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UPDATE: Heroic Response to WBGO's September Fund Drive Continues

WBGO President and CEO Steven A. Williams
WBGO
WBGO President and CEO Steven A. Williams

As we approach the last hours of our September Fund Drive - the superheroes of WBGO - including you - have lifted us to within 90% of our $400,000 goal. THANK YOU!

Our uplifting progress continues to pace ahead of fall fundraising expectations, and the enthusiasm for our cause is evident in the many invaluable comments that accompany the giving:

The Sounds of WBGO is food for my soul. LeonBronx, NY

WBGO allows for the continued growth and support of this most important art in all of its aspects. Exposing new artists supporting live music (like your recent hosting of the Pittsburgh and Montclair Jazz Festivals). We love Singers Unlimited (and all your shows). It’s vital that the station continues to prosper. Tony – Waban, MA

WBGO is great because of the wide diversity of styles you play. It’s creative and relaxing. The on-air hosts bring warmth to the experience, making it feel personal and connected. We need more diversity on the airwaves, not less, and this station is a vital part of our community! Mary - Neptune, NY

I cannot conceive of WBGO not being on the air. Pearl – Queens Village, NY

In the two months since we received notice of the loss of federal funding for public radio, which includes WBGO, the definition of “hero” has evolved to include the thousands of individuals who have shown heroic and historic support for our mission. Compared to this time last year, there has been an unparalleled, triple-digit increase in contributions.

This outpouring of support provides the impetus we need to move forward and we are deeply grateful - while recognizing that several of our nearby public media counterparts, such as New Jersey PBS and Penn State’s WPSU, are preparing to cease operations.

This disappointing news only underscores the need for further acts of your heroism, which I believe we’ll continue to see in the last hours of our Fall Fundraiser, which concludes tomorrow. Bear in mind that the measure of your grace isn’t in the size of your gift—it’s the gesture of your generosity, to give at all.

Because of the breathtaking gestures of generosity, I'm confident we will cross the finish line, with you leading the way. Because of you—and only with you—this grand and cherished institution of public media will never die.

To become a WBGO Member...

Call 1-800-499-9246, go to WBGO.org, or text WBGO to 243725 to make your gift.

  • Become a sustaining member—they help create financial stability for us. Choose one of our most popular levels of $10, $15 or $25 a month.
  • Make a lump-sum gift of $60 or more.

Onward and upward!

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Williams brings a rich and extensive background in media to WBGO with a reputation as a creative, people-centric, and data-driven leader. He has held key leadership roles at top media organizations across a diverse range of markets including Cincinnati, Detroit, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, New York City, and most recently Seattle. Williams is also a nationally recognized authority on best practices for jazz radio programming, research, marketing, and administration and content production. A jazz aficionado, Williams previously served as Director of Programming for WBGO.