WESU 88.1 FM Hosting Holiday Pledge Drive

Wesleyan’s non-commercial college and community radio station, 88.1FM WESU, calls on listeners to give the gift of WESU this holiday season during The Fifth Annual WESU Holiday Pledge Drive.

The goal for this year’s drive is to raise $25,000 in listener support to sustain operating expenses throughout the coming year. As Wesleyan struggles to close a budget gap this fiscal year, WESU faces more pressure than ever to become a self- sustaining community service. To date, the station has raised $13,000.

“To be able to keep pace with the revenue we in raised past years pledge drives in this tough economy is a true testament to the good service our volunteers are committed to providing to the various communities we serve,” says Ben Michael, WESU general manager.

With its 70th anniversary year coming to a close, WESU enters the final stages of fulfilling a construction permit from the FCC to increase its power from 1,500 to 6,000 watts. This upgrade will nearly double its potential listening audience from approximately 500,000 to 1 million people. A new antenna has been delivered and installation is set to begin upon completion of the pledge drive, weather pending.

Financial support during this pledge drive will help ensure that WESU continues to grow and operate as a creative vehicle for partnership between the Wesleyan University community, and the people of the greater Connecticut River Valley and beyond. Donations will directly benefit WESU and help to ensure that local, community-based programs, and alternative music and news continue to have a home on the radio dial.

WESU boasts a diverse schedule, offering a wide variety of free-form, creative musical programming including jazz, soul, blues, rock, Caribbean, hip hop, experimental, electronic, gospel, oldies, Latin music and much more.

In addition to the plethora of music programming, WESU also offers a robust public affairs line-up, including programs from National Public Radio, Pacifica, and other independent and local alternative news consortium.

Pledges of any amount may be donated online at  www.wesufm.org or by calling (860) 685-7700. All donations are tax deductible.