BirdNote Facts on File for Program Directors and Station Managers

Quick Description

BirdNote^® is a self-contained two-minute module about the intriguing ways of birds. Each episode mixes high-quality natural audio, upbeat music, and entertaining stories to demonstrate what birds can teach us about the beauty and complexity of nature. Airing originally on KPLU, Seattle/Tacoma, the show is now heard on KOHO in Eastern Washington; KTOO in Juneau, Alaska; KWMR in Marin County, California; KMBH in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas; WRCJ in Detroit, Michigan; WNPR reaching Connecticut and Long Island, New York; WRVO in Oswego, New York; KPBX in Spokane, Washington; KCAW in Sitka, Alaska; KYRS in Spokane, Washington; KPFZ in Lakeport, California; KRTS in Marfa, Texas; KHSU in Arcata, California; and KUNM in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The show is produced by Tune In to Nature.org in association with KPLU.

Radio Track Record

BirdNote is a big hit on KPLU - they've aired it weekdays since February 2005, and in June 2008 began airing it daily. KPLU PD Joey Cohn reports extremely positive listener response to BirdNote. For instance, a 2006 survey of KPLU listeners found that 78% “Love it”; 13% “Like it”; 5% say “It’s OK”; and only 4% “Don’t like it.”

BirdNote Premiums Bring In Revenue During Appeals

BirdNote calendars are a popular premium in the fall pledge drive. In the spring, the "BirdNote Favorites" CD is a real hit. Together, they helped bring in approximately $60,000 for KPLU during a 12-month period.

BirdNote Basics

Free of charge. Delivered monthly on CD. Custom promos and fundraising support available. Exclusivity negotiable.

Listener Comments

“Was there life before BirdNote? I don't think so ....”
-- Nancy N.

“I absolutely LOVE this program. I love the humor, the bird songs, the facts... Please continue this program!"
-- Marge H.

“Our morning revolves around listening to BirdNote on KPLU. It is our favorite radio show. We appreciate the information, bird sounds and especially the humor packed into those brief segments.”
-- George and Lynne J.

“I love BirdNote. Listening to BirdNote is like a bag of Lay's potato chips (you can't eat just one).”
-- Kim N.

“I am so sorry to have taken YEARS to tell you how much your daily program means to me! I have been known to shut off the shower I'm taking in order to hear BirdNote on the radio! It is the best two minutes of my day!”
-- Vicki W.

Audience Appeal of BirdNote

BirdNote entertains and engages the general public radio audience, while still appealing to birdwatchers. BirdNote super-serves the interests of public radio listeners, particularly socially conscious, environmentally concerned nature enthusiasts. Here are some examples of how “birders” match up to NPR listeners: