Norman's National Public Radio station has postponed its drive for money as coalition forces drive toward Baghdad.
KGOU=KROU has decided to postpone its annual spring membership drive, originally planned for April, until May 7, said Karen Holp, station manager. This marks the first time the station has postponed fund raising because of world events.
Developments in the Middle East may push the process back further, Holp said. However, funds must be raised by June 30 to keep cash on hand for the station to maintain operations.
The station opted to provide the latest coverage of Operation Iraqi Freedom instead of asking for listener support during the current crisis in order to satisfy listeners hungry for information, she said.
"We just felt that we would be torn between running breaking news and trying to conduct our membership drive," Holp said.
Even though the station's drive will not begin in earnest until at least May, short and reserved plugs, reminding listeners the station needs financial support, dot KGOU=KROU's broadcasts, she said.
The spring and fall drives are responsible for 45 percent of the station's operating budget. The station wants to raise $103,000 during this year's springtime pledge period, she said.
"Our audience has always been very supporting," Holp said. "We've had just a wonderful response when we've asked for money."
OU and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting contribute the remaining funds that make KGOU=KROU possible, she said.
Trying to raise money on-air during wartime would have detracted from news content, which is drawing droves of listeners, she said.
The station's news-talk format attracts many faithful fans, reaching Oklahoma City's entire metro area, she said.
NPR's commercial-free broadcasts, which are possible because of the funding stations receive, are appealing when war dominates coverage, said Carol Jacob, daycare owner and KGOU=KROU donor for over 6 years. KGOU=KROU's coverage is superior to local alternatives in all formats, she said.
"I have a hard time watching people get blown up, then see a toilet paper commercial," Jacob said.
War coverage provided by NPR goes above and beyond other media outlets' broadcasts, she said.
Norman's NPR station's decision to delay fund raising is not unlike what other affiliates are doing elsewhere in the country, said Jenny Lawhorn, NPR corporate spokeswoman. Each station operates independently, but nationally almost all stations have delayed fund-raising efforts.
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