I recently returned from a day of meetings with members of the NJ congressional delegation, where I offered thanks for their vital support of WBGO, and encouraged them to move forward in addressing the new uncertainty in public media funding.
This wasn’t my first visit to The Hill on behalf of you and all BGO faithful, but this trip was different from years past. And not because of the sense of urgency brought on by recent threats to public media. More notably, this trip inspired in me a sparkling optimism for the complex road ahead.
What justifies my positive outlook at a time like this?
My conversations with Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Andy Kim, Rep. Rob Menendez and members of their respective staffs affirmed my pride in WBGO’s accomplishments; broadened my understanding of our deeply influential legacy as an arts and culture anchor; and most of all, re-instilled my confidence in bi-partisan support for our efforts as we weather yet another affront to public media. Regardless of policy shifts or political partisanship, our commitment to continue our mission is unyielding.
To borrow a phrase from a former resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, our relationship with you is a profile in courage. The coming together of listeners, members, philanthropic organizations, and business leaders for one public service is nothing short of heroic. Think of the countless small NJ businesses that have disappeared in the four-and-a-half decades since we signed on—and yet here we are, one non-profit organization, still standing, the beneficiary of years of generosity from foundations, corporations, city and state governments and most importantly, you.
And it is with you, our listener, foremost in mind, that WBGO will continue to lead the way as the world’s preeminent jazz media organization, despite changes in leadership, seismic upheaval in our sphere of influence, and ongoing challenging fiscal circumstances.
My WBGO family knows me to be, among other things, a student of audience metrics. The data points that most inspire me are seeing that thousands of people like you have contributed more than $2 million annually, through thick and thin, for the past two decades.
Over the years, when our future was clouded with uncertainty, your enthusiastic support has provided clarity of purpose. As just one example, during the COVID-19 recession, we raised more than a million dollars in just a couple of months' time—and a record-breaking quarter of a million dollars in a single day. That was because of you.
Therein rests the justification for my optimism: with astonishing regularity, you have proven that WBGO is an unsinkable vessel. With each day that you listen, you remind me that it’s possible to “reach across the aisle;” to reinforce our common bond as stewards of this vital institution, in service to New Jersey, New York and the world at-large; and to keep the sound of WBGO alive and well for generations to come.
This, I know, with thoughtful and unyielding optimism. And whatever may happen in Washington, DC, I’m confident that you will be standing in spirit with us here in Newark, forever.
You hear us...and we hear you. WBGO is here to stay. Now let’s get to work!
Onward and upward!
Steven A. Williams
President and CEO
