CapRadio Enjoys Ratings Spike and Resilient Membership Support
Sacramento, CA - December 11, 2023: CapRadio is making notable progress under the leadership of Interim President and General Manager Tom Karlo. Despite financial challenges, listenership and membership is increasing.
Since a critical CSU audit was released in September, CapRadio has seen a strong commitment of support from the community. Over the last several months, nearly 7,000 CapRadio members have increased their monthly support or given one-time gifts — and 1,200 new members have joined CapRadio — to support the future of public media in the region.
CapRadio revamped its news station format, streamlining operations and redirecting resources to offer more local news coverage. Launched in October, listeners hear at least one live local newscast or headline every 15 minutes on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. In the latest Nielsen ratings, CapRadio saw a substantial increase in share of listeners, number of times spent listening each week and top P1 listeners who choose CapRadio over every other station.
CapRadio continues to improve local audience service by developing a more collaborative relationship between its newsroom and flagship news-talk show, Insight with Vicki Gonzalez, providing a deeper dive into stories around the region. CapRadio is also moving the daily program from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in early January to reach a larger share of listeners who will be able to listen live to the popular local news show.
Additionally, CapRadio’s classical and jazz station made changes to improve daily production workflows, allowing its hosts more time to create local content and engage with the community. The beloved holiday music series Sounds of the Season launched in December, now with nearly twice the number of locally produced shows.
“CapRadio is taking swift and decisive action to get our house in order and focus on our mission — serving our community as a trusted and reliable resource that informs and educates,” Karlo said. “As we work closely with Sacramento State to address our financial situation, I want to reassure our listeners and members that they can expect high-quality local services and programming from NPR and other partners. We still have a long way to go, but we’re making progress, and I want to thank everyone who has continued to support us during this challenging time.”
Sacramento State President Luke Wood lauded CapRadio.
“We are encouraged and pleased by CapRadio’s progress. It’s evident in the growing listenership and membership base that CapRadio and the community are moving ahead and not dwelling on past problems,” Wood said. “I’m proud of the work done by Tom Karlo and CapRadio staff.”
CapRadio is an official auxiliary of Sac State and operates using the University’s broadcasting license.
About CapRadio
CapRadio serves California’s Capital Region, Central Valley and Sierra Nevada as a public-supported alternative to for-profit media. As the NPR Member station based in Sacramento, CapRadio connects with communities through seven broadcast stations, live streaming, podcasts, digital communities, live experiences and more. Known for its award-winning newsroom, CapRadio is recognized as a leader in state government reporting and community-engaged journalism, and CapRadio Music is the exclusive broadcast source of classical and jazz in the region. As the managing operators of NSPR in Chico and KHSU in Humboldt, more than 550,000 people each week choose CapRadio as a valued source of news, storytelling, music and events. CapRadio is a Sacramento State auxiliary and operates under the University’s broadcasting license.
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CONTACT:
Chris Bruno
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