I am pleased to announce that as of yesterday, June 30th, Yuko Kodama’s contract has officially been renewed for another year!

The outpouring of support for Yuko and the social justice focused work she does with KBCS has been overwhelming. You did it. Thank you for speaking up. You made a difference for not only for yourself and Yuko, you made a difference for our entire community. 

We need voices like yours in our community now more than ever. We need people who aren’t afraid to speak up and speak out. We need more people like you, and we’re so glad you helped us accomplish this common goal.

As the Membership Director at KBCS, I get to interact with our listeners on a daily basis and talk about the value of the news and information on the station. At the same time, it’s also my responsibility to let you know when the station needs your support. There are real financial concerns awaiting KBCS as we start the first day of our new fiscal year today. The station needs your help to operate sustainably. Bellevue College has tasked KBCS with becoming completely self-sufficient, with no financial support from the college. This means KBCS must raise an additional $150,000 this fiscal year (Jul 1, 2020 - Jun 30, 2021) on top of its normal budget to remain viable (See Interim President Gary Locke's email here).

While this may be daunting, I know first-hand that KBCS listeners and supporters are some of the most socially active, generous, and determined people I have ever served, and I am certain we can overcome these hurdles together. 

If you’ve listened to KBCS but haven’t been able to support in the past, if it’s been awhile since you’ve last supported, or if you have the means to make a special additional gift in support of the college’s decision, please consider a contribution to KBCS today, and help KBCS start its new fiscal year off stronger than ever.

I am grateful to KBCS management, Bellevue College Interim President Gary Locke, and all the leaders who listened closely to our concerns and came together to find a solution that put KBCS’s dedication to social justice and under-served populations ahead of finances. Decisions like this give me hope for the future. 

There is a glaring, bold-faced inequity in our country that exists in our history and society. It is so ingrained into the fiber of our country, many cannot even see it or have become complacent to ignore it. I am happy to say that with Yuko at KBCS, the station can continue to stare directly back at that inequity and call it out for what it is, and lift everyone up, no matter who they are.With Gratitude,

Ben Brandow
KBCS Membership Director