What does WRR’s transition to KERA management mean?

(Updated April 20, 2023)

WRR and KERA are so excited to enter the next chapter of classical music in North Texas together! Have a question? We’ve compiled an FAQ to help:

What is WRR’s relationship to KERA?

  • WRR is managed and operated by KERA, and owned by the City of Dallas. This means that while the City owns the station, KERA handles the station’s day-to-day management and programming decisions.

The City Council unanimously approved KERA’s management in 2022, much to the joy of listeners and our local arts community. KERA’s explicit goal in managing WRR is to keep the station a locally programmed, classical station, and to support and amplify our classical music and arts communities in North Texas.

Who are the Friends of WRR?

  • The Friends of WRR is a nonprofit organization that was formed to advocate for WRR and the arts in North Texas. To help the station, the Friends used to fundraise on behalf of WRR. Previously, as a City entity, WRR was not able to raise essential funds on its own behalf — and so, the Friends served as a conduit of support. Now, however, WRR is under KERA’s management and is a noncommercial station. This means the station is able to fundraise for immediate and future needs on its own behalf and hold membership campaigns, similar to those heard on KERA News and KXT.

How do I support WRR?

  • Thank you for asking! The best way to support WRR and classical music in North Texas is to become a member of WRR by giving monthly at wrr101.org/give. In fact, WRR will hold its first public radio membership campaign on May 10-19, 2023. We hope you will tune in and be a part of this inaugural and exciting chapter for the station! 

What do the Friends of WRR do now?

  • The Friends of WRR have been very supportive of KERA’s management of WRR, and both KERA and WRR are thrilled to work in tandem with them through his process! Moving forward, the Friends of WRR will no longer fundraise on behalf of the station, but will continue as a separate nonprofit organization to advise and advocate for WRR. In 2023, the Friends of WRR Board of Directors will become a Community Advisory Board for WRR.

I am a Friend of WRR — what will happen to my Friends of WRR membership?

  • Thank you for your support of WRR through the Friends of WRR! Your past support truly has helped WRR get to where it is today. Moving forward, the Friends will no longer fundraise on behalf of WRR. The best way to support WRR and classical music in our community is by becoming a member of WRR at www.wrr101.org/give. You can become a member at any time, though WRR will hold its first public radio membership campaign May 10-19, 2023.

I still want to be a Friend of WRR.

  • Super! Although they won’t fundraise for the station, the Friends of WRR will exist to advocate and advise the station as needed. Membership with the Friends of WRR is now free. You cansign up here to stay connected with the Friends moving forward.

When I donate to WRR, what benefits will I receive?

  • As a WRR member donating at least $5 a month (or $60+ annually), you’ll receive access to KERA Passport — an on-demand streaming service for PBS programs — and a members rewards program. When you provide your email, we’ll send you a monthly member e-newsletter. With a donation of $1,500 or more, you’ll receive invitations to at least two private major donor events per year and a personal major donor liaison will keep you up to date.

I still have a question about my membership.

What is changing on WRR?

  • KERA has transitioned WRR to a noncommercial, all-classical station, rather than a commercial station. Under this noncommercial format, listeners can expect to hear less advertising and even MORE of the classical music programming they love.

What does it mean to be “non-commercial?”

  • Commercial stations are largely funded by advertisers, and thus air long blocks of advertisements in between music sets. Comparatively, noncommercial stations do not air advertisements at all. They are largely supported by individuals who give to support the station, as well as funding from grants, corporate/foundation donations, and sponsorships. Occasionally you will hear sponsorship spots on the air, but there is significantly more airtime for music.

Will WRR stay in Fair Park?

  • Yes! As part of the terms of agreement, WRR will operate out of its studios in Fair Park for at least the next seven years.

Why did WRR discontinue the Sunday morning church broadcasts and Saturday morning financial shows?

  • KERA’s explicit goal is to keep WRR as a classical station, and serve listeners with more of what they love about the station — classical music. This means WRR is no longer airing any programming that is not explicitly classical music or classical music programming. This transition is in line with industry best practices to air programs that fit the station’s format — in this case, classical programming. We are proud to deepen WRR’s commitment to classical music and the arts, but of course understand this may be a difficult transition for those who listen to beloved programs. Both KERA and WRR are so grateful to all of WRR’s broadcast partners over the years!