WMU News

WMUK annual spring fund drive is this week

April 1, 2001

KALAMAZOO -- A check in the hand is worth two on the air.

With that spirit in mind, WMUK, Western Michigan University's public radio station, is gathering donations now for its spring fund-raiser in hopes that on-air pledging can be cut short.

As of a week ago, the station had $54,000 or 45 percent of its $120,000 campaign goal already in hand, says Floyd Pientka, station general manager. On-air pledging started on March 31 and is scheduled to run through April 6 unless the goal is reached before that.

"I think it's possible that we could finish up early," Pientka says. "One of the reasons things are going well is that we are celebrating our 50th anniversary year. I think that is a significant milestone and makes people think a little more about giving."

Pientka says the record for mail-ins for the station's spring fund-raiser is $66,000.
"But I think that's doable and passable," he says. "You never know until it's here, but I'm optimistic."

The campaign goal is up $5,000 or about 4 percent above last year's $115,000 target. Pientka says the increase is needed in part because the station's fall campaign fell about $9,000 short of its goal. All the money raised in the drive will go to purchase programming from National Public Radio and Public Radio International, and to create local programming. None of the money will be used for new equipment purchases.

The station also is trying to make on-air pledging a little more palatable for listeners, Pientka adds. There will be no live pitching after 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or after 1 p.m. on weekends.
"We're trying to make the campaign a little more listener friendly," he says.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 616 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu


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