We Are Here For You, Thank You For Being There For Us

Hello friends,

This is a time for KQED to focus on helping our community. It’s a time to deliver the news, stories and resources that people need during this crisis. Taking time to reflect and support others enables us to remain connected, be compassionate and put our resources to good use.

Over the last several weeks, there has been much pressure to act, and act quickly. This pandemic has stretched KQED’s ability to maintain our operations while serving the deepest needs of our community. This crisis has not only changed our work routines, but we see the financial realities setting in. Yet through it all you continue to support us by watching, listening, reading our stories online or contributing. People write to say they’re more dependent on KQED than ever before and membership support remains strong. These forms of appreciation mean the world to us and let us know we’re delivering what you need.

The affirmation of our work is humbling. Our total audience has surged by 22% as we keep you informed during fast-changing events. We’re providing dozens of daily stories as our hosts and reporters work out of bedrooms, closets or basements. We’re collaborating with NPR and partners to produce radio specials on the coronavirus. We’ve offered the second hour of Forum to all California public radio stations, taking calls to hear how others are coping across the state.

In March, KQED.org surpassed more than three million unique visitors in one month for the first time. Live coronavirus updates, need-to-know articles about shelter in place, and resources such as “How to File for Unemployment” helped drive this record-breaking traffic.

We’re also expanding our reach into diverse communities. We’ve covered the devastating impact of the pandemic on people of color and economic effects on artists. In partnership with Univision, we’re offering Spanish translation of select stories. And we’re doing stories that capture the generosity of community action. President Obama retweeted our inspiring story about a group of activists with disabilities making hand sanitizers for the homeless.
In this time of isolation, KQED is keeping people connected. We launched an in-home learning plan on television and online for homebound students and teachers. The 12-hour, K thru 12 schedule on KQED Plus has increased our daytime audience by 50% and more than 66,000 unique visitors have explored our free resources on the KQED At-Home Learning site. Meanwhile, we’re offering an array of virtual events such as live streaming conversations and interactive watch parties; more than 775 people participated in our first four events.

As we help the Bay Area get through this crisis, we see hope. Hope rooted in the creative forms of action for the common good. Hope in the ways we remain in touch with one another. Hope in the outpouring of support from our community. We are here for you, thank you for being there for us.