Just 17 months after gaining full independence from Iowa State University, Iowa Public Radio has successfully raised more than $8 million to power the network throughout the future. IPR’s initial goal was set at $6.5 million.
Around $1 million will be invested in technological advancements to maximize broadcast reach throughout Iowa. IPR aims to allocate an additional $2 million towards partnerships for in-depth and investigative reporting, as well as enhancing arts and culture coverage.
Additionally, a $3.5 million endowment fund was established before the campaign to secure financial stability for IPR. Supported by more than 200 donors, the network is now largely funded by listener donations following budget cuts by state lawmakers and a 10% funding reduction by the Iowa Board of Regents.
Iowa Public Radio Executive Director Myrna Johnson told the Iowa City Press-Citizen, “I think what this shows is a strong commitment to ensuring there’s strong information so that we have strong communities and vibrant communities in our state…It’s just so heartening to hear about and learn of this support here, for what we do, for Iowa Public Radio,” Johnson said. “It’s just so exciting to see the community really rally around the need for support for journalism and for IPR in particular.”
