Classical KUCO Launches Fall 2025 Fundraising Drive with $150,000 Goal
Sept. 30, 2025
Classical KUCO 90.1 FM, the University of Central Oklahoma’s performing arts radio station, has launched its Fall 2025 Fundraising Drive with a goal of $150,000 to sustain its mission of bringing classical and performing arts music to Central Oklahoma. The on-air drive ends at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3.
Since 1966, KUCO has provided a unique, commercial-free listening experience, shared world-class music while spotlighting local performing arts talent. When federal Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) funding ended, KUCO lost 24% of its operating budget, which had previously supported music licensing, technical operations, online streaming, emergency alerts and program assistance.
“While much of the national conversation has focused on the impact of federal funding cuts to NPR and PBS, non-news stations like Classical KUCO feel the consequences just as deeply,” said Jeff Hagy, KUCO general manager.
“Our mission is to serve Central Oklahoma through music and cultural programming. KUCO chose not to hold emergency fundraising drives. Instead, we trust our listeners and community to help us meet this new funding challenge during our annual fall and spring drives.”
Classical KUCO offers popular programs including Exploring Music with Bill McLaughlin, Concert Hall Classics, The New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Performance Today and several hours of locally hosted classical music each weekday.
“KUCO reaches approximately 60,000 weekly listeners. If 5,000 listeners donated $60 a year—the cost of a single cup of coffee a month—the station could meet both its fall and spring drive goals. Small contributions like these make a significant difference in keeping classical music on the air,” Hagy said.
“Our listeners are our most important. Classical KUCO exists because of them. Every note of music, every performance, every broadcast is made possible by their generosity.”
KUCO invites listeners, donors and arts advocates to contribute online at classicalkuco.org or by calling 405-974-3333.
Learn more about KUCO at classicalkuco.org.
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Cutline: Classical KUCO 90.1 FM, the University of Central Oklahoma’s performing arts radio station, has launched its Fall 2025 Fundraising Drive with a goal of $150,000 to sustain its mission of bringing classical and performing arts music to Central Oklahoma. The on-air drive ends at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3.
