Local News 07 22 25

Without federal CPB funding, we're facing an existential threat. Unlike urban public radio stations with access to corporate sponsors and large university budgets, rural stations like KMUD depend on a combination of federal support, listener contributions, underwriting, fundraising events, and grants.

What does this mean for KMUD?

Without federal CPB funding, we're facing an existential threat. Unlike urban public radio stations with access to corporate sponsors and large university budgets, rural stations like KMUD depend on a combination of federal support, listener contributions, underwriting, fundraising events, and grants.

This means difficult choices will need to be made about programming, staff, and equipment. It means potentially reducing our hours of operation or eliminating crucial services we provide, including less local news coverage, fewer emergency updates, and a weaker voice for our region.  It means that we’d need even more volunteer hours, and many of our volunteers are giving as much as they can already.

KMUD is Community!

KMUD is more than just a radio station, it’s who we are. In an age of social media echo chambers and corporate media consolidation, community radio represents something increasingly rare: authentic local connection. We're not owned by a distant corporation or beholden to advertisers in other states. We're accountable to you, our neighbors, because we are you.

KMUD doesn't just broadcast to our community, it amplifies our community's own voice. Every day, we create space for local voices to be heard.  We honor the rich heritage of our tribal nations, whose voices share their stories, languages, and traditions. We celebrate local musicians who might never get heard on corporate radio. We preserve the oral history of our region through interviews with longtime residents.  Nonprofits and community groups use KMUD airtime to mobilize volunteers, announce meetings, and share resources. This is community in action, neighbors helping neighbors build the community we all want to live in.

KMUD is Vital Emergency Information

In our rural community, cell towers are sparse and internet service is unreliable. When storms roll in, earthquakes hit, or wildfires start, we can't always count on modern technology to keep us connected. But we can count on KMUD. For decades, KMUD has been here during every major emergency, providing real-time updates from local sources within our community.  

When you support KMUD, you're supporting a culture of mutual aid, environmental stewardship, and inclusiveness. Most importantly, you're affirming that the bonds between us, forged through shared geography, common challenges, and mutual care, are stronger than any budget cut or federal policy change.  When you tune in, you're not just hearing music or news; you're participating in a living, breathing network of neighbors who care about each other. 

Support YOUR Local Radio

We're not asking you to save us; we're asking you to join us in saving something we've built together.  Whether you can give $10 or $10,000, your support sends a clear message: our rural community matters, our local voices deserve to be heard, and the culture of connection we've created through KMUD is worth preserving. If you're already a supporter, please consider making an additional donation or increasing your monthly donation.  We encourage you to please ask your friends and family to join you. Share our story on social media. Tell your neighbors why KMUD matters to you.

Stand with KMUD. Stand with your community. Stand with the culture we've created together.  Please donate now at kmud.org or Venmo @kmudradio, because community radio isn't just what we listen to, it's who we are.