Karl Haas is Inaugural Recipient of the Fine Arts Radio International^® Lifetime Achievement Award

88.7KXMS / Fine Arts Radio International®, the international broadcast unit of Missouri Southern State University, has announced the inauguration of The Fine Arts Radio International® Awards. Expected to become an annual event, the competition is intended for classical music radio producers around the world and will focus on classical music education via the medium of radio. Both traditional terrestrial radio and the imminent satellite-delivered radio will be included.

To kick off the awards, a lifetime achievement trophy was presented to Karl Haas, long-time producer and host of “Adventures in Good Music” on March 3, 2000 in Detroit, Michigan (CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VIEW VIDEO). Mr. Haas has advanced the cause and understanding of classical music through his unique daily radio program for over forty years. “Adventures in Good Music,” heard weekday mornings at 8 o’clock at 88.7 FM and world-wide at www.kxms.org, is also broadcast world-wide via hundreds of classical radio outlets in the U.S., in Australia, and on Armed Forces Radio in Europe.

An identical trophy will be awarded to the winner of the international competition in the fall of 2000. The Klassix Society, the official friends organization of 88.7KXMS, sponsors the Fine Arts Radio International® Awards competition. The judges’ panel will consist of local music educators, members of the board of directors of The Klassix Society, and a representative from 88.7KXMS / Fine Arts Radio International®.

The Klassix Society may be contacted at 3950 E. Newman Road, Joplin, Missouri 64801-1595.

Text of the Lifetime Award Recipient's Letter:

March 3, 2000

Dear Karl:

It is with immense pride that I represent the Klassix Society in presenting you the very first Fine Arts Radio International® Award for Lifetime Achievement.

For over forty years, you have kept the flame of classical music alive with your incomparable radio presentations heard by millions of loyal listeners throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia. Your service to classical music education through your daily “Adventures in Good Music” radio program is unequalled in American radio history.

Additionally, your many live recitals and concerts as speaker and conductor have inspired, entertained and educated generations of classical music listeners.

Later this fall, other classical music radio producers from around the world will be encouraged to keep the torch of classical music education lighted through submission of their work to the Fine Arts Radio International® Awards 2000.

The Klassix Society’s trophy, in the shape of a flame, signifies the brilliance of the flame of knowledge you have generated throughout your long career, and the passing of that brightly shining torch of commitment to classical music to newer generations of radio producers throughout the world in the new millennium.

You honor all of us in accepting this symbol of our appreciation and have set the benchmark for all future participants in the Fine Arts Radio International® Awards.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey D. Skibbe
General Manager
88.7KXMS / Fine Arts Radio International®