Tuning in to KUMD's supporters
‘This station is supported by listeners like you’ is a frequent announcement on public radio stations like KUMD, but KUMD is supported by more than just listeners. Volunteers, the UMD student body, and underwriters help keep KUMD on the air.
Station manager Mike Dean said that approximately 100 people work in the course of a year work at KUMD, most of whom are volunteers. He also said that the station could use more student workers, whether that means working on the air or behind the scenes.
“In my opinion, you cannot have enough students at the station,� Dean said. “If we had 1000 students, for example, we’d find something [for everyone].�
There are five paid student workers right now who, between them all, work over 40 hours per week at KUMD. The remaining students at KUMD are volunteers.
“Once we get to about 5 in the afternoon on weekdays, [they’re] all volunteers,� Dean said. “They usually have just one shift a week.�
Dean said that many students volunteer at KUMD because of the experience of being on the air, and some students enjoy presenting music or news live to an audience.
“You get a chance to do something that you ordinarily wouldn’t get to do,� as Dean said.
St. Cloud’s college radio station inspired Maria Johnson to help out her college radio station before she had started her college career.
“I grew up in Cambridge; we picked up St Cloud’s college radio station and I always listened to it,� Johnson said. “I was really into that and always thought it would be a good thing to go into in college.�
Johnson runs her own show called Femme Fatal. She is also the RPM Music Director, which puts her in charge of student DJs and music coming into the station as well as talking with promoters and organizing other things in the station.
Less adventurous students can work behind-the-scenes on publicity for the station and help with fundraising events.
KUMD does not require employees to have previous radio experience or to be a certain major. Dean said that he asks for only interest, time, and a commitment to the station.
If students want to support the station but can’t volunteer at KUMD, they have no reason to feel guilty. Each student enrolled for six or more credits supports KUMD with $2.94, or 1.3% of their Student Services Fee each semester, so KUMD considers every student as an underwriter, or financial supporter, of the station.
Local businesses are underwriters for their monetary donations. Last year, KUMD raised about $75,000 from local businesses.
“We don’t run commercials,� said Dean. “We do raise money from businesses that then get their name on the air. They get like a brief announcement. It’s not an ad, but it basically says they’re supporting KUMD.�
In addition to local businesses, listeners from Duluth and other areas in Minnesota support KUMD by becoming members and donating money.
Besides students, local businesses, and members, UMD also underwrites the station with money to pay some staff members, and by letting KUMD use rooms in Humanities first floor.
Students graduating from UMD this winter semester will make openings at KUMD, and Dean said there is always a need for volunteers.
“If there is any student who wants to do something down here, we’ll find a spot for ‘em.�
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