Murray, KY. Murray State's listener supported NPR member station, 91.3 WKMS-FM has reached nearly 70 percent of its spring fundraiser goal as of Friday, April 11. Listener-members and corporate matching grant contributors from western Kentucky, northwest Tennessee, and southernmost Illinois have contributed nearly $90,000 towards the $130,000 goal in community support.
The on-air portion of the pledge drive continues Saturday, April 12, Monday, April 14 and Tuesday, April 15. Station Manager Kate Lochte says, "Thanks to all listeners whose gifts have brought the fundraiser to this high benchmark. They expect us to keep working with the rest of our listening community to achieve the goal in community support. WKMS listeners met goal consistently each fundraiser!”
Listener contributions create the WKMS operating budget. Individual gifts fund the station’s production of and subscription to programs, equipment maintenance and replacement, student intern wages, and many other expenses. Contributions qualify WKMS for grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, continuing support from Murray State University and business underwriters. WKMS Program Director Tracy Ross says, “Our national programming from NPR like Morning Edition and All Things Considered, the BBC, and other sources depends on paying subscription fees, and we use listener contributions to pay these expenses.”
Membership Coordinator Jenni Todd says, “On Sunday, April 13, listeners will be urged to pledge online at wkms.org since Sunday’s programming will not be interrupted,” and she adds, “We’re working to reach our goal of $130,000 by Tuesday at close of business.” The pledge line is 1-800-599-4737. The pledge site is at wkms.org at the click “Contribute Now.” Listeners can also mail a check made out to “WKMS/MSU Foundation.” The mailing address is WKMS, 2018 University Station, Murray, KY 42071.
A full schedule of WKMS programming is available online at wkms.org. The station serves listeners in the Four Rivers Region of western Kentucky, southernmost Illinois and northwestern Tennessee with non-stop news and music. Stations include 91.3 WKMS-FM, Murray; WKMS HD-1 and All-Music HD-2; 90.9 WKMD and WKMD HD-1 and HD-2, Madisonville; 89.5 WKMT, Fulton; and All-Music 92.5 Paducah and 105.1 Madisonville. WKMS also offers both channels WKMS HD-1 and HD-2 at wkms.org, where program schedules and more are available. Information’s also available at 1-800-599-4737.
