Why is KEXP partnering with a station so far away?
This is an exciting, significant opportunity for us to broaden our reach and create greater impact. It allows us to bring more great music to more listeners — and that’s our mission. KEXP has always been about a community of music lovers – in Seattle, online and now to a greater extent, New York City.

Will the programs I hear on the airwaves in Seattle be changing?
No. All of the programming in Seattle will stay the same. However, The Morning Show will broadcast more frequently from New York and will be simulcast in both cities every weekday from 6-9 a.m. PST. During the simulcast, John will continue to champion Seattle artists, New York artists and all the other music you are accustomed to hearing on the Morning Show. But all of the other Radio Liberation programming is being created specifically for Radio New York and will not affect KEXP programming on 90.3 FM in Seattle and online at KEXP.ORG.

Does this mean that Seattle listeners are paying for programming in New York?
Every single person who gives a financial gift to KEXP is a part of our community. Those gifts support all the work we do as an organization, including this initiative. As we extend into New York we will reach out to new supporters who believe in our work, just like our existing members do. We already benefit tremendously from a passionate, established base of listeners and supporters in New York. In fact, outside of Seattle, New York has been leading the way as our strongest donor base for several years now.

Does this mean you need more money to pay your bills so you’re setting up shop in other cities?
No. KEXP is a successful, self-sustaining nonprofit organization.

How much is this going to cost KEXP?
The station is not taking on debt or outlaying any substantial amounts of cash to make this happen. We expect it to begin providing KEXP net income in approximately two years.

Can’t people in New York just listen online?
Yes, but Radio New York will make it possible for us to reach up to 14 million people through the airwaves and this partnership will also establish KEXP’s physical presence in New York. By being there physically, we’ll be able to play a more significant role broadcasting and recording important music. It will likely promote new partnerships, new sources of content and greater access to touring bands.

Isn’t KEXP supposed to be focused on the local artistic community here in the Northwest? Why work with the artists/programmers from New York?
KEXP is proud to call Seattle home and we have no interest in losing our Seattle identity and we’re excited to export Seattle and Northwest music to radio listeners in New York City. KEXP will continue to showcase a Northwest artist every hour, as we have for 20 years. We are also very proud to be home to Audioasis, the Northwest’s longest running local music show. Working with Radio New York will significantly increase our ability to champion music, connecting even more artists who perform and record in NYC to our listeners in Seattle, online and around the world.

Does this mean that John in the Morning is leaving Seattle?
John considers Seattle home. It is important for him to stay connected to the Seattle community and music scene, and he plans to maintain a residence here. Beginning this June, John will split time between Seattle and New York, broadcasting his show live from both locations throughout the year. While he’s in New York, he’ll be searching for new bands and discovering new music that The Morning Show listeners will be the first to hear.

So are you just trying to hold on to your on-air talent?
No. We decided to pursue this partnership several months ago. At the same time, as it turned out, John began thinking about spending some more time in NYC. So these two ideas ended up together.

Isn’t Radio New York funded by New York taxpayers? If so, why should I support KEXP on this effort – isn’t that double-dipping?
Radio New York does receive public support for its general operations, but not for the originally produced programming KEXP will provide. The partnership will build its own base of support.

There is a TV station associated with Radio New York and New York City Media Group. Will KEXP now be involved in television programming?
No. We are a one-of-a-kind radio station and that remains our focus. While New York City Media Group does include a public television component (NYC TV), the two are programmed separately. That being said, NYC TV will broadcast KEXP live performances.

What is Radio New York doing to support KEXP? Is this a reciprocal relationship?
This is definitely a mutually beneficial relationship. It gives a broadened KEXP community an opportunity to listen to new programming consistent with KEXP’s mission and creative focus. We are providing Radio New York with programming and talent; they are helping KEXP reach a new base of listeners hungry for KEXP’s kind of programming, and access to regional and touring artists.

KEXP is affiliated with the University of Washington. Does this mean you will now be affiliated with an academic institution in New York, too?
No. KEXP will remain affiliated with the University of Washington. The New York relationship does not include an academic component.

Are you going to hire employees in New York?
We do not currently have any need for dedicated year-round programming staff in New York. Our KEXP programming team in Seattle will work closely with the team at Radio New York. For sponsorship and underwriting support of the programming, we have a KEXP underwriting representative stationed in New York.

Did Paul Allen / EMP have anything to do with this since they have supported KEXP in the past?
No. This decision was made by KEXP and its governing board.

How does the University of Washington connect to this?
As the holder of KEXP’s FCC license, the UW works closely with our non-profit organization, Friends of KEXP, which has a long-term agreement to operate the station on its behalf. The decision to create this partnership was made by our governing board and not the UW.

Did Greg Nickels and Michael Bloomberg cook this up as a way for the two cities to work together?
No, but both Mayors are very supportive of the project and welcome any chance for our two great cities to collaborate and support each other artistically.

Is this partnership really worth it?
We certainly think so, but that’s for you to decide. The proof is in the listening experience. If you like what you hear on KEXP and Radio New York, let us know. If you don’t, we’d like to hear that, too. Just e-mail info@kexp.org.

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