East Tennessee State University’s public radio station, WETS-FM 89.5, will hold its fall fund drive Oct. 19-24, inviting listeners to support public radio as the station works to offset the loss of nearly $100,000 in annual federal funding. 

Phone lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Listeners can call (888) 895-9387 (WETS) to make a contribution. Donations can also be made online anytime at wets.org/donate. 

The loss of funding distributed through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has created a significant challenge for public radio stations, including WETS-FM. That funding supported programming such as NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.” 

“Listener support is crucial to what we do,” said Chad Barrett, station director. “Losing federal funding means we have to rely even more on the people who listen to WETS and value the programming we provide.” 

For more than 50 years, WETS-FM has provided listeners across the Tri-Cities region with national and local news, classical music, Appalachian stories and public radio programming. Listener contributions help the station continue providing this programming to the community. 

“Public radio provides a service that goes beyond entertainment,” Barrett said. “It gives people access to reliable news, thoughtful conversations and programming they might not find anywhere else. Our listeners make that possible, and their support is more important than ever.” 

Donations help support NPR and American Public Media, maintain the station’s equipment and ensure that meaningful, high-quality programming continues to serve the region for generations to come. Listeners can support WETS-FM through a one-time contribution, a monthly donation or a gift through a donor-advised fund. 

To support WETS-FM, visit wets.org/ways-to-donate.