KXLU raised a record amount of more than $114,000 during the station’s annual Fundrazor this fall. The success of this year’s fundraising efforts points to the loyalty of the commercial-free station’s devoted listeners.
As an educational station that broadcasts from the campus of Loyola Marymount University, KXLU 88.9 FM is operated by its student, faculty and volunteer staff. Since the majority of their funding for KXLU comes from listener donations, the annual Fundrazor is crucial in keeping the station on air.
“KXLU is able to thrive and ultimately exist because of the financial support we receive each year from our community of listeners,” says Lydia Ammossow, KXLU/KLMU Advisor. “They enable us to elevate the collective vibration and voice of the independent musician and underrepresented genres of music. We are deeply grateful to each and every listener who believes in and supports the work we do to a make a difference in our corner of the world.”
Marina Aguerre, the KXLU General Manager, attributes the Fundrazor’s success to the new KXLU.com website.
“It’s so polished and considerably easier to navigate,” Aguerre says about the site. “Listeners could pledge online in a quick and more convenient way than ever before.”
According to Aguerre, a Film and Television Production major from La Jolla, KXLU’s Web and Media Director also designed a social media campaign featuring all original content and DJ participation, which helped spread the word about the fundraising campaign.
Without the donations made during the Fundrazor’s 10-day period, KXLU would not have the necessary means to carry on all the great things they do at the station, Aguerre says. KXLU broadcasts live 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and the staff works to provide diverse and eclectic musical programming for the greater Los Angeles community.
“Our listeners trust us to curate amazing music, to entertain their long LA traffic episodes and to be a vessel of communication between the artist and listener,” adds Aguerre, who joined the KXLU staff after stumbling upon the station’s booth at ClubFest during her first year at LMU. Two years later, Aguerre manages the station and has her own show from 2 to 6 a.m. every Wednesday.
With the goal of showcasing underrepresented artists and musical genres, KXLU plays a role in the Los Angeles music scene by producing and promoting local concerts. First airing in 1957, KXLU has helped break bands such as Nirvana, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more.
With a commitment to diverse programming, KXLU is also home to Alma Del Barrio, one of the most successful and longest running Latin radio programs in the country. In October 2014, KXLU and Alma Del Barrio hosted the first ever Salsa Festival on LMU’s campus.
“The absolute best part about KXLU is that we do our best to uphold the original purpose of rock radio — to expose listeners to as much good, unique music as possible,” Aguerre says. “Because of this, we have such a strong community of close-knit music lovers, listeners and DJs alike.”
This spring, KXLU is set to host its third annual KXLU Fest on campus. Last year’s lineup featured Colleen Green, La Sera, The Muffs, Tony Molina and HABITS. LMU student bands Hallie & The Husbands, Marzoña and Arms Akimbo also performed at the festival.
Visit KXLU.com to learn more about the station, listen to the live broadcast and view their schedule, playlists and more.
By Nathalie Rubin