Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – KASU 91.9 FM, the public media service of Arkansas State University, is debuting a series of fundraising events, “KASU Fundraising Fridays.”
The kickoff will be from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13.
This weekly day of support for KASU gives listeners the opportunity to strengthen the station’s mission of bringing music, news, arts and views to the region.
“KASU is important to the community, bringing fact-based news, local reporting, emergency broadcasting, and discovery of music you won’t hear anyplace else,” said Mark Smith, KASU station manager.
This on-air fundraising effort is aimed at helping KASU offset recent funding challenges due to the elimination of federal support for public media, with minimal program disruptions for listeners.
KASU will host weekly Fundraising Fridays starting Feb 13 and ending on March 20.
“KASU thrives because of the people who rely on us for a communication lifeline and the people who support us, donors and underwriters, because they see the importance of public radio in their community,” Smith emphasized. “We’re excited about KASU Fundraising Fridays, which KASU listener engagement specialist Rayna Kingston brought to us. We think ‘KASU Fundraising Fridays’ will be beneficial and fun for all.”
Each weekly goal is $5,000. KASU is also encouraging new listener members to join during the drive. These one-day weekly drives will be an opportunity for the public to help fiscally strengthen the station.
Each KASU Fundraising Friday will have a theme with the inaugural event celebrating several events including, “Galentine’s Day, World Radio Day, and Friday the 13th, part 1.”
Additionally, this new method of on-air fundraising will provide an opportunity for businesses and organizations to do underwriter sponsorships each week. Contact LaDawn Fuhr, corporate relations director, at 870-972-2709 or lfuhr@AState.edu for more information.
One may donate by calling 870-972-2200. Donations can be made online anytime at KASU.org/give or by downloading the KASU mobile app. KASU listeners become members by making financial contributions to the non-commercial educational station.
KASU is celebrating its 69th anniversary this spring, having signed on the air on May 17, 1957, making it the oldest public radio station in Arkansas. KASU has been an NPR member station since 1971. In addition to locally produced news and music programs, KASU pays to receive programming from NPR, American Public Media, and other sources. More information, including ways to donate, can be found at kasu.org or its Facebook page.
One may also contact Rayna Kingston at rkingston@AState.edu.
