Situation Assessment
Whether it’s program listings, podcasts, or pledge drives, Chicago Public Radio relies heavily on its web site to complement its on air presence.  Chicago Public Radio serves a young and technologically savvy demographic, making the proper functioning of their high-profile and revenue-generating web site critical to their bottom line.  When the original developer of their web site abruptly became unavailable, Chicago Public Radio engaged Risetime to provide critical support for its web site and custom-built content management system.  They required 24 hour on-call support, immediate bug fixes, enhancements to support new programming and pledge drives, analysis and documentation of the application, and advice on future direction.

Solution Overview
Risetime quickly jumped in to help and discovered that documentation was non-existent and the web site and content management system were a confusing mix of different Microsoft technologies unfamiliar to the station’s staff.  Risetime reverse-engineered and documented the system while providing emergency support services and fixes for major immediate problems.  Once the system was stabilized and documented, Risetime diagnosed and fixed a number of longer-term architectural problems, and helped Chicago Public Radio create a roadmap for conversion to a new, well supported content management system.  Risetime continues to provide support for the web site as well as executive advisory consulting services to help Chicago Public Radio plan for the future.

Value Measurement
Chicago Public Radio relies on its listeners for its funding. Keeping their listeners engaged is central to their fundraising efforts, and for Chicago Public Radio’s tech-savvy audience, that means a streamlined, useful and frustration free web experience. Risetime’s rescue efforts kept that connection to the listeners fully operational, and the behind-the-scenes support keeps applications running during key pledge drives and special events. Success of their online presence is mission-critical for the station, and Risetime helped Chicago Public Radio to continue to meet its online goals.