WINTER NEWSLETTER 2014/15 
letter from our board president
 

In December we celebrated all our volunteers and their ever patient partners at a holiday party. Not everyone could make it on the cold and blustery evening but even so there were 60 or more amazing people who wanted to share their experience of KPTZ. Listening to their stories and passion for the station reminded me of how far we have come and how much we owe to them. From all over the community people have come forward to make this station a success. 2014 was, by any measure, a great success. We met or exceeded every goal we had set ourselves. New people have stepped in when we needed help and late in the year we were fortunate to hire Molly Klupfell to help us keep raising the funds we need to be sustainable. Community radio stations are no longer simply a solitary DJ on the air. To be eclectic we have to constantly refine our programming mix. The internet has added a whole new element of information and social media and the technology to bring great programming is constantly evolving. It seems we always need more people to maintain the high quality we've established. Thankfully this community is rich in talent and volunteers. As we look ahead to the coming year there are naturally challenges. We need more studio space, we are constantly working to improve our emergency preparedness, quality control, web management and volunteer support. These are simply the result of a high ideals and a complex environment. We hope to increase the size of our board and add volunteers to help with news and program production. We hope you will help. There will always be plenty to do but with your support I believe the station will only get better as it matures. It's been 3 � years since we launched and In 2015 we would be proud to make 91.9 FM your first choice on your radio dial. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. 


Colin Foden, Board President


HEAR WHAT'S UP!
News in Programming from Larry Stein

 

February Election: 
KPTZ is featuring numerous programs discussing the Bond and Levy measures on the Feb. 10 ballot:   
The Mountain View Commons Improvement Bond, 
Port Townsend School Dist. Educational Programs and 
Operations Levy, Chimacum School Dist. Facility Improvement Bond.
We will broadcast on-air discussions of these measures, and replays of the community forum presented by the League of Women Voters. 
 
National Programs:
Thanks to our membership in PRX, the Public Radio Exchange, we are able to add significant national programs to our local program mix.  We have recently aired documentaries and specials from the Kitchen Sisters of San Francisco/NPR, The Moth Radio Hour (national storytelling program), and several Martin Luther King Day specials from NPR, WNYC, and other sources.
Plus we regularly air  Live Wire,  from Portland (Sat 2pm) hosted by PT resident, Luke Burbank. 
Our listener support makes these programs possible on KPTZ. 
 
Heard Recently (and in the weeks to come on KPTZ):
New Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Stanko;  WA Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen; Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings and their New Years Concert from CA; noted author Nicola Griffith,   and many more guests. 

DJ Spotlight: Robert Ambrose
Our newest DJ with his show, 
Rhythm Connection, (Tuesdays from 2-3pm

What can listeners expect to hear on your show?

 

My show Rhythm Connection focuses on music from the African diaspora and investigates the linkages between the music of Africa and music from the Caribbean, Latin America, and elsewhere around the world. I'll also explore the social and political aspects of the music and the societies that produce it. 

 

We hear you have a history in radio; tell us more. 

 

I hate advertisements, and began listening to NPR in its early days. When I lived in San Francisco in the 80s, I discovered KPFA, the first community radio station, and listened to its broad range of programming every day. In 1993 I moved to the little town of Talkeetna, Alaska, just as its tiny community radio station went on the air. Although I had no experience in radio, I was inspired by KPFA to want to share my music interests with the community, and began my show. Over the twenty-one years I hosted my program on KTNA-Talkeetna, I also participated as a volunteer music director and long-time Board member, before being hired as General Manager, a position I held for 5+ years.

 

Being new to Port Townsend, what are your initial impressions? 

 

I love Port Townsend and am very excited to be settling into such a vibrant community.

 

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

 

I misread this question at first, and thought if I could have one superpower it would be Bhutan, where happiness is more important than profit. I can't think of an imaginary power that would be useful.

 

What are a few of your favorite shows on KPTZ?

 

I am pretty new in town, so am not too familiar with the schedule yet. I very appreciate local news and the natural history program, as well as a few of the eclectic music shows. 

And, most importantly, what is your favorite meal of the day? 

Early morning coffee followed by a smoothie: simple, flavorful and nutritious, and it sets me up for the day.

 

 

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THANKS TO OUR UNDERWRITERS!
Supporting Community while Boosting Business
 

Well, a new year is upon us once again. 2014 was a great year for KPTZ, and this is partially because of the support of our underwriters. To all of the businesses that chose to support us as part of their marketing plans, I'd like to extend a heart felt thank you! There were many repeat supporters this year, as well as many newcomers. The award for the most surprising goes to Stefan Schnur, the owner and operator of the Buga Hostel and Holy Water Ale Cafe in Buga, Columbia. This is proof that no matter your location, KPTZ is a great way to let the public know what your business is all about. Even if your business is in South America! If you'd like more information on what KPTZ can do to market your business, please contact me by email atunderwriting@kptz.org. From the KPTZ underwriting department, to all of you listeners and supporters out there: best wishes to you, and a prosperous 2015. I look forward to hearing from you!

 
Sincerely,
Blair Francis
Underwriting Contracts Manager

YOUR COMMENTS
A taste of what our listeners are saying

"I'm a first time listener and I'm hooked." - Tim

"Wonderful, enlightening addition to KPTZ.  Thank you Robert [Ambrose]!
Count me as one of your regular listeners!" - Alta

"I am swimming in a pond of paradise." - Jane

"Dancing while driving.  Is there a law against that?" - Susan

"I'm not that good at math but I was wondering how far some of your or Ruby's or Max's or Tim's programs have traveled out across the universe by now. If there is intelligent life out there I hope they hear those first." - Tom

"A lot of this programming is just not available anywhere else nor can one listen to unhurried, no pressure announcers as authentic as their musical tastes, anywhere else." - (a different) Tom 

Let us know what you think.  Email us here.  

FROM OUR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Molly Klupfell reminds us why 

"If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse."   ~Walt Disney

 

In 2011 more than 500 people gathered together for the launching of the first community radio station in Port Townsend.  Passion for a common dream energized a small group of four station founders. They gathered supporters, raised funds and celebrated the first airwaves of KPTZ Radio Port Townsend 91.9 FM with cheers and festivity. The dream of a few supported the heartfelt desire of many in our community.  This dream became a reality because of the support of those who believed in a mission to build and strengthen community throughout the Northeast Olympic Peninsula.  

 

 

"Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything."   ~Napoleon Hill

 

Our desire at KPTZ is to be the voice of Port Townsend that serves the Northeast Olympic Peninsula.

As we look at where we are now, and look ahead to the vision of the dream we hold dear, we know that our future depends upon our ability to connect with our community in many ways. KPTZ is currently a 95% volunteer run station. From the small core of founders, our volunteer support has grown to more than 60. Our volunteers reflect our diverse community, yet they are pulled together by a common desire to build a great radio station.  It is because of the passion of board members, volunteers, engineers, office organizers, show producers, talk show hosts and DJ's of all ages, that KPTZ is able to provide high quality community radio programming that is entertaining and service oriented 7 days a week.  


 

"I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."  ~Edward Everett Hale

 

The path that we are laying down, brick by brick, will secure our ability to grow into a sustainable community radio station and fulfill our vision to create a KPTZ Community -- it takes a village to create a community radio station . . . yes, we are a living community that is connected to each other.

 

Please help us to build our KPTZ Community. We have new volunteer positions available and we're looking for folks with a variety of skills and talents.  Take a look to see what interests you .  .   . 

Click here to learn more. 



KPTZ Radio Port Townsend
360.379.6886
info@kptz.org
eclectic, authentic, community radio