ETSU’s WETS-FM is hosting its Fall Fundraiser from November 3-8 to welcome 200 new members and sustain trusted public radio programming following the loss of federal funding.
East Tennessee State University’s public radio station, 89.5 WETS-FM, is calling on listeners to help sustain thoughtful programming during a critical moment for public radio nationwide.
The fall fundraiser, running November 3-8, aims to welcome 200 new members to the WETS family as the station works to offset the loss of federal funding following the shutdown of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
“Donor support is more important than ever,” said Chad Barrett, station director. “With the loss of our Community Service Grant that was formerly awarded by the CPB, we’re turning to the community we’ve served for more than 50 years to help us continue the mission of thoughtful, locally rooted public radio.”
When can I donate to WETS-FM?
The fundraiser runs through the week with convenient calling hours:
Monday-Friday, November 3-7: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 8: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Call (888) 895-9387 (WETS) or donate anytime online at wets.org. When you donate, you automatically become a member.
What makes WETS-FM worth supporting?
For more than half a century, WETS-FM has served the region with programming you won’t find anywhere else – a carefully curated blend of national and local news, classical music and stories rooted in Appalachia.
“Public radio has always offered something different,” Barrett said. “Whether it’s in-depth reporting, conversations that challenge us or music that lifts our spirits, WETS is here to serve. Listener support is what keeps that going.”
How has federal funding loss affected WETS?
The shutdown of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting eliminated the Community Service Grant that helped support public radio stations nationwide. For WETS, that means turning to listener support to fill a critical funding gap.
Last year, the station celebrated its 50th anniversary and completed a new radio tower project funded by the state of Tennessee and listener donations, demonstrating the kind of public-private partnership that has long powered WETS’s success.
What will my donation support?
Every contribution helps sustain:
- Local news coverage that tells stories other outlets miss
- Classical music programming that enriches lives and connects communities
- Appalachian voices sharing the culture and character of our region
- National news from trusted sources like NPR
- Educational programming that informs and inspires
Your support helps ensure that thoughtful, quality programming continues to serve the region for the next 50 years. It also helps ETSU continue to be the flagship institution of Appalachia.
