KRFC TURNS IT ON

IN THE COMMUNITY

by Kate Tarasenko

[Originally published in Watts Happening, a supplemental insert in the Rocky Mountain Bullhorn (Fort Collins, Colo.),
week of Sept. 29—Oct. 5, 2005, cover]

It’s understood that dozens of volunteers devote many more hours behind the scenes to produce what actually winds up on the air on KRFC during
a typical day of programming.

But what breathes life into KRFC’s identity as a community radio station—besides its committed volunteers—is the concept of reciprocity. Now in
the middle of its third year on the air, KRFC has successfully woven itself into the fabric of the commercial business and non-profit communities in
the Fort Collins area, providing not just another media outlet for worthwhile causes and events, but becoming a pro-active voice of participation and
problem-solving in its own right.

"I feel very strongly that our role is to help serve the community," says Dawn Paepke, KRFC’s Development Director.

Prior to taking over the job five months ago, the former campaign director for United Way of Larimer County served on various station committees.
And in spite of a packed work week that doesn’t always conform to a 9-to-5 schedule, Paepke still hosts her own show, "Dawn Can’t Decide,"
bringing an eclectic mix of alt-pop music to KRFC listeners every other Friday evening at 8:00.

Paepke makes it clear from the outset that the good that KRFC does as a force in Fort Collins is the result of many volunteers’ efforts—not just her
own.

"It takes a lot of work, and a lot of people putting in a lot of hours," she emphasizes.

"My role is to secure all the underwriting, perform community outreach, and develop media sponsorships. My job is to help build partnerships, and
I can’t think of a better way to do that than to work with the non-profit community."

To that end, Paepke also interviews local representatives on "Not For Profit," which can be heard every first and third Thursday of each month at
7:30 p.m.

As government funds for the arts and public programming continue to dwindle, the predominant source of money for operating expenses for most
public and community radio (and television) stations continues to be primarily from direct listener contributions—local businesses as well as
individuals—in addition to some budget-shielded federal and state grants, and even low-interest loans. Many public stations have taken on the yoke of
corporate sponsorships out of financial necessity or expediency, with the unintended result of becoming a media mouthpiece beholden to commercial
ratings systems and faceless financial supporters who nevertheless don’t always take kindly to certain programming if it’s perceived as anti-corporate
or anti-government. This 20-year trend has been documented and famously excoriated by nearly every green-leaning media maven, from political
pundit and founder of "Alternative Radio" David Barsamian, all the way to writer-entertainer Garrison Keillor.

Community radio, then, grew out of public radio’s original premise: to give a voice and provide programming to those outside the mainstream. In
spite of its low overhead and volunteer power, however, KRFC is in the same position as other community radio stations: it needs money to work,
and more to grow.

Paepke doesn’t see these as mutually exclusive goals, but goals that can be reconciled to mutual benefit. "Our big-picture strategy is to create and
build partnerships, to work with the business community and become an integral part of it," she says. "I think we’re already a player, but we want to
create more community connections. When commercial or non-profit businesses have something to promote, we want them to think of KRFC right
away."

With real-time expenses, not to mention the desire to deliver the goods using state-of-the-art technology, raising money in any substantial, meaningful
amount can be a bit of a tightrope routine. As a non-profit, KRFC has expanded on direct fundraising and grant-writing by developing relationships
with commercial businesses and other non-profits. For in-kind donations or affordable fees, KRFC will broadcast live on-air promotions and public
service announcements for special events.

As Paepke explains, "Underwriting is a form of advertising that, as a non-profit, we’re allowed to do. For a very affordable rate, a business can pay
us to have their business mentioned on the air. It’s not only a way to promote their business, but it’s also a way for them to support the radio station."
Ticking off a long list of local business sponsors, which includes Avogadro’s Number, the Rio Grande, LaPorte’s new Swing Station, New Belgium
Brewery and Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewing, Paepke states, "Business partners allow us to do more."

Likewise, KRFC underwrites non-profit events—those sponsored by other non-profits or for-profit businesses. Some recent sponsorships this year of
the station’s more than 25 include the Estes Park Heritage Festival, the Women’s Build for Habitat for Humanity 5K Run, the Eracism Film Series,
the Native American Music Festival, the Procession of the River Species, CSU’s RAT Ride, New Belgium Brewery’s Easy Street Half-Marathon
(a fundraiser for Crossroads Safehouse), the Sustainable Living Fair, and Meals-on-Wheels’ Bocce Ball Tournament.

Valerie DiBenedetto of Meals-on-Wheels gives her most important reason for partnering with KRFC to promote her organization’s event: "I just love
KRFC—it’s such a wonderful radio station!"

DiBenedetto, program manager for the 36-year-old organization which typically delivers 130 meals a day, says, "Partnering with KRFC to promote
our bocce ball fundraiser was a natural choice. KRFC, as a co-sponsor, made regular announcements for us, and we had a fantastic turnout. It went
great." The one-day event held on Sept. 11 raised more than $3,000 to help offset the rising cost of the noontime meals without passing on that cost to
those in need.

As DiBenedetto says, "It’s a win-win situation. It’s great to hear your organization mentioned on KRFC."
Finding ways to promote fundraisers is always a challenge for non-profits. The goal of keeping promotional and event costs low is possible when
businesses—commercial and non-profit alike—work together. GoWest is one example of a for-profit business that donates in-kind or at a discount to
KRFC. They produce the station’s logo banners, and the t-shirts and caps that are sold at the station and at KRFC-sponsored events. The items are
also offered as membership premiums during fund drives. GoWest gets regular mention on the air for their support as a business sponsor of KRFC,
and KRFC is able to offer locally-produced, quality promotional logo gear to its members.

"With in-kind donations from GoWest," Paepke explains, "we don’t have to spend money on t-shirts—we can put money back into station."

KRFC also trades support with other media outlets, such as the Fort Collins Forum, North Forty News, and the Rocky Mountain Bullhorn, which
features its own "Bullhorn Talk Show" on Wednesday evenings.

And support is not limited to businesses of bricks and mortar. The Mandolin Café, a Website and Internet destination for mandolin aficionados, now
underwrites Monday morning’s "Mandoscapes," in addition to donating gift premiums for fund drives and linking its site to KRFC’s site
(www.krfcfm.org).

"My personal goal," says Paepke, "is to make the station as sustainable as possible. I want us to be a viable source not just for music and news and
information, but as a partner to people. And however they plug in is up to them," she says. Paepke uses the example of her near-namesake, Jeff
Koepke, and his Wednesday evening "House Rent Party" blues show. "Maybe someone will hear him read a PSA. They may not even realize it, but
they’re becoming more immersed in the community because of us. It’s a part of a whole layering effect."

Some of KRFC’s recent events include August’s Radio Days and the Concert for the Gulf Coast live telethon [see sidebars]. KRFC also held an
Oktoberfest on Sept. 24 which celebrated the Open House of the station’s new on-air Red Studio, the latest result of sweeping renovations funded
through a $68,000 federal grant, with $25,000 in matching funds from the Bohemian Foundation. The whirlwind project was helmed by volunteer
Lisa Moravan and a dedicated geek-squad of tech-heads whose months of work have outfitted KRFC with the latest in digital broadcasting
equipment.

KRFC’s next fund drive is set for Sept. 30 through Oct. 8, and there are still plenty of slots for volunteers—old and new—to sign up, enjoy some re-
freshments, take phone pledges, and get to know their neighbors and their station.

KRFC is co-sponsor of the October 7 grand opening of Wolverine Press and "Matter" publisher Todd Simmons’ new book store inside the Bean
Cycle. The station will also co-sponsor the music and spoken-word CD which comes out as an insert in the next issue of "Matter" in November.

KRFC is also a proud co-sponsor, along with the City of Fort Collins, of the re-opening of Club Tico, a venue at City Park used by Friends of
Traditional Dance and other organizations, which has historic roots as a quarter-admission dance hall back in its heyday in the 1920s. KRFC will
provide DJs spinning dance music from the ‘50s through today for all-ages, alcohol-free events on the second Saturday of each month for $5 at the
door.

Don’t forget the KRFC holiday gift card contest. Entries are due by Oct. 31, and details and rules can be found at www.krfcfm.org.

For the second year in a row, KRFC will sponsor the New Year’s Eve 5K Resolution Run held on the CSU campus. All of the money raised will go
to KRFC, with costs underwritten by Bank of the West. Pre-registration for $20 can be completed online at www.active.com.

Future sponsorships and underwritten events will fall under the banner of "KRFC Presents…" Paepke says that this is one way KRFC can bring
entertainment and worthwhile events and fundraisers to the public without necessarily being the host organization. But the bottom line is not always
the bottom line.

"Ultimately, we want to have the best CD library to bring the best music to our listeners. We also want to bring them the best news and public affairs
in the most professional way. That means being able to provide volunteers with the resources they need, whether it’s training, or field equipment like
mini-disc recorders to get local stories, or the best studio equipment. The bottom line," says Paepke, "is that we’re able to provide better programming
to listeners."

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Kate Tarasenko is a KRFC volunteer and proud Charter Member.