Local journalism is essential to the health of our region. It delivers accurate information to help people find and share resources, make decisions, and understand one another. St. Louis Public Radio continues to thrive and make our region a better place to live, despite headwinds against journalism that serves the public interest. Our impact is real: Every year, we hear from multiple nonprofit organizations who report receiving an uptick in donations after appearing on St. Louis on the Air. This past year, our health coverage on whooping cough helped connect pediatric infectious disease doctors across different health care systems and our reporting on deadly conditions at the city jail prompted advocates to take action.
In May, St. Louis experienced tragedy when an EF3 tornado touched down, destroying lives and landscapes. STLPR provided timely and accurate information, asked tough questions of elected officials, and led coverage with humanity and empathy. We heard directly from community members who appreciated our consistent, extended coverage of the tornado and ongoing recovery. We will continue to highlight the fortitude of St. Louisans with reports that only strong local media can provide.
STLPR also experienced a challenging year as an organization. When federal funding for public media was rescinded for the first time in our 53-year history, we saw more than 6% of our annual budget disappear and a gap of over a half-million dollars emerge.
We asked urgently for sustaining support. It was your generous donations and words of encouragement that helped us provide premier service under difficult circumstances. STLPR’s staff, in turn, feels an enduring responsibility to serve the people in our region with truthful reporting, community events that engage and spark joy, and a sense of place and belonging in confounding times. You have us, and we have you.
STLPR is now proudly funded 100% by members and sponsors, and we are continuing our march toward independent operations after decades of fruitful partnership as a service of UMSL. This operational independence will allow us to be more nimble and more sustainable for the years ahead, and to grow and evolve with the needs of our audiences.
STLPR’s commitment to St. Louis runs deep. As you explore the ways we’ve connected people and ideas through our award-winning work over the last year, we’re looking ahead, imagining how STLPR can expand our service and further our mission to inform and create a more inspired and engaged public, right here in the region we all share.
With gratitude,
Jess Luther, Interim General Manager
