Support local arts journalism
Welcome to The Munro Review, where it’s all about connecting, sharing and valuing the arts in the central San Joaquin Valley. I hope you can take some time to learn more about this site and what you can do to make it thrive. Here’s a rundown:
Who are you?
I’m Donald Munro, a professional arts journalist. I have degrees from Columbia University and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and spent an academic year doing postgraduate work as a National Arts Journalism Program fellow. I worked at The Fresno Bee for more than 25 years, including 16 of them covering the local arts and culture scene. Now I do the same thing on a non-profit basis without the corporate middleman. I also do some freelance writing/editing and am an adjunct professor in Fresno State’s Department of Media, Communications and Journalism.
What do you cover on The Munro Review?
I offer a curated look at the local scene, with a special emphasis on theater, classical music, visual art, dance, the literary arts and anything else that strikes my fancy. I believe that advance stories on upcoming events are an important part of arts coverage because they can give audience members added background in terms of relating to and connecting with an artistic event. I offer a critical voice through reviews, and I will cover local arts news and notes. I throw in coverage of some of my own interests, too, including travel and books, and unleash Fresno-centric commentary from time to time.
Do other writers contribute?
Occasionally. I’m mostly a one-person show, but I bring in some trusted guest journalists from time to time. As for the future, who knows?
How is the site supported financially?
Your tax-deductible monthly memberships, sponsorships and donations help sustain the site. All funds collected go directly toward expenses for The Munro Review and are processed through the Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC), acting as the site’s official non-profit fiscal sponsor per IRS regulations. (CMAC also produces my monthly arts TV talk show.) All memberships, sponsorships and donations are tax-deductible.
Is there a paywall?
No. I believe it is important to make arts coverage as accessible as possible. Paid subscriptions would mean fewer readers and opportunities for local arts organizations to reach wide audiences. Instead, the site has what I call “the public radio funding model.” I ask people to sign up for monthly recurring memberships as a way to support local arts journalism. There are several levels from which to choose, including a free membership. Members are eligible to enter ticket giveaways.
Paid members receive an added benefit: They will get the opportunity to sign up for special quarterly Members Events with me. These will include private tours of artist studios, backstage tours at local productions, musical demonstrations by prominent musicians, and art-film screening nights at my house.
I am also actively seeking sponsorships from individuals, businesses and arts organizations — again at different levels of support (and providing various benefits, including display ads). For people who don’t want to commit to a monthly membership, readers can make one-time donations.
Besides becoming a member or sponsor, what else can I do to help?
Spread the word — and my stories. Social media is a key part of reaching my readers. If you’re on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram interact with my content by liking, commenting and sharing. (The more you do that, the kinder the algorithms are to my content.) On Facebook, make it a point to click “see first” on my page under the “Following” drop-down menu; this way you’ll be sure to get all my updates.
And keep me posted on the busy arts scene. I try to stay on top of things, but it always helps to remind me of interesting events and story ideas. I can’t say that I’ll cover everything, but I can try.
