WDUQ, Pittsburgh's leading public radio station, may or may not continue as a public radio station.
Duquesne University has put the station up for sale. The lone public radio bidder, Pittsburgh Public Media (PPM), is led by station management, staff and a growing group of community volunteers. PPM was formed as a non-profit Pennsylvania Corporation January 14, 2010.
While PPM has deep ties to the traditions, innovation, technology and aspirations of WDUQ, it is NOT WDUQ. Gifts made to WDUQ are restricted gifts to Duquesne University (the licensee) and the contacts and mailing lists for donors are the property of Duquesne University, restricted for the purposes of supporting the station.
WDUQ serves about 180,000 listeners per week, but PPM cannot reach those people directly. PPM is NOT WDUQ .
One could say it is a "chicken and egg" situation. But PPM can be WDUQ's future - especially if we teach the chicken and egg to twitter.
To move to a future for NPR, public radio and jazz programming in Pittsburgh, PPM will need to pull together many people, quickly. The Internet and especially social media, like Twitter and Facebook, provides a great way build the momentum to let WDUQ become independent.
Check out the PPM web site. There will be information that you will find helpful. Follow Pghpublicmedia on twitter. Become a fan of Pittsburgh Public Media on Facebook.
And spread the word.
It seems as though a "tipping point" for WDUQ may be coming soon. With interest, with money, volunteer time and support.
Making WDUQ a fully independent, community based public radio station will mean involving the people - joining voices, interests and resources. Through all of this, making what is now WDUQ far better than it has ever been.
Friend. Fan. Tweet and retweet. A click or two to start can make all the difference.
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