ETSU’s public radio station, has postponed its spring on-air fund-raising campaign indefinitely to allow full National Public Radio coverage of the war in Iraq.
“The current situation in Iraq has warranted continuous news coverage, and it would be both impractical and inappropriate for us to raise money on the air in the midst of this coverage,” said Wayne Winkler, director of WETS-FM. “Our listeners’ needs come first, and we are proud to be able to provide this unique radio coverage to our region.”
The fund-raiser was initially scheduled to begin Thursday in hopes of reaching $175,000 to help support station programming.
“We anticipate the on-air portion of the drive will begin in late April or early May, depending, of course, on world events,” Winkler said.
Winkler said that nearly all volunteers scheduled to work during the fund-raiser have been personally notified of the postponement, but any who may not have been contacted are asked to call the station at 439-6440 or 1-888-895-WETS (9387).
The non-commercial station features classical music and Americana, as well as NPR news programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.” The station receives nearly half its funding from listeners who contribute during the station’s two annual on-air fund-raisers.
“The on-air drive is crucial to the operation of this station,” said Winkler. “We do not have the option of completely canceling the drive.”
Although the on-air drive has been postponed, listeners are encouraged not to wait until it is officially rescheduled, but to go ahead and pledge their financial support prior to the drive. Pledges can be made by calling 1-888-895-WETS (9387) or online at www.wets.org. Listeners may also mail contributions to: WETS-FM, East Tennessee State University, Box 70630, Johnson City, TN 37614.

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