The extraordinary WESU-FM station manager Ben Michaels recently reached out to remind us about the pledge drive. Here’s part of what he has to say:
With a full-time employee on duty for the last 15 years, WESU has transformed from a station struggling to recover from a hasty studio relocation and waning student interest into an award winning beacon of community engagement, overflowing with interest and activity on and off campus. At WESU, student and community volunteers work side-by-side to serve listeners seeking radio that still dares to present perspectives and music that deviate from and challenge mainstream trends and sensibilities. WESU is listener-supported community radio, which means we depend on support from folks like you!
Student and community support have directly helped to raise the quality of the service WESU provides. Nearly ten years ago, we made a major boost to our FM signal and recently implemented major studio upgrades, thanks in large part to community support. This past winter we achieved a major milestone with the purchase and installation of a brand new state-of-the-art digital transmitter, which has been running loudly and clearly since January.
This period of growth and stability would not have been possible without consistent support from WESU stakeholders—like you! A successful Spring Pledge Drive will ensure WESU’s continued growth and ability to cover its operational costs through the end of this fiscal year. Your contribution will also help us make the second installment on our new transmitter, which we aim to pay off within 3-5 years.
Positioned within the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships, WESU is a flagship example of community engagement at Wesleyan University. Our current board of directors has been working hard to preserve the legacy of WESU and ensure that this unique asset remains a safe space for students and community members to explore, engage, and impact our world together. With the station’s 80th anniversary on the horizon (2019), WESU is louder and stronger than ever. I’m excited to see what the future brings.
Your support for WESU will help ensure that Wesleyan’s legacy of free-form community radio has a home on the FM airwaves in central CT and beyond for many years to come. Please donate today!
And now an update: Hey Friends of WESU, we have just reached the $7k mark for the Spring Pledge Drive! There is just under $19k left to be raised!!! Please donate at wesufm.org/pledge every dollar helps keep the station up and running.