The public station (which is affiliated with NPR) currently offers traditional terrestrial broadcasting, live streaming of that on the web (= internet radio), "on demand" content including archived streams of terrestrial shows, podcasts, live performances, print music reviews, a blog, events...and a partridge and a pear tree. They offer some of the best music podcasts on the web, including KEXP Song of the Day (previously featured here), KEXP Live Performances Podcast, Sonarchy Music (experimental NW artists) and Music That Matters; you can find them all here. They also maintain a highly entertaining, informative blog, KEXP Blog, with lots of news updates, interviews, video and audio clips, etc. The pull some of the best up-and coming (mostly indie) acts to their studio for live performances and interviews, usually very well done. So they are providing a ton of original content in different, easily accessible and digestible formats.
Brier Dudley of The Seattle Times writes,
The station's biggest contribution may be the way it advocates for music fans and performers, by exploring the outer limits of the stifling regulations that the recording industry uses to protect its aging franchise. What's most impressive is that KEXP has found ways to do more with music online without breaking rules or alienating record companies. (via The Seattle Times)KEXP
Tom Mara, executive director of KEXP said,
We're becoming quite agnostic about how people are experiencing music, how the music is being distributed. We just really care that you get it in a meaningful way, and we also care that we do it in such a way that people can share it with others. I don't mean that in any sort of illegal sense, but just getting others in the fold. (via The Seattle Times)I see this trend across the music business and it means vast changes for radio. Radio has to diversify in order to retain its relevance. The key to keeping radio in the mix at all, however, is the individuality, specificity and quality of the content. There should be a point of view and an audience to speak to. Clear Channel style "lowest-common-denominator" marketing won't work for much longer. KEXP is so successful because their DJs select a varied, interesting set of music and produce creative content. KEXP looks like it's figuring out the new model as it goes--and it means good times ahead for artists and listeners alike.
5 comments:
Kate --
How does KEXP finance itself? I'm convinced that its a model in programming, but wonder if its an economic model as well.
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KEXP is a public radio station. The FAQ states that in 2004, the majority of KEXP's funding - 45% - came from Members. Local businesses make up 21% of their funding, and 33% comes from "other sources." Over 200 businesses support KEXP through donations and underwriting.
Ok, hard to imagine how they make enough money as a public radio station to cover all those activities . . . I wonder if the Music Experience gives them a lot of money.
Actually, after our initial grant from Paul Allen and the Experience Music Project, we worked down to complete self-reliance, earning $0 income from EMP and the UW in 2006 and hereafter. In 2007, we earned 57% from individuals and foundations, 39% from businesses and government, and 4% through earned income, such as our Live at KEXP cds (the newest of which comes out very soon). As you can see, we have incredible support from our listeners, who worldwide value independent radio. Without them, we would suffer the fate of all the other great radio stations, to be bought out or fold.
Oops. That should say, "In 2006, we earned..."
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