Article about KCSM-FM

duaneiac · September 16th, 2008, 10:10 AM

San Mateo jazz station depends on public to donate funds
Kyveli Diener
Bay Area News Group

SAN MATEO -- In the on-air studio in the basement of the College of San Mateo library, KCSM Jazz 91.1 FM director of program operations Alicia Clancy sings along to the tune she is playing on her show, "A Morning Cup of Jazz."

Her co-host, Michael Burman, taps his pen furiously on the desk in time with the drummer on the recording.

The music and energy from the station's disc jockeys has attracted a following of loyal listeners, upon whose donations the station relies for 70 percent of its $1.2 million annual operating cost.

KCSM holds on-air pledge drives three times a year to raise funds, but in today's battered economy, convincing people to give money to a public radio station is an uphill battle.

"When you worry about putting gas in your car and milk on your table, you have to make decisions," said KCSM general manager Marilyn Lawrence. "When we're the second or third choice, all of the sudden someone doesn't give anymore. So it makes it a little harder."

Clancy said that each pledge drive is expected to earn the station approximately $300,000, which is enough to operate for three months or so. The funds raised, however, have been falling short of that goal for several years and Clancy said she knows it is due to the economy.

She said the station always manages to balance out a low fundraiser with an increased amount on the next drive.

After one particularly dismal showing, Clancy said she warned her listeners that, without their support, the first item that would be lost would be the station's Web site, which they operate at the cost of $50,000 annually. She said pledges flowed in after that announcement, showing the importance of the Web site.

The site, www.kcsm.org, attracts millions of listeners from around the world, including France, Brazil and Norway. Listeners can hear streaming jazz and interviews in real time at no cost.

The fact that the Web site is not helping to raise more funds for the station has confused and bothered one longtime listener, who asked not to be identified.

The listener suggested that the KCSM Web site make available archived music and interviews which Internet listeners would pay to access. He calculated that this could result in an additional $8.1 million annually for the station even if less than 1 percent of potential listeners paid $60 per year for this access.

"The music is the bottom line, and that's the pull. There's a passion that people have for this art form," the listener said. "If other publicly owned stations can archive programmed segments so the (people) scattered in other parts of the world can listen to these programs in a convenient time zone for them, (why can't KCSM?)"

Though KPFA 94.1 FM in Berkeley does have archived music and interviews on its Web site, Lawrence said that because KCSM is licensed through the College of San Mateo, the station's actions must be first approved by the college's governing board.

When the station asked about archiving previously broadcast music on the Web site, Lawrence said the board said any copyrighted work is subject to copyright laws.

"I don't want to be in litigation," Lawrence said, adding that the interest of an interview may be lost if the copyrighted music is removed. "I'm not sure of the value. I have different listeners tell me different things for whether there's value with or without the music."

Clancy said that in three or four years, the copyright laws may allow the station to post archived music on its Web site. Plans also include digitizing the station's library, the country's third largest, which contains many recordings that will never be rereleased, and a larger studio where guests can perform live for shows, which may be broadcast online through a Web cam.

But Clancy is optimistic about the current fund drive, because she believes that people still value things like public jazz stations enough to donate.

Clancy said she has faith that the economic future will be more stable than the economic present.

"I'm pretty confident things will improve," she said. "Even in a recession, your music, art, and culture float to the top because you've got to have it."

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10477817?source=rss

BeBop · September 16th, 2008, 11:21 AM

Since I travel all the time, I don't have a 'home' radio station, but I tend to pledge to one, U.S. public radio station. (I can't listen on-line very often, since I seldom have high-speed connections.) KCSM definitely (and Ms.Clancy in particular) isn't to my taste. But supporting public radio is still a worthwhile thing. I can remember pledging to the old KJAZ.

clarke68 · September 16th, 2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeBop

KCSM definitely (and Ms.Clancy in particular) isn't to my taste.

Really? Clancy's show rocks, it's "The Jazz Oasis" that I can't stand (Sanchez, Bridges & Lawton)...sleepytime jazz right when I need it the least, during my evening commute.

Overall, tho, it's a great station...Clifford Brown Jr. is a DJ, Jesse Varela's latin thing Sundays...best show they have, without a doubt, tho is Thursday nights at 10pm: "All Out" with Greg Bridges. Here's a bit of last week's playlist:

Sam Rivers, "Verve"
Steve Lacy, "The Door"
Ray Anderson, "If Just So Happens"
Bheki Mseleku, "Echoes On The Winds Of Truth"
Pharoah Sanders, "Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah-Hum Allah"
Revolutionary Ensemble, "Chicago"
Paul Motian, "Look To The The Black Wall"
Michele Rosewoman, "Contrast High"
Anthony Davis / James Newton Quartet, "Sudden Death"
Kuhn / Humair / Jenny-Clark, "Versage"
Woody Shaw, "Song Of Songs"
Jay Hoggard, "Gazzeloni"
Jimmy Lyons, "Shakin' Back"
Betty Carter, "Sunday, Monday, or Always"
Haden / Garbarek / Gismonte, "Spor"

BeBop · September 16th, 2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clarke68

"All Out" with Greg Bridges. Here's a bit of last week's playlist:

Sam Rivers, "Verve"
Steve Lacy, "The Door"
Ray Anderson, "If Just So Happens"
Bheki Mseleku, "Echoes On The Winds Of Truth"
Pharoah Sanders, "Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah-Hum Allah"
Revolutionary Ensemble, "Chicago"
Paul Motian, "Look To The The Black Wall"
Michele Rosewoman, "Contrast High"
Anthony Davis / James Newton Quartet, "Sudden Death"
Kuhn / Humair / Jenny-Clark, "Versage"
Woody Shaw, "Song Of Songs"
Jay Hoggard, "Gazzeloni"
Jimmy Lyons, "Shakin' Back"
Betty Carter, "Sunday, Monday, or Always"
Haden / Garbarek / Gismonte, "Spor"

I'd posted something optimistic about this show just before it first aired. And it does look good - I just haven't had a chance to hear it. Clancy, Varela and Berzon are just 'downers' for me, as if the C. Brown "Jazz Countdown". (A whole afternoon of latin jazz with Chuy is just too much.) I do like Sonny Buxton.

Tom 1960 · September 21st, 2008, 09:05 AM

The best thing about KSCM IMO, is Sonny Buxton. If there's a better show on the net, tell me about it!

Kevin Murray · February 27th, 2013, 10:04 AM

Sorry to bump a very old thread, but I would still highly suggest KCSM. I am very into jazz organ (as you most likely have noticed), and on Tuesday nights there is my favorite deejay, Pete Fallico. He plays some organ himself and has provided B3's for countless Bay Area gigs I've attended. He plays a lot of B3 jazz, and I really enjoy staying up late on Tuesday nights rocking out and thinking about how to make it through the week at school. Also, KCSM buys the NPR programs "Jazz at Lincoln Center", "Piano Jazz" (all re-runs now) and "Jazz Profiles" (my favorite.) These run Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9.00-10.00 PT.

Over all, KCSM is my favorite jazz station, whether online or over the airwaves. They also have high-quality streaming on their site, and a great database "The Jazz Datebook" with San Fransisco-area shows listed. Its also easy to list your shows. Go check it out.

BeBop · February 27th, 2013, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeBop

Since I travel all the time, I don't have a 'home' radio station, but I tend to pledge to one, U.S. public radio station. (I can't listen on-line very often, since I seldom have high-speed connections.) KCSM definitely (and Ms.Clancy in particular) isn't to my taste. But supporting public radio is still a worthwhile thing. I can remember pledging to the old KJAZ.

Four and a half years on, I've "refined my thinking" about KCSM and even about Alisa Clancy. Ms. Clancy and I have diferent tastes, particularly when it comes to vocals and what I consider "pop" and novelty songs. BUT she does have an enthusiastic appreciation for jazz history, all the way back to the 20s, that she shares with her audience. Bless her for that.

Jazz All Out is still a station highlight for me.

Overall, I'd consider KCSM in the top 20 percent of un-bad, mostly-jazz stations. I'll still take WDCB over KCSM, but look at the close competitors:

KKJZ is David Benoit in the morning (admittedly most of what he plays on the show is better than what HE plays, IMO) and eight hours a day of Bob Parlocha (nothing particular against Mr. Parlocha, but it's syndicated programming, as opposed to a station's "signature sound"); Kenny G on Friday nights.

WBGO - Sports Jam? People's Pharmacy? Living on Earth? Tavis Smiley? Admittedly a small part of their lineup, but seems like they're always on when I want to listen.

The radio answer these days is online. http://tunein.com/radio/Jazz-c57944/
But support your local broadcast station too.

Kevin Murray · February 27th, 2013, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeBop

Four and a half years on, I've "refined my thinking" about KCSM and even about Alisa Clancy. Ms. Clancy and I have diferent tastes, particularly when it comes to vocals and what I consider "pop" and novelty songs. BUT she does have an enthusiastic appreciation for jazz history, all the way back to the 20s, that she shares with her audience. Bless her for that.

Jazz All Out is still a station highlight for me.

"Jazz All Out is still a station highlight for me. "

The thing about KCSM is what you mentioned about Alisa -- the enthusiasm!! With jazz these days, finding mere interest is next to impossible. Let alone enthusiasm... All the DJ's have a real passion, and whether it is in an area you love or not, it's still a passion for jazz! You can't complain about that in these times. Also, they are 24/7 with live announcements... not bad.

September 16th, 2008, 10:10 AM	#1
duaneiac Player to be named later Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 5,854	Article about KCSM-FM San Mateo jazz station depends on public to donate funds Kyveli Diener Bay Area News Group SAN MATEO -- In the on-air studio in the basement of the College of San Mateo library, KCSM Jazz 91.1 FM director of program operations Alicia Clancy sings along to the tune she is playing on her show, "A Morning Cup of Jazz." Her co-host, Michael Burman, taps his pen furiously on the desk in time with the drummer on the recording. The music and energy from the station's disc jockeys has attracted a following of loyal listeners, upon whose donations the station relies for 70 percent of its $1.2 million annual operating cost. KCSM holds on-air pledge drives three times a year to raise funds, but in today's battered economy, convincing people to give money to a public radio station is an uphill battle. "When you worry about putting gas in your car and milk on your table, you have to make decisions," said KCSM general manager Marilyn Lawrence. "When we're the second or third choice, all of the sudden someone doesn't give anymore. So it makes it a little harder." Clancy said that each pledge drive is expected to earn the station approximately $300,000, which is enough to operate for three months or so. The funds raised, however, have been falling short of that goal for several years and Clancy said she knows it is due to the economy. She said the station always manages to balance out a low fundraiser with an increased amount on the next drive. After one particularly dismal showing, Clancy said she warned her listeners that, without their support, the first item that would be lost would be the station's Web site, which they operate at the cost of $50,000 annually. She said pledges flowed in after that announcement, showing the importance of the Web site. The site, www.kcsm.org, attracts millions of listeners from around the world, including France, Brazil and Norway. Listeners can hear streaming jazz and interviews in real time at no cost. The fact that the Web site is not helping to raise more funds for the station has confused and bothered one longtime listener, who asked not to be identified. The listener suggested that the KCSM Web site make available archived music and interviews which Internet listeners would pay to access. He calculated that this could result in an additional $8.1 million annually for the station even if less than 1 percent of potential listeners paid $60 per year for this access. "The music is the bottom line, and that's the pull. There's a passion that people have for this art form," the listener said. "If other publicly owned stations can archive programmed segments so the (people) scattered in other parts of the world can listen to these programs in a convenient time zone for them, (why can't KCSM?)" Though KPFA 94.1 FM in Berkeley does have archived music and interviews on its Web site, Lawrence said that because KCSM is licensed through the College of San Mateo, the station's actions must be first approved by the college's governing board. When the station asked about archiving previously broadcast music on the Web site, Lawrence said the board said any copyrighted work is subject to copyright laws. "I don't want to be in litigation," Lawrence said, adding that the interest of an interview may be lost if the copyrighted music is removed. "I'm not sure of the value. I have different listeners tell me different things for whether there's value with or without the music." Clancy said that in three or four years, the copyright laws may allow the station to post archived music on its Web site. Plans also include digitizing the station's library, the country's third largest, which contains many recordings that will never be rereleased, and a larger studio where guests can perform live for shows, which may be broadcast online through a Web cam. But Clancy is optimistic about the current fund drive, because she believes that people still value things like public jazz stations enough to donate. Clancy said she has faith that the economic future will be more stable than the economic present. "I'm pretty confident things will improve," she said. "Even in a recession, your music, art, and culture float to the top because you've got to have it." http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10477817?source=rss

September 21st, 2008, 09:05 AM	#5
Tom 1960 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kingston, New York Posts: 947	The best thing about KSCM IMO, is Sonny Buxton. If there's a better show on the net, tell me about it! __________________ http://talk-music.proboards.com

February 27th, 2013, 10:04 AM	#6
Kevin Murray Drummer and B3 Freak Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 206	Sorry to bump a very old thread, but I would still highly suggest KCSM. I am very into jazz organ (as you most likely have noticed), and on Tuesday nights there is my favorite deejay, Pete Fallico. He plays some organ himself and has provided B3's for countless Bay Area gigs I've attended. He plays a lot of B3 jazz, and I really enjoy staying up late on Tuesday nights rocking out and thinking about how to make it through the week at school. Also, KCSM buys the NPR programs "Jazz at Lincoln Center", "Piano Jazz" (all re-runs now) and "Jazz Profiles" (my favorite.) These run Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9.00-10.00 PT. Over all, KCSM is my favorite jazz station, whether online or over the airwaves. They also have high-quality streaming on their site, and a great database "The Jazz Datebook" with San Fransisco-area shows listed. Its also easy to list your shows. Go check it out. __________________ All the Best, Kevin. My band's site: parhelionjazz.bandcamp.com

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September 16th, 2008, 11:21 AM	#2
BeBop Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Earth Posts: 327	Since I travel all the time, I don't have a 'home' radio station, but I tend to pledge to one, U.S. public radio station. (I can't listen on-line very often, since I seldom have high-speed connections.) KCSM definitely (and Ms.Clancy in particular) isn't to my taste. But supporting public radio is still a worthwhile thing. I can remember pledging to the old KJAZ.