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Media Release: New WKMS Fund Unveiled to Honor Kate B. Lochte

Matt Markgraf, WKMS

WKMS-FM, Murray State’s NPR station, is proud to announce the “Kate B. Lochte Transmission Fund.” A quiet campaign to honor the station’s retiring manager began in June. The fund, to be used for equipment and infrastructure needs, was unveiled to a crowd of friends, listeners, donors and a surprised Lochte during a retirement reception Monday, August 31. 

The Station Manager, interviewer and storyteller spent 27 years as a public radio companion. And many listeners came to thank her for her leadership and bid her farewell.

MSU President Bob Davies honored Kate with thoughtful insight on her tenure as station manager noting the quality content produced by WKMS and the expansion of the radio station’s “footprint” in our region reaching nearly 6700 square miles under Kate’s leadership.

The transmission fund campaign has thus far netted $30,000. The fund is anticipated to grow so there needn’t be a moment the region is without WKMS. Furthermore, the Murray State University’s naming committee will consider a proposal to name the WKMS transmission and operations center in honor of Lochte and her leadership. The proposal also requires approval from MSU’s Board of Regents.

An anonymous listener gift of $10,000 was the base of the fund, with over 100 others contributing their support. Kate said of the fund, “Many of you have been taking care of this station longer than I’ve been here. Thank you, especially. As a member of the community of listeners I hope we’ll get this fund up to $150,000 together.”

Development Director, Asia Burnett says it’s the perfect way to honor Kate. “She’s so dedicated to this radio station. Any gift we gave her, she would have donated right back to WKMS. This way, her legacy of keeping WKMS strong continues for many years to come."

Chad Lampe will be taking the helm as Interim Station Manager, as a national search is conducted. The award-winning News Director is also on the national board for Public Radio News Directors.

You can make your gift to the Kate B. Lochte Transmission Fund at wkms.org, or by mailing a check to 2018 University Station, Murray KY 42071, and including “Kate fund” in the comments. All gifts will ensure that vital broadcasting equipment remains operational for the listening community in years to come.

WKMS broadcasts a continuous, comprehensive mix of news and music, with stations including 91.3 WKMS-FM, WKMS HD-1 and All-Music HD-2, Murray; 90.9 WKMD, WKMD HD-1 and HD-2, Madisonville; 89.5 WKMT, Fulton; and All-Classical 92.5 Paducah, 88.9 Murray and 105.1 Madisonville. WKMS also streams both its News and All Classical channels online at wkms.org, a robust website offering playlists, regional news and an online contribution page. For more call 1-800-599-4737.

Jenni holds a degree in Music Education from Murray State University and a Masters degree in Arts Administration from Florida State University's College of Music. She's equipped with knowledge and enthusiasm for fundraising and the arts. She also serves as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and on the Murray Independent School District Foundation for Excellence Board of Directors.
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