Help JBTV stay on the air

In an unfortunate series of events that seems a little TOO much like a 1980’s teen sex romp, JBTV, Chicago’s longest-running music TV show, needs to raise $8,500 in eight days to stay on the air. Unfortunately there’s no ski competition or dance-off with a convenient $8,500 first prize; this is real life, where the easiest way for a good cause to raise money fast is through crowd sourcing.

JBTV has set up a page over at Indie Gogo, a site that works just like Kickstarter. Donors can receive perks for their contributions, ranging from a “thank you” on an upcoming installment of the show, to the opportunity to co-host an episode alongside JBTV’s namesake, Jerry Bryant.

According to the site, the show needs to scare up $8,500 in order to pay for mandatory broadcast insurance. Creators have reached out to fans of the show, stating, “We’re counting on you, the viewers, the bands, and our friends, to help keep JBTV growing and continually reaching more people. If we’ve made an impact on you over the last 25 years, we hope you’ll donate to our cause so that we can continue to reach new viewers like you.” 

Over the past 25 years, JBTV has showcased a wealth of musical talent, featuring performances and interviews with artists like Radiohead, Ministry, The Flaming Lips, Against Me!, and Metric, and has twice won the Billboard Music Video Award for Best Local/Regional Alternative Modern Rock Show. JBTV is a treasure of public broadcasting and unlike any other show in the country.