Change, especially when it becomes the normal, is a challenge to most folks. I myself am not particularly fond of change particularly when it affects the way I organize my life and even my desk. But change is never stoppable. Sometimes, for a number of reasons often related to achieving sustainability, nonprofits change. They grow larger or shrink. They merge.
Below is a Vermont Recorder opinion article about Vermont Public Radio. As you can see from its title, it's big. It can eat everything in site. And as the author notes, it might be big enough to actually not have to listen to the consumers. And there of course is the change that is not welcome. Nonprofits are supposed to be accessible, at least that's the theory. Community folks should be able to discuss their needs and wants and be heard by the proxy owners that represent community interests: the board. But the author of this article believes that that is not what is happening or will happen now that this NPR station has so much girth.
I don't personally believe that girth in and of itself precludes a role for the community. It appears that VT Public Radio may not be indicating if or how this will occur but I would not presume it won't. But it's righteous that this author has voiced the need and rights for the public.
My Turn: Where does an 800-pound gorilla sit?
The largest nonprofit media organization in Vermont history will soon have 117 employees, an annual budget of $18 million and $91 million in assets. Seven Days has around 43 employees; VtDigger around 22. How many at your local newspaper? Their budget?
Local newspapers will soon face new competition for scarce ad revenue, talent acquisition/retention, fundraising/donations and future subscribers. The outcome? Put a large fish into your aquarium. What happens to the small fish?
My concerns run deeper. I advocate for greater openness regarding the recruitment and selection of board members of very large self-perpetuating nonprofit boards (Bennington Banner, April 15, 2019). The new entity will be overseen by such a board; now smaller with greater power. I’d like the composition of editorial/news staff representing a full spectrum of Vermont voices (Rutland Herald, Jan. 26, 2021). In 2019 I corresponded and met the CEO of VPR, Chair of VPR’s Board of Directors and attended a VPR nominating committee meeting. The interactions were perfunctory, but I’m only a VPR listener.
In July 2019 the CEO canceled the VPR Commentary series, the longest running series of its kind. Can’t have the public using public radio to speak directly to the public. VtDigger in 2020 printed 860 commentaries by 649 different authors. And, thanked every one by name. Cash insecure local newspapers encourage letters to the editor and commentaries. Are VPR’s actions serving Vermonters?
Where does an 800-pound gorilla sit? Anywhere it wants to. Average Vermonters are unable to have their opinions broadcast. Their ability to join decision making at the highest level stunted. For small Vermont independent media voices the future looks more challenging. Remember local downtown shops when Walmart arrived?
Possible public protections:
Local media and VtDigger show the Vermont way for alternate voices to be heard. This titan must allow all voices to present their commentaries/ideas directly to Vermonters.
Vermont House and Senate committees should invite the new non-profit to testify on their burgeoning chunk of Vermont’s shrinking media world.
Don’t Vermonters believe the affluent should contribute more assisting those less fortunate? How about a five year, 2% donation from the $45 million Vermont PBS squirreled away contributed to cash insecure local media enterprises?
Vermont is a perfect environment for this new media conglomerate to flourish. Facebook, Google and Twitter justify their actions describing wonderful things they do. However, it’s not their intent that counts, but their impact. If this company produces much more news content increasing their market share and media concentration will all Vermonters benefit? Are Vermonters getting more avenues for their unfettered voices to be heard or fewer?
We love our independent media options. Will those who hold divergent opinions or oppose prevailing environmental, political, governmental, and cultural positions be heard?
VPR’s website says, “Be brave, ask questions.” After this merger, ask lots of question
Matt Krauss of Stowe, Vermont is a happily retired state employee and a former Vermont legislator.