traffic, or toiling away on a work project. This serial format has made an impact. Our series, “Two Indias, Near and Far” by KUOW reporter Liz Jones won national honors for coverage of diversity. The positive response from listeners inspired KUOW to team up with local groups to continue the community conversation through Storywallahs, a live storytelling slam. Our latest local series, “Region of Boom,” explores places being reshaped by our booming economy to discover what we’re giving up for growth and what we’re getting in return.
KPLU’s signal strength is stronger in parts of Snohomish County than KUOW’s. If the proposed acquisition were to happen, we would make sure Snohomish County listeners would continue to receive quality, in-depth state and regional news as well as enjoyable and informative segments, including “News from Canada” with Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer and book reviews with librarian Nancy Pearl.
The community conversation about the proposed KPLU sale has revealed two things: radio is personal and listeners are passionate. Whatever the outcome, the public radio audience will be stronger.
Cathy Duchamp
Managing Editor
KUOW 94.9 FM, kuow.org
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