Valley Public Radio/FM89 is breaking ground for a new permanent facility at a ceremony on May 19th3-5PM at the Technology Park in Clovis. The Assemi Family, together with the James Irvine Foundation and lead donors, have made it possible for Valley Public Radio to raise $1.6 million dollars in preparation for ground breaking and the start of construction. These funds are dedicated to building a new facility, which can further community reporting and support civic engagement.
“Valley Public Radio serves one of the most diverse regions of any NPR station, a region deeply critical to California and to its future,” says Don Howard, CEO for the James Irvine Foundation. “The James Irvine Foundation recognizes the importance of this region and values the crucial role Valley Public Radio plays with their high-quality in-depth reporting and community engagement. We couldn’t be more excited to support this work.”
"Engaging and Enriching The Community" - Project At A Glance:
- Total project cost: $4.5 million
- Immediate need: $1 million
- Estimated completion date: Early 2016
- Source of funds: Private donors, foundations, community organizations and local businesses.
- Lead gifts: James Irvine Foundation, Granville Homes/The Assemi Family, Bee & Bernard Barmann
- Square footage: 10,500
- General contractor: Zumwalt Construction, Inc.
- Architect: RDT Architecture
- Studios and production rooms: 8
- Tower height: 70 feet
In December of 2013, Valley Public Radio purchased the parcel in the Technology Park. The land was paid for through the generosity of donors. The next phase required raising sufficient funds prior to ground breaking, which has now been achieved. “We look forward to an exciting 2015, heralded with a ground breaking and the construction of a new permanent broadcast center,” says Mariam Stepanian, President and General Manager. “We are creating an even stronger voice for the community, and a physical gathering place as well.”
The new Valley Public Radio facility will inspire voices for sharing the stories of the people of the San Joaquin Valley, combined with news from NPR. This will be a unique opportunity for accessing information on local, state and national issues, while offering students the opportunity to learn about journalism reporting and the business of successful public media. FM89 will continue in the tradition of celebrating classical and jazz music, and present both local and guest artists on a multitude of media platforms.
The new facility is a strong testament to the value of public radio to its listeners, partners, and to its role in establishing and sustaining a healthy community. Valley Public Radio is committed to expanding your world through voices that inform and sounds that inspire with the vision to bridge artistic expressions, and give voice to the diversity of valley communities.
Valley Public Radio continues to provide quality content to expanding and diverse audiences reaching listeners throughout Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties, as well as portions of Mariposa, Tuolumne, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties. Valley Public Radio is heard on FM89.3 KVPR Fresno, FM89.1 KPRX Bakersfield, and online at www.kvpr.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
