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For Program Directors
A Quick Description of BirdNote®
BirdNote is a self-contained two-minute feature about the intriguing ways of birds. Each episode mixes high-quality natural audio, upbeat music, and entertaining stories. Airing originally on KPLU, Seattle/Tacoma, the show is now heard from California to Connecticut, and Texas to Alaska. BirdNote is not “just another nature program.” Shows convey a strong sense of place, from urban to rural, from the Arctic to Argentina.
"I get comments all the time from enthusiastic listeners who don’t know one bird from another. They love BirdNote!" -- Chris Felcyn, WRCJ-FM/Detroit, music host
Radio Track Record
BirdNote is a big hit on stations where it airs. KPLU aired it weekdays since February 2005, and in 2008 began airing it daily. KPLU Assistant General Manager Joey Cohn reports extremely positive listener response to BirdNote. In a 2009 survey, more than 97% of listeners surveyed said BirdNote is good to great.
BirdNote Brings in Revenue with Premiums During Appeals
BirdNote brings in memberships. Our stunning calendar has yielded close to $250,000 as a premium for KPLU during five fund drives.
Underwriting
BirdNote also attracts underwriting. WNPR/Hartford drew $96,000 in premiums and private underwriting for BirdNote in a little over two years.
BirdNote Basics
- Free of charge. Distributed digitally via ContentDepot. Custom promos and fundraising support available. Exclusivity negotiable.
- BirdNote delivers the high quality that listeners expect from public radio. The program is produced by radio veteran John Kessler, All Blues host and producer on KPLU and former musical director of NPR's Mountain Stage. The theme music was composed and performed by Grammy-award-winning musician Nancy Rumbel. The rich variety of bird sounds is provided by The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
Audience Appeal of BirdNote
BirdNote super-serves the interests of public radio listeners, particularly socially conscious, environmentally concerned nature enthusiasts. BirdNote is appointment radio, a tune-in magnet. Listeners say they tune in just to hear the show and that it’s part of their morning routine. 67% of survey participants listen to the show four to seven times per week. And as loyalty increases, so does listener support. More than 50% of BirdNote listeners report they are regular contributors to their stations.
Listener Comments
“BirdNote is like morning coffee, and my morning isn't complete without it.”
-- KPLU Listener
“Was there life before BirdNote? I don't think so ....”
-- Nancy N.
“Our morning revolves around listening to BirdNote on KPLU. It is our favorite radio show. We appreciate the information, bird sounds and especially the humor packed into those brief segments.”
-- George and Lynne J.
“I love BirdNote. Listening to BirdNote is like a bag of Lay's potato chips (you can't eat just one).”
-- Kim N.
“I have been known to shut off the shower I'm taking in order to hear BirdNote on the radio! It is the best two minutes of my day!”
-- Vicki W.
Try BirdNote on Your Station
As a short feature, it's the perfect segue between the news and other programming, or a sound-rich, tune-in addition to your local news or music program.
References
"There's a close affinity between BirdNote and the NPR core audience. BirdNote is well-crafted and entertaining."
-- Joey Cohn, Assistant General Manager / Director of Content, KPLU
jcohn@kplu.org, 206-922-1033
"We've discovered that BirdNote generates good revenue for our fall on-air and online campaigns. Year One exceeded all expectations. I recommend it!"
-- Jack Callahan, Director of Membership, WNPR/CPTV
"After more than five years of airing the show, I hear more and more love for BirdNote."
-- Paul Stankavich, General Manager, KPLU
