(Community Matters) how to find 30 families willing to give $10k per year for 3 years? Someone asked me earlier today, would we take $500k from one family and the remainder in different denominations. I answered no. In order for us to prioritize spending time on this station and in this market, I want to see broader community support at at least these levels from a bi-partisan group of investors – public radio for Midland-Odessa.
Steven and I hosted a dinner tonight at the Midland Petroleum Club – Marfa Public Radio & West Texas Public Radio board members, a couple of the staff members & spouses and prospective donors. Walking back to the hotel, we reflected on how different the conversation is from the political conversations of the last several years. We’re completely focused on bridging political divides and softening political undertones.
And, oh my gosh, times are so different here: lowest unemployment, signing bonuses, and no vacancies in housing. I’m starting to focus not only on importing national, state and regional programming but believing that we’ve got to produce and export content for other regions.
The station in Midland-Odessa will be known as the New 91.3 FM, KXWT (across west texas)
update: lots of conversation about fracking, wealth, jobs, housing, philanthropy including investment in the arts, other culture, public television & yes, of course public radio. I’m told the most menial starting jobs at any oil & gas related company start at $20/hour. People are moving to the Permian Basin from all over the world. Housing is a problem. Steven and I are enjoying meeting new people and learning so much more about West Texas
Community Matters 
Good job!
Neat to read about the progress on growing public radio in West Texas. We have friends in Midland and always enjoy visiting this neat little city. West Texas reminds me much of New Mexico, where we retired five years ago. The sense of freedom that comes from the wide-open country in both West Texas and New Mexico is, I think, responisble for the self-reliance and friendliness of the people. People can be themselves in both places. And they combine the best of the Old with the best of the New.