Major Market Public Stations Turn to Online Relationship Marketing for Creating Loyal Listener and Viewer Bases

Austin's KUT Radio and HoustonPBS Tap Convio for Building Robust Web Sites that Deliver Measurable Results

(Austin, TX, June 4, 2001) Convio, Inc. -- the leading provider of Internet software that helps nonprofits build strong relationships with constituents -- today announced deals with two major market public stations, signaling the importance of online relationship marketing for the public broadcasting sector.

Austin public radio station KUT launched its Convio-powered Web site as part of its 2001 Spring Fundraising Drive and already is reaping benefits that include building a 500-plus email list in a single two-week period. HoustonPBS currently is in deployment with Convio, with the launch of its updated Web site scheduled for July 2001.

"Relationships are everything, and over the years KUT has forged strong relationships within the Austin community. Without the support of individuals and businesses, we could not be successful. Therefore, we believe creating online value - added value -- for listeners and donors keeps them involved, invested and more inclined to continue their relationship with KUT well into the future," said Stewart Vanderwilt, KUT's Director and General Manager.  "Convio makes it easy to build and maintain a very engaging Web site through which we communicate with members and prospects in a timely, relevant and personalized manner, plus donating now is as simple as a mouse-click.  Our new Web site will become an important part of our marketing program which also will include traditional offline elements."

Eighty percent of KUT's operating budget comes from individual and business supporters.  Within two weeks of launching the Convio-powered Web site in late March 2001, KUT doubled its email house file by leveraging traditional marketing efforts and using its on-air service to direct listeners to KUT.org.  KUT's new online donation capability also is producing solid results.  During its spring membership campaign, KUT raised almost $45,000 online - nearly a 50 percent increase in online activity over the previous campaign.

Consisting of eight modules, Convio is the only completely integrated software suite specifically created for nonprofits and membership organizations to support marketing, fundraising and constituent loyalty.  Delivered over the Internet, Convio enables organizations to: easily publish and update Web site content; provide constituents with personalized and relevant Web pages and email; accept secure online donations; manage events and ticket sales; wage advocacy campaigns on close to a real-time basis; and synchronize information collected online -- about donors, members and other activists -- with offline databases.

"Convio is an excellent choice for HoustonPBS.  It will allow all members of our staff - including those who are not technical - to use the HoustonPBS Web site to support broadcast and community outreach activities as well as interact more frequently with Channel 8 supporters," said Jeff Clarke, HoustonPBS's CEO and General Manager.  "Our staff will be able to send out personalized emails to alert our Association for Community Television (ACT) members about upcoming programs, community outreach activities and program-related events.  Staff members also can easily update Web pages which is of great benefit to viewers, supporters and Web site visitors who will have up-to-date, interactive, relevant content."

Approximately 11 percent of the HoustonPBS annual operating budget comes from the federal government through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  Unlike some stations in the PBS system, HoustonPBS receives no monetary support from the state of Texas or its licensee, the University of Houston. As a community resource and institution, HoustonPBS stands on its own merits to raise operating and capital support, so Convio is an excellent relationship-building tool to support fundraising.

"Strong, active and lasting relationships with constituents are critical for the survival of public radio and television stations," said Vinay Bhagat, Convio's founder and CEO.  "A robust Web site that can be easily and frequently updated by staff with relevant and personalized information, and also leveraged for fundraising campaigns, is a 'must-have' tool in every station's marketing toolbox."  

There are nearly 700 public radio stations and more than 350 public television stations in the United States, according to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967 to promote public telecommunications services (television, radio and online) for the American people.

About KUT Radio

KUT Radio, established in 1958, is a 100,000-watt National Public Radio affiliate licensed to The University of Texas at Austin.  Currently involved with developing a local news and public affairs bureau set to premiere in 2002, KUT has a long history of launching new projects, including the development of the Longhorn Radio Network, the NPR program LATINO USA, and the satellite station KUTX in San Angelo, Texas.

About HoustonPBS

HoustonPBS began with the sign-on of KUHT-TV, Channel 8, a public television station licensed to the Board of Regents of the University of Houston. As the very first non-commercial television licensee in the nation, HoustonPBS began broadcasting in May 1953, and serves more than 2.6 million viewers in Houston and Southeast Texas each week.  The HoustonPBS mission to inform, educate and entertain is now even stronger with the sign-on of KUHT-DT, Channel 9, on May 12, 2001 - 48 years to the day of Channel 8's first broadcast.

About Convio

Founded in 1999, Austin-based Convio is the leading provider of software solutions for nonprofit organizations that want to fully leverage the Internet in support of their missions.   The Convio relationship management system enables nonprofits to market, fundraise and manage relationships with their constituents online in a high-touch, cost- effective, highly personalized manner. Convio's clients include Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Austin Children's Museum as well as other national and regional advocacy groups, museums, public television and radio stations, independent schools, healthcare entities and performing arts organizations.