WVMO reports underwriting revenue, programming returns and merchandising plans to Monona committee

Volunteers and staff connected with WVMO briefed the City of Monona Community Media Committee on Jan. 8 about underwriting revenues, programming changes and merchandise options.

A WVMO representative said roughly $11,000 in underwriting raised in 2025 was returned to the station for operational costs; the station’s Friends 501(c)(3) retains about 10% of underwriting receipts to cover processing costs. “$11,000 approximately that came back to WVMO, and that is 90% of the underwriting amount raised,” the representative said.

Committee members reviewed current and prospective underwriting partners and event partnerships. The representative cited agreements or partnerships with the Stoughton Opera House, Bloom Madison (a local developer), Frank Productions and Atwood Music Hall as examples of recent or planned underwriting and event collaborations.

Members also discussed programming changes and volunteer turnover; the station has recently added new shows and brought back veteran hosts. Committee members suggested linking WVMO programming and the Friends’ e-newsletter with the city’s Monona Community Media newsletter to broaden reach. WVMO noted that some merchandise is available via a third-party provider at wvmo.fm and that the Friends are reviewing options for an online store.

Bill reported that he has substantially completed copy editing and reorganization of the WVMO volunteer handbook to reduce repeated wording and improve clarity; staff follow-up will resolve a few items where policy wording remains unclear.

The committee did not take any formal budget action on underwriting or merch during the meeting; the items were informational and will be carried forward for coordination with staff and Friends group volunteers.