Joan Baez meets with fans after a live taping of World Cafe.

During the original station construction, we perceptively set aside approximately 3,500 square feet of unused space that we anticipated we would need in the future. That future is now. By expanding into this space, we can broaden our service, add recording space, and provide necessary room for staff, students and volunteers to work side-by-side.

The plans include a new recording studio that will allow our programming staff, hosts and engineers to further develop and produce the award-winning programs that XPN is known for. The new wing will also provide work space and accommodate new technology.

We will explore the use of sustainable building materials and environmentally friendly workplace practices, envisioning a greener XPN.

There aren't many places left that would give a band a chance to play 8 songs and there aren't many places you can hear Yes, Steve Earle and Counting Crows in a row. So please support public radio.

— Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

The future of public radio, and the future of WXPN, is dependent on our successes in leveraging opportunity and innovation. Radio is a dynamic industry, changing with emerging technologies – Internet streaming, digital broadcasting and Web 2.0 interactives. We want to reach people wherever they listen, whenever they listen.

XPN accomplished great advances in technology when we moved into the studios at 3025 Walnut Street. At the time, the equipment was state-of-the-art. But five years is a long time in the area of technological development.

I got the sense from the very first time I visited the station, that this was something special. If any station in the country is going to get bigger and better, I hope it's this one.

— Rhett Miller of Old 97's

To stay current, we have to meet you, the listeners, where you are – to connect with audiences through new and different platforms and to expand the strength of our signal to create top quality sound for a broader audience. We have a responsibility to our artists, listeners and supporters to stay ahead of emerging technology and to invest in our future.

Since we must be ready to seize opportunities as they arise, we are preparing for the unknown. Strategic investments are essential to any station’s vitality. Just a few years ago, no one would have predicted the importance of iPods or MP3 players and downloading music. Now it is a pivotal part of our programming reach.

We do not know what platforms will be introduced tomorrow. But we do know that our listeners will be early adopters of every new technology, and that they and our artists will expect us to use them.

When a station in Central Pennsylvania became available, WXPN had the financial capacity to acquire it. This new radio voice has enabled us to double our geographic reach and increase our audience and supporters. It has stimulated new cultural activity throughout the region and provided far-reaching exposure for the musicians.

What’s next? WXPN has established this fund to take advantage of similar opportunities. This fund will support the research and development of original, innovative business strategies, and provide the resources to respond as they arise.

WXPN will enhance programming content and broadcast capabilities. We will continue to curate the music through entertaining on-air shows and intelligent hosts, while we nurture new artists and support great enduring musicians. We will make it possible for XPN Local programming to reach a larger audience throughout the region and, with a robust online presence, provide more opportunity for local musicians to be heard everywhere. We will launch new services in the spirit of Y-Rock On XPN. Cornerstone programs like World Cafe will travel to music festivals throughout the US and abroad to capture historic moments with musicians as only XPN can. Kids Corner will expand, broadcast remotely to engage children in a variety of venues, provide new experiences and teach in the most imaginative way possible.

Local musician David Falcone performs at a patient's bedside as part of Musicians On Call.

Public radio is the public square of the air. WXPN creates a real community over the airwaves, but also at concerts and festivals. Our community outreach transcends the walls of a typical station. For example, through WXPN Musicians On Call, we enrich the lives of hospital patients by bringing volunteer musicians to perform at bedsides. The true healing power of music is clear as the musicians entertain and support those who are ill.

WXPN will establish additional partnerships to bring music to those who need it most. Reaching out, enriching lives, making a difference. Support for these initiatives will allow us to involve the wider community. And we will continue XPN’s strong tradition as an iconic Philadelphia institution.