Listeners to WFDD, the National Public radio member station at Wake Forest University, pledged a record $257,211 during the station’s fall fundraising campaign that began Oct. 17 and ended Nov. 4.
The total passed the previous record of $255,000 raised by WFDD (88.5 FM) in fall 1995. The station’s fall campaign last year raised $228,000.
Contributions in this fall’s combined on-air and mail-in campaign included 2,011 membership renewals and 597 new members, for an average pledge level of nearly $99.
WFDD extended its traditional week-long campaign after the station’s main antenna failed on Wednesday, Oct. 21, during the middle of the fundraiser. Until the station returned to full broadcast strength on Oct. 27, its signal was heard primarily in the immediate Forsyth County area, rather than in its usual 32-county broadcast region.
“Even while the station was operating at reduced power, we continued to receive pledges,” said station manager Linda Ward.
“When our signal returned to normal strength, many listeners added to their original pledges, telling station staff how important public radio is to them,” Ward added.
“During the campaign, our staff stressed that more than half of WFDD’s annual operating budget comes from individual listener contributions and local business underwriting.”
Serving North Carolina and Virginia, WFDD broadcasts a blend of classical music, jazz, roots music, and NPR and local news programs.
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