Update 4/2/25: SAVE NEW SOUNDS
An update on the campaign to save New Sounds - several major donors have stepped up to help, and we are now feeling both grateful and optimistic about reaching our goal. Meanwhile, many of our listeners have asked, “how can I help?” The answer is, become a part of the campaign now! No need to be a major donor – now is the time for our community of listeners to help keep New Sounds on the air. Donate what you can and help us get over the finish line. DONATE TO NEW SOUNDS
-With much appreciation, John and Caryn (the New Sounds Staff)
-----
Update (3/12/25): The Campaign For New Sounds | SAVE NEW SOUNDS
If you were listening during WNYC’s Winter Membership Drive, you know that the station has arguably never been more valuable – or vulnerable. The recent round of layoffs here included a plan to end New Sounds at the end of May, unless major new funding was found. Well, here is an update: in the Winter Drive, the WNYC audience responded so strongly that the drive exceeded its goal. We did not do any fundraising on New Sounds, as it would’ve been unfair to ask listeners to support a program whose future was so uncertain. But the campaign to find major sponsor/donor grants has gotten off to a good start. Many of you have written in to ask how you can help, so here is the plan: WNYC will continue the process of securing major gifts and grants, and, when the goal is in sight, we will invite you to help us over the line.
If you read my last update on our situation, you might remember I used the phrase “but I have to be realistic…” Which was actually a pretty pessimistic thing to write. This time, I hope you detect a different mood. And I hope we will all have a chance to pitch in at the end of this process to keep New Sounds going.
Thanks to all of you for your kind words about the show and your offers to help; we will keep you posted! -John Schaefer
-----
Update 1: New York Public Radio has launched a dedicated $1.5M campaign to save New Sounds and keep it funded for three years. We can't do it without our community of listeners. In order to secure funding quickly — we need to hit our goal by May 1 — and effectively, we are seeking donations and grants of $15,000 or more. If you can give, or introduce us to someone who can, please let us know. Please email us at hello@newsounds.org.
-----
An important note to our listeners: You may have heard that many of our media colleagues - in print, TV, digital, and radio - have endured financial troubles and layoffs. WNYC is no exception, and unfortunately New Sounds is slated to be part of the most recent round of staff cuts.
There IS a sliver of hope: Just as they did with Death, Sex & Money, the team here is actively working to find a new major philanthropic funder or a new home for New Sounds. I really hope that works out, but I also have to be realistic and if we’re not successful, the show will end on May 31, and longtime producer Caryn Havlik and I will be leaving WNYC. Our 43-year journey in New Sounds will be over.
You can imagine (maybe) what this experience has meant to me, and how it feels to be ending it too soon. You may even be thinking about chipping in to help. But I’m told the financial support we need to continue, on something more sustainable than a year to year basis (or fund drive to fund drive) is considerable. That kind of support will need to come from major donors and foundations.
I don’t know for sure what will happen next, but I do know that we will continue to do all we can to bring music, musicians, and music-lovers together, right on up to the end of May. And who knows, maybe beyond. We’ll keep you posted. - John Schaefer