Anonymous Donation Breathes New Life into KLRE Classical Music Station
In a generous display of support for the arts, Little Rock Public Radio has received a $100,000 gift from an anonymous donor to support KLRE Classical 90.5.
The substantial donation comes at a key time for the classical music station, which is in need of equipment upgrades and infrastructure repairs at the site of KLRE’s transmitter.
“We have an anonymous donor who knows about these issues and cares very much about preserving KLRE for future generations,” said Jonathan Seaborn, general manager of Little Rock Public Radio. “In the future, we will probably need between $250,000 and $500,000 to complete the needed repairs at the transmitter site. This gift allows us to get started on the work and is a huge step in the right direction for KLRE.”
Little Rock Public Radio had already started work by removing overgrown trees that were in danger of hitting KLRE’s transmitter during storms. The unexpected gift ensures that listeners will continue to enjoy the rich tapestry of classical music, reaffirming the station’s vital role in the community’s cultural landscape.
“This gift means a lot to us at Little Rock Public Radio, especially knowing that someone out there cares so much about classical music in Arkansas,” Seaborn said. “Most people would guess that classical music isn’t always commercially viable, even though it brings immense joy and culture to the world. We need the support of the community to ensure continued access to the arts in communities that otherwise wouldn’t have access. We are excited to be good stewards of this gift and want to bring quality classical music to central Arkansas for decades to come.”
Housed within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, Little Rock Public Radio, home of KUAR FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical 90.5, is a public service unit of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. University students gain professional experience by working as interns and part-time staff members who take part in all aspects of KLRE and KUAR operations with a specific focus on news reporting and broadcast production.
