Fundraising During Turbulent Times

Like stations, everyone at CDP has witnessed the social unrest taking place across the country over the past several days. While peaceful protests have long played an important role in American democracy and Martin Luther King, Jr once called riots “the language of the unheard,” watching these events unfold can be an emotional, confusing and deeply concerning experience.

At CDP, we remain committed not only to the enduring ideals of equality and justice, but to supporting stations’ ability to shine a light on complex subjects and provide a platform where diverse voices can engage in civil discussion and meaningful debate.

To that end, our recommendation for fundraising during this time is to forge ahead with the deployment of existing fundraising calendars. And while we aren’t recommending a complete re-write of existing print, digital and on-air copy, we do suggest that, in the short-term, language be updated where possible to acknowledge recent events and stations’ role in the conversation about them.

Of course, stations will need to assess the situation in their local market and adjust their plans to what’s happening locally, but the recommendation remains: adjust, but do not suspend, fundraising.

The continuation of fundraising during these turbulent times will help ensure stations have the resources needed to fulfill their local public service mission at a time when their community needs them most.