FAQ

Now On Air


Support KCUR!

Contact Us
KCUR 89.3 FM
4825 Troost, Suite 202
Kansas City, MO 64110
phone: 816-235-1551
fax: 816-235-2864
email:
kcur@umkc.edu


UMKC Logo





Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is KCUR hiring right now? Does KCUR offer internships or work-study positions?

Please check our employment page for more information about job opportunities. A number of departments at KCUR  (Programming, News, Music, Development) offer internships and work-study positions, for a semester or a year.

Q. I heard a great piece of music on NPR's Morning Edition this morning -- it was sort of jazzy, with a little guitar. Can you tell me who it was and what CD it's on?


A. It could have been local Morning Edition host Michael Byars's eclectic music selection (look for updates on a page coming soon called Michael's Morning Mix ). Or, you could have heard the music on NPR's Morning Edition, which posts those short music buttons on the page on the NPR web site. Click on 'Archives'. Find the date of the show you're interested in, and look in the rundown of the show for the music buttons.

*Note: All KCUR announcers keep a music log during their on-air shift. Check with the front desk at 816-235-1551 during business hours for more information. Also, other NPR programs, like All Things Considered, Weekend Edition Sunday , and Weekend Edition Saturday, also post music buttons on their page on the NPR website. Just scroll down to find the program you heard.

Q. My boss heard a story the other day on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday about an endangered list created for Native foods.  Now she's asked me to get a transcript of it.  How can I get one? And what about copies on CD?

A
. As of January 20, 2006, CD copies of NPR programs and stories will no longer be available (see below).
Listeners interested in purchasing transcripts of NPR programs may do so by visiting http://www.npr.org/transcripts/. As always, transcripts of programming relating to Mideast coverage are offered free of charge on www.npr.org.  The following NPR produced programs are transcribed: Morning Edition, Weekend Edition Saturday, Weekend Edition Sunday, News & Notes, Day to Day, Talk of the nation, Talk of the Nation Science Friday, All Things Considered, and Weekend All Things Considered.

Although CDs of these programs will no longer be available, the audio for all of these programs can be streamed on-demand at no charge on www.npr.org. In addition to current editions of these programs, users can find archived editions which, depending on the program, may extend back to 1995. 

Transcripts and CDs of Fresh Air will continue to be available by calling 877-213-7374. Complete transcript and CD ordering information for Fresh Air can be found at: http://www.npr.org/programs/fa/transcripts/.

Q: Does KCUR provide CD copies of locally produced programs, stories or newscasts? What about transcripts?

A
: KCUR does not provide transcripts, but audio archives of most of our locally produced programs can be found on our website. Check the individual program page and look for "audio archives."  All of our newscasts, news and arts features and newscasts are also archived. Check the news and arts pages for more information.  If you'd like a CD copy of a recent broadcast of a locally produced program, feature story, or newscast, call KCUR during business hours at 816-235-1551. 

Q: I've moved away from the Kansas City area, and I miss Bill Shapiro's Cyprus Avenue and other KCUR music programs. Is there a url I can use to tune in or another way I can get my "fix"?

A: You can listen to Cyprus Avenue or any of our other music programs  as a live stream on our website whenever they air.  Just go to www.kcur.org and click on Listen Live and choose one of the three streaming formats that we offer. (mp3, windows media or real audio)  If you don't have a media player on your computer, you can find links there that will lead you to websites with free media players that you can download.

Q: Why are only some of your previously aired music programs available in an on-demand format?

We currently offer The Fish Fry and Night Tides as on-demand offerings. We cannot offer Cyrpus Avenue as an on-demand archive because the format of this program does not fit within the limitations put on us by the Recording Industry's downloadable regulations. Hopefully, this will change in the future and we will be able to add it to our list of programs that we offer in an on-demand archive format.

Q: I've heard that KCUR offers podcasting and RSS feeds.  Explain.

A: Podcasting makes an audio file, typically an MP3 file, available online for downloading via an automatic "feed." You can then hear the podcast whenever you want from your computer or a portable media player. For directions, click here.  RSS feeds use a technology called XML to deliver headlines and summaries to your desktop or Web browser. Many of NPR and KCUR's programs, feature stories and newscasts are available on-demand. For a list, check the directory.

Q: How is KCUR funded?

A: Through financial support from listeners like you, underwriting from local business and organizations, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, grants, and funding from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.   

Q:  How do I volunteer for KCUR?

A:  Contact the volunteer coordinator, Deloris Colbert, at colbertd@umkc.edu or 816-235-5695.

Q: When can I expect to receive my KCUR Membership thank-you gift?

A: Please allow four to six weeks – from the time your donation (payment) is posted to the membership database – for delivery of your gift. Most thank-you gifts are mailed from a variety of vendors contracted with KCUR and UMKC. Multiple gifts typically ship separately.

Q: How do I make changes to my electronic transfer contribution (EFT)?

A: Typical EFT revisions include increasing/decreasing monthly withdrawals; changing bank accounts; discontinuing transfers. All revisions require a written request signed by the donor; faxed or mailed to the KCUR membership department. To change bank accounts, voided checks must accompany the signed change request. The fax number for KCUR is 816-235-2864. Our mailing address is KCUR Membership, 4825 Troost Avenue, Suite 202, Kansas City, MO 64110. Electronic transfers take place the fifth of every month. Changes submitted too near the 5th of the month may not take effect until the following month.

Q: What's the difference between KCUR and KCPT?

A: KCUR is a public radio station. KCPT is a public television station.  We're not related.  

Q: What's the relationship between KCUR and UMKC?  (Are you a college radio station?)

A: KCUR is licensed to the Curators of the University of Missouri. Our studios are housed on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  While we're not a college radio station, KCUR does offer internships to UMKC and non-UMKC students each semester.

Q: Steve Kraske always says he's with The Kansas City Star.  What's KCUR's relationship with The Star?

A: Steve Kraske hosts KCUR's Up to Date, but he's also the political correspondent for The Kansas City Star   

Q: Why are you underwritten by Wal*Mart? 

A :  We're not.  In the past NPR has been underwritten by Wal*Mart and a number of other corporations. If you're interested in finding our more about underwriting on KCUR, contact Development Director Parker Van Hecke at 816-235-2861, or vanhecke@umkc.edu

Q: Where are your studios located?

A: 4825 Troost, Suite 202, Kansas City, Missouri.

Q: What number do I call during The Walt Bodine Show, or Up to Date, if I have a question?

A: 816-235-2888. A producer will answer the phone and screen the calls, so please take a look at our tips for callers.

Q: What's the difference between NPR and KCUR?

A: KCUR is an NPR member station, which means we air National Public Radio programming (like Morning Edition, All Things Considered).  We also air programming distributed by Public Radio International, American Public Media, the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and others.  NPR, PRI, and APM don't own any stations, they simply produce programs to distribute to stations across the country.

Occasionally NPR newscasts or programs feature pieces reported by one of KCUR's staffers.  When that happens you'll hear the newscaster/host say, "From NPR member station KCUR in Kansas City, Frank Morris (or Ben Embry, etc.) reports."   

Q: What do PRI and APM and all of those other funny acronyms mean?

A: APM - American Public Media, BBC - British Broadcasting Corporation, NPR - National Public Radio, MPR, Minnesota Public Radio, PRI - Public Radio International, and, finally, of course,  KCUR, Kansas City University Radio.

Q: What's that music during The Walt Bodine Show ?  Can I buy the music I hear on Up to Date?

A:  The 'adopted' theme music you hear on The Walt Bodine Show is selected each day by on-air announcer Kim Noble.  The music you hear on Up to Date is composed, arranged by saxophonist Bobby Watson and performed by Bobby and the UMKC Conservatory of Music Concert Jazz Band.  Sorry, neither is for sale.

Q: Why can't I order CD copies of your music programs?

A: Copyright issues prevent us from offering copies of our music programs.  Sorry.   

Q: Where can I leave comments or questions for Walt Bodine or Steve Kraske? (or Renee Blanche,  Chuck Haddix, Bill Shapiro, etc.)

A: KCUR provides a listing of e-mail addresses for all staff members on the Voices on the Air page.

Q: I have a community event that needs promoting.  Whom do I contact?

A: KCUR offers an on-line arts and events calendar where arts organizations and artists can post their own events. Or, if you'd like to find out about underwriting, contact Development Director Parker Van Hecke at 816-235-2861, or vanhecke@umkc.edu.

Q: I heard something on the KCUR newscast that needs clarification.  Whom do I contact?

A: Contact News Director Frank Morris at 816-235-2867, or morrisf@umkc.edu.

Q: I'm trying to find the name of a book I heard mentioned on The Walt Bodine Show (or Up to Date) this morning.   What's the title? 

A: Check the individual show pages for more information about guests and book titles. 

Q: I like KCUR so much that I want to shell out the big $$ for KCUR logo merchandise. How does one buy a KCUR mug?

A: Become a member today! Find out more on our membership page.

Q. I am extremely upset about NPR's recent coverage of foreign news. How can I let them know that they need to do a better job in their reporting?

A. NPR is very interested in the comments of its listeners. The best way to express your comment is to contact the NPR's Ombudsman. He's your representative at NPR. Please email ombudsman@npr.org. If you do not have access to email, you can write to him at the following address: NPR Ombudsman, 635 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20001.

Q. How can I contact Garrison Keillor about a wonderful show he did this week?

A. Garrison Keillor is the host of A Prairie Home Companion, a show distributed by PRI, not NPR. You can contact the show at (651) 290-1480.

Q. This morning I was listening to a business news program called the Marketplace Morning Report, and I heard a story about new tech companies in big cities. Can you give me a list of those cities?

A.
Actually the Morning Report is part of a program called Marketplace, which is a Public Radio International program. You can call Marketplace at 213-743-6555 for more information, or you can check their Web site at www.marketplace.org. The Marketplace Morning Report can be heard each weekday on 89.3 FM at 8:50 a.m.

Q. I wanted to order a tape of This American Life but when I called the 877-NPR-TEXT number, they didn't have any information on this show. How can I get a tape?

A.
This American Life is not a NPR program. Public Radio International distributes it. You can call 312-832-3380 or check the program's website at www.thislife.org for more information.

Q. I'm a writer, and I just love all the different commentaries I hear on NPR. I think I'm a pretty good writer, and I have lots of ideas for commentaries. Do you think NPR would be interested if I submitted a few?


A
. You can call NPR' s Audience Services at 202-513-3232. They can give you the commentary guidelines for submissions to Morning Edition. Unfortunately, All Things Considered is currently not accepting commentaries.

Adapted from NPR's list of FAQ. For more, check NPR's website.

Search KCUR.org




Music Programs, Playlists & Archives
The Fish Fry
Friday and Saturday
8 p.m. - midnight
Chuck Haddock serves up the best in blues, r&b, soul, jumpin' jazz and zydeco.
Fish Fry Playlists and Archives

Cyprus Avenue 
Saturday, 12-2pm 
Bill Shapiro presents the world of popular music, from gospel to rock - from country to reggae - from a different point of view.  

American Routes
Saturday, 2 - 4 p.m.
Blues, roots rock, ragtime, jazz, gospel, soul, zydeco and beyond.

Night Tides

Sunday, 8 p.m. - midnight
Renee' Blanche offers an eclectic blend of contemporary and new age instrumental & electronic music.
Night Tides Playlists and Archives

Kansas City Symphony Hour
Thursday, 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.

NPR Music
The World: Global Hit


KCUR's Arts and Events Calendar

more events



  KCUR-FM, 4825 Troost, Ste 202
Kansas City, Mo, 64110
816-235-1551
kcur@umkc.edu