The "More Channels, More Service" Project (2002-2007) provided comprehensive business planning to public radio stations interested in expanding their services through mergers or acquisitions. PRC worked with station managers and their board members/licensees to help them assess their strategic options and prepare for sustainable growth. PRC offered three rounds of the MCMS project, accepting no more than 12 stations per round to allow for personalized service.

Thanks to an initial grant from Corporation for Public Broadcasting and support from generous individuals including a dedicated anonymous contributor, this project was an overwhelming success.

Several MCMS participants have already expanded their services:

  • High Plains Public Radio acquired a channel in Amarillo, TX to bring the region its first full-time public radio station, coverage approximately 230,000 people.
  • KTOO of Juneau AK acquired two channels to provide new program options for its growing audience and expand services to 30,000 people.
  • WXPN of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, producer of World Cafe®, acquired a channel to expand services to more than a million people.
  • KGNU of Boulder, CO acquired a channel to expand services to approximately 2.7 million people.
  • NIPR of FT Worth Indiana acquired a commercial station to bring WBNI’s classical music service to more than 450,000 people.
  • KOSU of Tulsa, OK entered into an operating agreement with Pubic Radio Capital. PRC acquired a station on behalf of Oklahoma State University to expand their services to approximately 360,000 people.
  • Vermont Public Radio expanded programming services with multiple acquisitions and an LMA to preserve public radio service for approximately 760,000 people.

“MORE CHANNELS, MORE SERVICE” CONFERENCES

Each round of More Channels, More Service culminated in a two-day conference, bringing together public radio organizations and industry leaders from across the nation to discuss the issues, trends and opportunities facing public radio.

In a relaxed environment, MCMS participants exchanged ideas about public radio expansion, financing, new media platforms and innovative radio formats.

MCMS CLIENT STORIES

Read about many of these MCMS participants in our Client Stories section: