Why Donate to KTEP?
Click here to make your charitable contribution and become a member today, and be an important part of the KTEP community.
KTEP is a non-commercial, public radio station. As a non-commercial station, we have the ability to bring you different viewpoints that you won’t find on other broadcast stations, and can also broadcast music – such as classical, jazz, folk, gospel – that other stations simply do not feel is profitable for them to broadcast.
Not having commercial revenue though means that KTEP has to turn to alternative sources for funding. KTEP has an annual operating budget of over $880,000 a year. Approximately one-third of our budget comes from you, the listener. Your generous support of KTEP allows us to purchase the programming that you enjoy each day of the year. Your support makes KTEP a vital news and music source in El Paso.
Federal Funding of Public Radio
KTEP receives a grant each year from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This is money that comes from the Federal Government to support public broadcasting. Many people feel that they do not have to support KTEP because their tax dollars already pay for the operation of the station.
Our grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is only about 16 percent of our yearly operating budget. This grant is used to partially pay for programming on the station, and also pays for some of the salaries of the employees of KTEP. Unfortunately, Federal support does not pay for the entire operation of KTEP.
The amount of our Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant is based on the amount of money we bring in locally. The more money we raise locally through Membership Campaigns, the larger our Federal grant. Additionally, if we are unable to show listener support, the grant is cut out completely.
KTEP values this funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting because it pays the salaries of key employees at the station, as well as paying for some of your favorite programs. This grant is not guaranteed however. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant is a line item in the Congressional budget each year. It is not guaranteed that public broadcasting will receive this grant every year.
Support from The University of Texas at El Paso
KTEP is licensed to The University of Texas at El Paso and is operated as a public service to the region. While we receive substantial support from UTEP to cover the costs of our salaries, utilities, and facilities, the University does not provide funding for radio programming as part of our yearly budget. We rely on additional funds from donations to help purchase your favorite programs.
What does my Membership pay for?
One of the largest expenses at KTEP is the cost of programming. We pay dues to National Public Radio, American Public Media, and Public Radio International each year to purchase the programs that you enjoy on a daily basis. This year, our programming fees will total over $276,000. Your support helps us pay for this programming.
While our Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant is not guaranteed each year, you our listeners have not let us down. Each year you come through with the needed support to keep public radio KTEP a strong and vital station in the El Paso and southern New Mexico community. With your help again this year, KTEP will continue to provide you with the best news, information, and music that you can find in the region.
Thank you for supporting and listening to KTEP!
Click here to make your charitable contribution and become a member today, and be an important part of the KTEP community.
Contributions by donors to KTEP may be eligible for a federal income tax deduction under Internal Revenue Code 170(c)(1). Consult your tax advisor.