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BirdNoir: The Mystery of Public Media Funding
The Private Eye settles a bet between a husband and wife.
© Cuatrok77
In this episode of BirdNoir, the Private Eye gets a call from his pal Roy asking to know how BirdNote stays on the air. His wife says the show is funded by listener donations, but Roy can’t believe it. Roy even made a bet that he’d make a donation himself if her story were true. The private eye gives him an answer that has Roy grabbing his pocket book.
BirdNote®
BirdNoir: The Mystery of Public Media Funding
Written by Jonese Franklin and Mark Bramhill
Michael Stein: This is BirdNoir. I’m Private Eye Michael Stein.
When starting out to solve a mystery, remember this: follow the money. Although sometimes, that’s to find out who to thank. Like when my pal Roy called me…
Roy: Hey Michael, settle a bet for me. My wife and I were listening to BirdNote this morning and she said that BirdNote is funded by donations from listeners! That can’t be right, can it? It’s gotta be money from radio stations or something.
Michael Stein: On the contrary, my good man. BirdNote is an independent nonprofit that gets almost all of its funding from listeners like you!
Roy: Wow, so it’s like how public radio stations are funded…by the people!
Michael Stein: Exactly. Listeners make BirdNote possible when they donate at BirdNote dot org.
Roy: You know what, Michael, I’m gonna make a donation. I listen to BirdNote every day and I just love hearing those beautiful songs. And you know, I did tell my wife if she was right that BirdNote is funded by the people, I’d support the show too. It’s only fair. I better head on over to BirdNote dot org right now.
Michael Stein: Good idea, Roy — and for the listeners, too — better to go ahead and donate to BirdNote now before you move on with your day and forget. It takes just a couple of minutes and it makes a big difference. Donate now at BirdNote dot org, and keep us on the case.
Roy: I see the donate button right there, I’m gonna click it right now — oh I need my credit card. [leaning away from phone] Hey, hey Sharon? Bring the credit card!
I’m Michael Stein, Private Eye.
Roy: I’m gonna make a donation to BirdNote, like we talked about? Our favorite radio show BirdNote!
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Senior Producer: Mark Bramhill
Producer: Sam Johnson
Managing Editor: Jazzi Johnson
Managing Producer: Ariana Remmel
Content Director: Jonese Franklin
BirdNote’s theme was composed and played by Nancy Rumbel and John Kessler.
© 2025 BirdNote April 2025
Narrator: Michael Stein
ID# FUND-19-2025-04-08 FUND-19
