America’s largest national platform celebrating young classically trained musicians is being acquired by the North Texas public media station.
KERA, North Texas’ public media station, and From the Top, the nonprofit and radio broadcast program dedicated to celebrating young classical musicians, are thrilled to announce that From the Top will become part of KERA in 2026.
“It’s a real honor that From the Top is joining KERA as part of our ongoing growth and innovation strategy,” says Nico Leone, President & CEO of KERA. “Our missions are so aligned — we, too, are committed to supporting and celebrating young classical musicians here in North Texas and beyond through our many services. More than anything, we want From the Top listeners, alumni and fans to know that we are committed to sustaining and expanding this shared mission, and you can expect the same incredible content From the Top has produced for years.”
“For decades, From the Top has amplified young musicians across the country through its roots in Boston, MA,” says Gretchen Nielsen, Executive Director of From the Top. “We’re very proud of our legacy, and now — as we look to the future — we are excited to bring our mission to a homebase in North Texas with its incredible arts community.”
From the Top recently celebrated 25 years of mission-driven programming. The radio program, carried on nearly 200 stations nationwide, has evolved into an acclaimed platform for today’s young classical musicians. In addition to the radio broadcast, each year From the Top helps launch the careers of young musicians through its fellowship programs, educational programs and awards. In 2024, From the Top began searching for a new foundational home and approached KERA with the opportunity.
“We see a value in being rooted in a thriving local community with the support of a sustainable and respected public media station,” says Nielsen. “We sought out KERA given their legacy in the public media community and the trust they have from North
Texas. We see so much opportunity ahead and we’re very excited to be moving forward with them as partners and peers.”
For KERA, From the Top is a perfect alignment with its commitment to supporting the arts and classical music. In 2023, KERA welcomed classical music station WRR 101.1 FM to its portfolio of services, joining a robust suite of arts services including KXT 91.7 FM, arts reporting from KERA Arts and arts programming on KERA TV. KERA is also the home of “Think” with Krys Boyd, a nationally syndicated radio program and podcast.
“KERA has been a champion of the arts since its earliest days,” says Leone. “It is such a natural fit to welcome From the Top and help foster and support the next generation of young musicians.”
From the Top will officially join KERA in May of 2026 and continue to be distributed by NPR. While the national nonprofit will be based in North Texas, From the Top’s many programming offerings — radio broadcast, digital offerings, fellowship program — will continue to connect with and celebrate young musicians across the country. Additionally, From the Top will help expand KERA’s work in education and collaborations with local arts organizations.
KERA’s acquisition of From the Top also comes at an exciting time in the public media station’s history. In March, KERA will break ground on a community-centric headquarters, located on the Katy Trail. The new facilities for the 65-year-old organization will provide performance space, recording studios and more — not just for KERA and From the Top team members, but the North Texas community at large. KERA is also planning to launch a local daily news program on KERA News in the spring.
From the Top can be heard Saturdays at 12 p.m. on WRR 101.1 FM. For more information about From the Top, visit www.fromthetop.org. For more information about KERA, visit www.kera.org. For media inquiries, reach out to media@kera.org.
Source: Press release
