From the Top Joins KERA: FAQS

FTT & KERA: READ THE PRESS RELEASE

What is happening with From the Top?

From the Top is joining with KERA, a non-profit public media organization based in North Texas. From the Top’s programming and national carriage, distributed by NPR, will remain unchanged as the organization establishes a new home within KERA’s organization.

Who is KERA?

KERA is a not-for-profit public media organization serving North Texas through television, radio, digital platforms, and local journalism, including KERA TV, KERA News 90.1, KXT 91.7, WRR 101.1, and the Denton Record-Chronicle. In recent years, KERA has grown and strengthened its mission-driven public services – expanding local journalism, stewarding a historic classical music station, and investing in education, arts, and culture – while supporting programs in ways that allow them to retain distinct identities. From the Top is heard on WRR, Saturdays at noon.

Why is From the Top joining with KERA?

From the Top and KERA share a belief in the power of public media to educate, inspire, and connect communities.

From the Top has always been shaped by the young musicians at its center, growing and changing alongside their evolving needs. From the Top sought a partner with the scale, operational strength, and shared values to help the organization grow responsibly and remain resilient in a rapidly changing performing arts, media, and education landscape.

Will the current team continue to lead From the Top?

From the Top staff including Executive Director Gretchen Nielsen will continue in their From the Top roles as part of KERA. Two members of the From the Top Board have been elected to the KERA Board and the entire From the Top Board will remain in an advisory capacity.

Is this good for From the Top?

Yes. The move marks a strategic new chapter for From the Top as it builds the infrastructure and capacity needed to support its mission for generations to come.

With KERA’s support, From the Top will be able to expand its content creation capacity while remaining focused on its core mission. This will leave the opportunity for new projects and initiatives to emerge, offering young musicians and audiences even more ways to experience From the Top.

How will this impact me?

Listeners, young musicians, fellows, alumni, partners, educators, and donors will not be impacted by this change.

Will I still hear my weekly From the Top broadcast?

Yes! From the Top’s weekly radio program will continue to be distributed nationally by NPR and in partnership with local stations across the United States. The program will continue to recruit and feature young musicians from across the country, maintaining its national scope and audience. Listeners nationwide will experience no disruption, and the show’s format, cadence, editorial voice, and commitment to artistic excellence will remain unchanged. Peter Dugan along with our team of frequently appearing co-hosts will still be heard on the broadcast.

Where will I find From the Top online?

From the Top’s digital media including its podcast, Daily Joy, website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok will remain on their current platforms.

Can I still donate to From the Top?

Yes, please! From the Top needs your support now and in the future! This is a wonderful opportunity to invest in From the Top’s next era. KERA is 100% community funded. All donations directed to From the Top will be in direct support of From the Top’s programming and mission. Learn more about how to support From the Top at fromthetop.org/donate.