DETROIT (March 20, 2001) - WDET 101.9 FM is gearing up for what is promising to be an exciting on-air pledge drive beginning Friday, March 30. WDET is listener supported public radio and delivers its unique arts and information programming to southeast Michigan, southern Ontario, northern Ohio and around the world via live internet broadcast. The goal for this spring's pledge drive is $575,000. WDET will return to regularly scheduled programming once the goal is reached. Listeners can pledge at 1-800-959-WDET or www.wdetfm.org.

"We always hear how much WDET means to the listeners during pledge drive," said Caryn Mathes, the station's general manager. "Many listeners see their donations as an investment in the community. This spring's pledge drive is particularly exciting because WDET is helping to celebrate Detroit's 300th birthday as a Detroit 300 Heritage Partner."

"We expect this pledge drive to be better than ever," said Judy Adams, WDET Program Director. "Our audience keeps growing. We're reaching a larger audience through the internet and we're offering exciting premiums to our supporters.

The exclusive limited edition double CD 'DET LIVE! Vol. 2 will be given to each listener who contributes $100 or more. This may be the last opportunity to receive this popular WDET-exclusive double CD featuring live performances from the WDET studios. Featured artists include Cowboy Junkies, Warren Zevon, Donald Harrison, Groove Collective, Julian Lennon, Chris Smither, Patricia Barber and many more. Like the 1999 release of the enormously successful 'DET LIVE! Vol. 1, Vol. 2 is quickly becoming a collector's item.

In addition to the popular CD, WDET is offering other incredible premiums to listeners who donate at various levels. At the $1,000 level, receive an evening for two at the Detroit Film Theatre Auditorium with best-selling author David Sedaris, including a signed copy of Me Talk Pretty One Day and afterglow; at the $500 level, receive Ken Burns' 5-CD JAZZ soundtrack, along with Ed Love's "Jazz Picks"; for $325, receive a "Day Sponsorship," including donors' special message broadcast six times on their chosen day; for $200, receive the award-winning 3-volume set of Detroit's history as told in pictures to celebrate the city's 300th birthday; for $150, receive the captivating 3-CD set of Fresh Air interviews by Terry Gross with some of entertainment's brightest celebrities; for $52, receive the exclusive WDET coffee mug, featuring cover art from 'DET LIVE! Vol. 2.

WDET offers Detroit's greatest music programming in addition to providing in-depth local and NPR news. The station is a frequent sponsor of many area cultural events throughout the year, including the Detroit Festival of the Arts and the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival.