Dear JAZZ.FM91 listeners and donors,
As Managing Director of JAZZ.FM91, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and fill you in on how we are dealing with the effects of COVID-19. I also wanted to thank you for your continued support and commitment to JAZZ.FM91 and everything it stands for.
For everyone who donated to JAZZ.FM91 in the “pre-campaign” period and during the “campaign that wasn’t,” we extend our heartfelt thanks. It was a very challenging but important decision for the team at JAZZ.FM91 to come on the air last week and request your continued support. These are difficult times for everyone, including other charities in the arts and cultural sector and beyond, and particularly for musicians. I also know it is a difficult and uncertain time for many of you and your loved ones.
As a radio station and a registered charity, and at a time when we need money more than ever, we are also being charitable in our partnership with the Unison Benevolent Fund. Some of you have asked “why only 10 per cent?” Quite frankly, we need the money. But through this partnership, it is our intention to show our musicians and members of the music industry that we care. We are doing what we can. In truth, that 10% would go a long way to offset the losses we are experiencing with the cancellation of many of our International Jazz Safaris and other local events that we had planned for you.
We had a strong first half of fiscal 2020. We were moving in a much more positive direction with growth in our financials. Despite the negative impact COVID-19 has dealt us all, our team morale remains focused on delivering broadcasting excellence. Although we can’t high-five one another for our good work, our group emails among staff are filled with passion and gratitude for our respect for one another, and for the JAZZ.FM91 brand, and for you, our listeners and donors.
I want to assure you that our programming and the people who bring it to you will carry on. Our team is working harder every day (most at home, with a very small number at the station) to bring more on-air and online programming to you. We can’t see your faces, but we can feel your spirit.
I encourage you to keep visiting us online. Try out our word searches and crossword puzzles, check out our documentary recommendations and enjoy other great content to bring some distraction and entertainment to your days. And please keep telling us your stories by emailing info@jazz.fm or by reaching out to any of your favourite hosts directly. Let us share your voice with your fellow listeners and donors.