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KBCS interim GM outlines local programming, funding squeeze and youth training plans to Arts Commission
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Summary
Ben Brando, interim general manager of KBCS, briefed the Bellevue Arts Commission on the station’s local programming, volunteer model and funding challenges — including an approximate $120,000 annual loss from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting — and said staff are planning a capital campaign and expanded youth training opportunities.
Ben Brando, interim general manager of KBCS, told the Bellevue Arts Commission about the station’s history, funding model and plans to expand local training and facilities. Brando said KBCS is a Bellevue College–affiliated community radio operation broadcasting on 91.3 FM and streaming online, and that the station has been on the air since 1973.
Why it matters: Commissioners heard that KBCS provides a mix of noncommercial music, public affairs programming and volunteer-led shows that serve a local audience, and that the station’s operations depend on listener support, grants and a modest set of sponsors.
Brando described the station’s scope and volunteer base. "We have around 30 volunteer DJs who put together their programs each week," he said, noting a broad music mix and weekend volunteer programming. He also said the station is digitizing its library and expanding online distribution.
On funding, Brando said public-media budget pressures recently cost the station federal support. "We received around $120,000 each year from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting," he said, adding that a roughly 10% cut to that funding has had a meaningful impact on a small station with three full-time staff and several part-time employees.
Brando outlined two near-term priorities: expanding community-access and youth-facing programming, and a capital campaign to secure an ADA-compliant studio location on the Bellevue College campus. He said the station offers an intake program and hands-on training for prospective volunteer DJs and that staff are exploring ways to create a student-focused channel using HD radio capacity.
Commission members asked about community-education opportunities and coordination with local arts districts. Brando said KBCS accepts event submissions for a community calendar on its website, offers free announcement slots to qualifying nonprofits and welcomes partnerships with neighborhood groups. He invited commissioners and community members to contact the station about training and collaboration.
The Arts Commission thanked Brando for the presentation and asked staff to follow up on capital-campaign updates at a future meeting.
