To ensure the development of South Florida’s only classical radio station by supplying challenge funds to motivate listeners’ financial support
Winner: Classical South Florida
Amount: $250,000
About the project: Under the leadership of Douglas C. Evans, vice president and general manager, Classical South Florida 89.7 Miami/Fort Lauderdale and 101.9 in the Palm Beaches began broadcasting in October 2007. It is the only nonprofit member-supported public radio station in South Florida dedicated to broadcasting classical music in the region. The station is dedicated to providing a vibrant – and uniquely regional – classical music service. Classical South Florida is proud to partner with local arts organizations to offer live broadcasts of the Cleveland Orchestra at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and present nationally renowned classical programs including Performance Today, SymphonyCast, Pipedreams and Saint Paul Sunday.
Project Web site: http://classicalsouthflorida.publicradio.org
About the winner: For six years, South Florida was the largest U.S. urban area without an all-classical public radio station. This grant will help the recently-launched Classical South Florida 89.7 fill that void and build a base of support. Knight Foundation will match listeners’ donations up to $250,000, providing a compelling incentive for supporting the station. Classical South Florida also will help local arts organizations with promotions, shared advertising and outreach.