The University Record, November 26, 1996
Michigan Radio tops goal, sets new record for fall fundraiser
Michigan Radio, the University’s public radio station, has completed its most successful fall campaign for public support. A total of $268,126 in pledges from listeners, $21,500 from corporations that match employee contributions and $3,900 from area businesses participating in the Challenge Grant program, adding up to $293,526, toppled the old fund drive records.
Halfway through the fall on-air fund drive, the station passed its goal for new members, set at 1,000. By the end of the drive, 2,561 new members had signed up—more than double the largest number of new members pledging funds to Michigan Radio during any past campaign.
“The verdict is in,” Donovan Reynolds, director of broadcasting, says. “There is overwhelming support for the changes made by the station July 1 and the decision to concentrate on news and information in our programming.
“We are extremely grateful to the more than 4,000 Michigan Radio listeners who made this the most successful fundraiser in our history.”
Reynolds’ controversial format changes earlier this year prompted outcry from some listeners who were accustomed to the midday classical music selections. Reynolds points out that classical music is still part of WUOM’s programming and available evenings and on weekends.
“I am most gratified by the many callers telling us that, although skeptical at first, they are now delighted with the new format,” says Shelley MacMillan, WUOM’s director of business, development and marketing.
WUOM will host two events that are open to members only—Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” on Dec. 21 and the annual “Jazz Revisited” concert on New Year’s Eve. Tickets for the events are available to WUOM members through the Michigan Radio Members Only Box Office, 764-3434.
