WNXP Gives So Much. You Should Give Back.

Nashville’s Public Radio Station Could Use Your Help

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In May I was writing in an attempt to help spread the word about the possibility that publicly run media could be facing detrimental financial cuts, as the federal government was pushing to claw back $1.1 billion in promised funding.  Unfortunately, we lost that battle, and it severely affected the landscape of many small format radio and television platforms.  However, the war is not over, and we can overcome this monumental blow by banning together and not just talking about helping but rather taking actionable measures.  Specifically, I am talking about one such station, with the call letters WNXP, which broadcasts out of Nashville, Tennessee.   

To say that WXNP saved my life may be the most honest thing I have ever written, because I was truly starting to feel lost until I discovered these wonderful curators of musicality.  I came to the state’s capital just over two years ago after losing my small brewery in Seattle to the hardships of COVID shutdowns.  There I was privy to KEXP and listener powered radio.  That station and those DJs eased my soul everyday with affirmations of “You are not alone” surrounded by gorgeously manicured playlists.  I was scanning the dial one morning in Middle Tennessee during an episode of deep thought, and I was wondering if my decision making was correct.  Should I have stayed in the Pacific Northwest? Why did I choose to live in Nashville? What am I going to do for work? Will I ever be happy again?  You know, normal life thoughts.  Then I bumped into the station that quite literally based their model after my old hometown heroes, and I began to feel at ease.   

Now they are hurting and I just want to do everything I can to help them as much as they aided me. So, here I am, once again, trying to make folks aware that what many of you are ingesting for free costs money to produce and you should give when you can, and you should give now.   

WNXP just wrapped up their fall drive this past week to bring awareness of their situation and more importantly raise funds due to that lack of government aid. 

“Dear Nashville Public Radio supporter, 
 
“It’s a catalyst, not a crisis.” This thought has been percolating in my mind since July. 
  
You probably already know that public broadcasting lost federal financial support over the summer, and while this certainly brings challenges for WPLN and WNXP and other public radio stations around the country, we also see this as an opportunity to connect even more deeply with our community. We’ve heard from thousands of listeners and members over the past few months letting us know how much this public service means to them, and thanks to generous supporters like you, Nashville Public Radio is here for good.” 

The drive was a big success, but the station still needs more, and these selfless people deserve it.  WNXP is more than just another music station; it’s a brilliantly put together collective of like-minded, sonically engaged, megastars.  For me it started with the voice of Celia Gregory waking up those early risers with ‘Fight the Power’ by Public Enemyand then transitioning into Mazzy Star and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.  Then came the discovery (I mean she was already there) of Jude Mason and I would never move that dial again. These ladies along with Emily Young, Carly Butler and Marquis Munson quickly became my frequency favorite friends. There are so many others too that make WNXP such a magical place full of discovery and wonderment.  You will most certainly discover new music during your audible journey.  You’ll also fall in love with local artists and hear those favorite classics that shaped your youth. THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD GIVE! Becoming a member means that you are part of this family. 

On Monday, November 3^rd, Holly Kernan followed up with another message: 

“On behalf of all of us at Nashville Public Radio, I want to express our deep gratitude to everyone who gave during our Fall Fundraising Sprint last week. As of last night, we’veheard from 780 people contributing $197,338. And I know there are thousands more of you who give throughout the year. Thank you. 
 
In this pivotal time for public media, with the loss of federal funding and the closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, contributions from our community mean more than ever. We’re grateful to you for supporting the First Amendment and a free press. We thank you for letting us know that trustworthy news and information, music discovery, and respectful dialogue are important to you. Becoming a member of Nashville Public Radio is one way to strengthen local democratic participation and to stand for an informed and active public.” 
 
We know that we have a deeply passionate, loyal group of members who believe in our mission. Thank you. Over the next year, we will be building more connections between members and WPLN and WNXP. Stay tuned for opportunities to engage with your fellow community members and with the public radio service that matters to you. 
 
It’s a privilege to work each day to better serve and connect this community. You are the reason Nashville Public Radio is Here for Good.” 

Let us ban together and help sustain this gorgeous congregation of phenomenal human beings playing the very best tunes. Over the summer the Nashville Public Radio announced that the station raised more than $400,000 through local donations over just a three-day drive, following the  Congressional vote. 

“I’ve been at Nashville Public Radio for nine and a half years, and I’ve never seen anything like that,” said Jason Wilkins, program director at WNXP. “People come out of the woodwork and help you when you need it, but this reaction was even stronger, even more vocal, and it came from so many places.” 

Cancel that streaming subscription that you aren’t even using. Let’s keep it going so that we aren’t deprived of a basic liberty of tapping our feet and filling our hearts with joy. 

Top 5 Reasons to Give NOW to WNXP per Jason Moon Wilkins: 

1. Loss of federal funding. We may have closed this year’s immediate gap thanks to our community’s incredible generosity, but the ongoing need remains. 

2. We support local artists. From airplay to editorial to events, we’re committed to elevating Nashville artists across the genre spectrum and making Music City truly live up to its name. 

3. We bring the community together. It’s getting easier and easier to live inside of bubbles, be they political or cultural, and our mission is to build bridges through our bust-the-algorithm programming and our diverse events. 

4. We’re human! As online outlets and terrestrial radio stations alike get overrun with AI slop, WNXP is committed to the kind of musical curation and community connection that can only come from fellow humans. 

5. You give us a birthday gift, you get one too! When you support WNXP you can choose from our brand new swag including a perfect fall sweatshirt that you can wear at concerts or the grocery store to show your support.