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A Note from the CEO
The following letter from WBUR CEO Margaret Low was shared with WBUR donors on Thursday, September 19, 2024. It has been reproduced here in its entirety.
Dear Friend,
Suddenly it's September. The summer flew by. Perhaps that's because of all the news that unfolded in July and August — we barely had time to catch our breath.
I always feel a little wistful at this time of year, as the days get cooler and the leaves begin to change. But I'm also filled with optimism and a sense of anticipation.
The last time I wrote to you, I explained that WBUR has never been stronger but our business has never been harder. Both remain true. That's why I'm asking for your support today.
I also want to share some of the reasons for my optimism:
- In the spring, after you got my letter to the community and understood our fragile economics, so many of you rallied to support WBUR. That affirmed for me that we play a meaningful role in your life.
- Tiziana Dearing is the new host of Morning Edition. Yesterday was her first day on the job. Tiziana is one of a kind — a brilliant mind, a rigorous journalist and a virtuoso interviewer with deep ties to this city and region.
- Our shop is brimming with talent and ambition and the recognition for our journalism continues to roll in. WBUR just won more honors than anyone else in our category in the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards — for everything from our local reporting to our groundbreaking podcasts.
With all that, there are still some hard truths that we must confront. As I shared in the spring, national sponsorship dollars are increasingly going to the tech giants. This leaves us with a multi-million dollar gap to fill. The solution is clear. We need people like you to dig deeper. If everyone gives a little more than they have before, that will put us on a sustainable path.
We're grounded in our sense of purpose and the belief that WBUR is your beacon in the storm. With WBUR, you understand more quickly. Judge more slowly. See more nuance.
We speak to your head and to your heart and remind you of our shared humanity. Because yes, it's still there.
Thank you for reading this letter. Thank you for listening. Thank you for giving.
With appreciation,
Margaret Low
Chief Executive Officer
WBUR