Letter from the President

Although difficult to believe, it has been TEN years since WYPR became a part of the community.  Launched on February 1, 2002, WYPR is governed by our board of directors consisting entirely of Maryland residents who love public radio.  In the past ten years WYPR has achieved a great deal, but I would like to take a moment to list, in no particular order, some of my favorite WYPR accomplishments of the past ten years.

* We created a vibrant news department which tackles complex issues affecting our communities.

* We created longer form programming like “68 The Fire Last Time”, “At Risk Youth”, “Last Rites”,  and “Growing Up Baltimore” and many, many more.

* We created The Signal, which has consistantly been recognized as one of the great arts and cultural programs in Baltimore.

* We created Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast which has won numerous journalism awards.

* We created a vibrant Community Advisory Board  that provides important links to the communities we serve.

* We connected our listeners with community leaders, scientists, politicians, artists, authors and many other fascinating people. WYPR has become a virtual daily town hall meeting open for all to participate.

* We have grown by more than 100,000 listeners each week.

* We have increased our operating budget from $1.7 million in 2001 to over $$5.0 million this year,  supporting significantly more local programming.

* We have supported over 200  non-profits each year with on-air support.

* We have added an Education reporter to report specifically on the complex issues of education in Maryland.

* We presented and  celebrated with many of the personalities you hear every day on NPR, such as Terry Gross, Diane Rehm, Rene Montane, Garrison Keeler, Cokie Roberts,  Ira Glass, Bob Mondello, Diana Nyad and many, many others.

Each year you have supported WYPR in a very powerful way.  It is because of your support as our listeners and members that WYPR has been able to accomplish so much.  We cannot thank you enough for the success;  and over the rest of this year, we hope that you will join WYPR in celebrating our 10th Anniversary with many of the events that we have scheduled.  

Thank you again.

Anthony Brandon
President and General Manager