Key of G
Dennis Green
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Sometimes (usually around pledge drive times), we’ll talk about the fact that music has become something of a scarce commodity at the public radio end of the dial, and jazz music in particular. By one count, there are only fifteen full-time jazz stations in the country. And now there are even fewer.
Last week, we learned that WUSF in the Tampa Bay area, is killing its evening jazz programming. This came on the heels of the announcement a few weeks ago that KNTU in Denton, Texas, announced it was moving away from its (mostly) all-jazz format. What makes this last even more alarming is that Denton is the home of North Texas State University, one of the top college jazz programs in the world. If North Texas State can’t keep its jazz station going, who can?
Well, us.
Surprisingly to many, our little corner of Eastern Iowa continues to mine a sustainable vein of support for over-the-air, community-driven jazz radio. Here at KCCK, we’re grateful to everyone who donates during fund drives, attends our events, comes to our education programs, and just in general, helps keep this station relevant in a crowded musical landscape.
On behalf of everyone who loves jazz, thank you and a big cheer to all to all of us for beating the odds!