Yes, I am soliciting for another news outlet - but it is quite special.  KPLU public radio is based in Tacoma but via repeater antennas is present throughout Western Washington. That includes Whatcom County and Bellingham.  KPLU has outstanding news reports daily - with jazz music between. It is independent, factually trustworthy, and comprehensive.  No dumbed-down news with absurd and exaggerated lead-ins. It is a Pacific Northwest news treasure and has been on the air for decades.

Last November, we learned of a threat to dismantle it in a most nefarious manner. It was to be acquired and integrated into the other FM public radio station. The University of Washington owns KUOW and it competes, in a sense, with KPLU.  KUOW worked secretly to purchase KPLU from its owner, Pacific Lutheran University of Tacoma.  Its intention was to subsume it under KUOW and own public radio news for our area.

In the opinion of many, KUOW news is biased and controlled by the UW.  Or to put a positive spin on it, KPLU is considered much more independent and trustworthy in its news reporting than is KUOW. KPLU does not ignore important issues that are awkward for local governments and public institutions.  

Today the Seattle Times has an expose article on how the University of Washington and Pacific Luthern University conspired to keep secret their intention for UW to acquire KPLU and fold it into KUOW - and thus effectively kill its independent news coverage.  Cliff Mass, the popular NW weather blogger, has been informing us on this issue for months. Indeed, Mass has helped lead the effort to raise funds and buy KPLU from Pacific Lutheran University and make it independent.  

I am donating to that cause. Maybe only $10, but something. I hope many reading this may choose to also donate - and spread the word about this effort. We each have our own charities and causes to support and my words are not intended to suggest this cause shoud be everyone else's.  But I want you to know about it.  To donate, just go to the KPLU website. 

Locally, we can pick up the KPLU FM station at 88.7 from Bellingham, or 88.9 from Sedro Woolley. Out of Seattle it is at 88.5.