2023 Fall fundraiser runs September 8-16 on 101.9 FM and wdet.org
WDET-FM 101.9 today announced the launch of its 2023 Fall fundraiser to run through September 16, 2023. The listener-driven campaign aims to raise $250,000 in support of the station's programming and community service.
More than 50% of Detroit’s public radio station operating revenue comes from listener support gathered through two annual fundraisers, the other held each Spring. Funds raised are used to support local and award-winning programming like “Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson,” “The Don Was Motor City Playlist,” “Ann Delisi’s Essential Music,” and more. WDET has been honored as the Michigan Broadcasting Association’s “Station of the Year” for the last two consecutive years and earned an Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Innovation in Radio.
“Donor members are the lifeblood of WDET and are the main reason we have been able to continue to deliver award-winning news, music, and conversation for over 70 years,” WDET general manager Mary Zatina says. “The 2023 fall fundraiser brings together our talented hosts, reporters, and staff to connect with our community, our supporters. All of us engaged in this enterprise make up what we call “Team ’DET.”
Listeners will hear the WDET Fall Fundraiser today, beginning at 6 a.m. starting with NPR’s “Morning Edition,” with local host Pat Batcheller. In addition to special pitch conversations and coverage within local WDET programs, exclusive content will air during the fundraiser, including the best of the 2023 Concert of Colors music festival, one of the world’s most diverse music showcases that takes place in Detroit. The special program will air on Sunday, September 10, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring live performances from Julian Marley, Dengue Fever, Tamikrest, Simone Shaheen, and the Don Was All Star Review.
“WDET is a part of the cultural fabric of Metro Detroit and that’s reflected in our programming. Our commitment to serving the diverse communities of our city and region informs the news we cover, the music we present, the depth and breadth of the conversations we explore, and the coverage of arts and culture we bring to you every day” said Adam Fox, WDET program director.
“WDET doesn’t just reflect community, we’re part of it, and the relationship is a reciprocal one. This fundraiser is an opportunity to connect and expand our connection, by encouraging those that use and love the service to invest in it. We offer more local programming than most public media stations. We have independent, trustworthy news from NPR, and local reporters committed to bringing important stories from our community to our local listeners and reflecting Detroit to the world. Our music programs are curated by aficionados from our community, committed to bringing you the best diverse music from home and abroad, with taste and context instead of algorithms. We produce unique events with local and national artists, comedy showcases featuring the best Detroit talent and exclusive dining events that highlight our city’s incredible culinary scene. None of this is possible without support from our listeners,” Zatina added.
In addition to the on-air appeal, WDET is actively seeking funds through telemarketing, direct mail, and digital support. Donations can be made at wdet.org/give, by phone at 1-800-959-9338, or mailing a check payable to WDET to:
WDET 101.9
ATTN: Fall Fundraiser
PO Box 675187
Detroit, MI 48267-5187
For more information, please contact Dave Kim at dave.kim@wdet.org.
About 101.9 WDET
101.9 WDET is Detroit’s NPR member station and the region’s top destination for news, music and civil conversation. WDET was named the 2021 and 2022 Public Radio Station of the Year by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Located on Wayne State University’s campus in Midtown Detroit, WDET reaches over 300,000 fans monthly in their homes, cars, and online. Support for WDET comes from listeners, local corporations and foundations, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and from Wayne State University.