Hello friends in the KQED community,

This week, shelter in place orders went into effect across Californa. We are all taking the necessary steps to try and stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, yet fear, anxiety and panic are spreading. We are adapting to constantly changing circumstances while trying to calm our own personal apprehensions. In a time of extraordinary uncertainty, the advice has been to focus on what you can control.

At KQED, that means focus on serving the community. Public officials categorize us as an essential business. We operate as an essential service. We are emboldened because there is a need for factual, accurate, explanatory and contextual information which is our core strength. We feel a responsibility because school closures create a gap in learning and educational programming is in our DNA. And, we have a deep sense of accountability because your support makes it possible for us to do what we do.

You have been loyal to us and this is a time for KQED to again demonstrate the critical role we play as a trusted source of information and services for the Bay Area. To be honest, the quality of work, commitment and dedication of our staff are getting me through the pressure and stress of caring for an organization of more than 350 people and maintaining the continuity of our operations for the nine-county Bay Area.

A small team of journalists, engineers, and facilities staff has to be in the office to keep us on air and online with timely and relevant coverage. Remotely, others enhance our service with makeshift home studios or leverage technology to manage our finances, communications and human resources. The adaptability, resiliency, and creative spirit of our staff is inspiring.

Strategic investments in news, digital and education put us in a unique position. We have journalistic expertise in key areas such as science, politics and government, and arts and culture. Coverage is available 24/7 on broadcast and online. Our education unit leads the implementation of an in-home learning plan across California in light of school closures. This effort includes a 12-hour weekday block of K-12 television educational programming aligned to state standards and complementary, free online resources created by KQED Education.

In short, we are built for this moment. And, we will persevere because we function as a community. We exist for the Bay Area, and we are part of the Bay Area. Ultimately, our work is about caring for one another. By keeping our focus on community service, we provide trust, calm and hope.

Thank you for your support. Stay safe and healthy. I am grateful to be in service to you and I am proud to be part of KQED.