KPLU backers raising money to save station

The crusade to save KPLU has been joined.

Supporters on Monday announced the beginning of an effort to raise $7 million to transfer ownership of the jazz, blues and public radio station into an independent, community-based operation.

Pacific Lutheran University, the current owner, announced late last year that it had agreed to sell the station to the University of Washington, which operates its own public radio outlet, KUOW. Fans of the Parkland station soon gathered in person and on social media to protest the decision, and a support committee formed the “Save KPLU” campaign.

The group announced Monday that it has raised an initial $150,000.

Joey Cohn, KPLU general manager, noted in an online letter to supporters that PLU has allowed him to lead the community campaign in concert with Stephen Tan, chairman of the KPLU Community Advisory Council.

Cohn said in a KPLU interview that the group would have until June 30 to raise sufficient funds. Should the effort not succeed, the transaction with KUOW would recommence.

“This campaign is a huge challenge, but one we are excited about and know we can achieve because of the passion and support for KPLU from the many big-hearted listeners in our community,” Cohn wrote. “It is, indeed, our defining moment.”

For more information, go to kplu.org/save-kplu.

This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 7:15 AM with the headline "KPLU backers raising money to save station."