Contact:
Beth Silverman/Laura Silverman
The Silverman Group, Inc
312.932.9950
beth@silvermangroupchicago.com
(CHICAGO) March 11, 2011 – WBEZ 91.5 FM, one of the country’s premiere public radio stations, announced today that its 2011 Spring Pledge Drive exceeded both its membership and revenue goals. Over the eight-day Pledge Drive, WBEZ secured 9,198 donations (above a goal of 9,000), with total revenue of $1,121,381 (above a goal of $1 million).
“The Chicago region’s support during this drive was extraordinarily strong and reassuring in the face of uncertain funding from the government and other sources. I think that strong support comes from staying as close as possible to the Chicago area community all through our history. WBEZ was created here, became an independent non-profit here, and has found its inspiration and guidance here in the great city we serve,” said Torey Malatia, CEO of Chicago Public Media, which produces award-winning radio programming and locally operates both WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 89.5 FM outlets.
Of note, 44% of the donors in the WBEZ Spring Pledge Drive are new members to the station. Pledge drives typically result in 20-30% new donors. In addition, 38% of the donors joined High Fidelity, WBEZ’s monthly giving program.
Overall, WBEZ has nearly 60,000 active donors, with 50% members of High Fidelity. The continuing success of High Fidelity speaks to the deep loyalty of WBEZ’s audience.
WBEZ hosts three Pledge Drives annually; the next will take place in June.
Chicago Public Media is an institution that creates award-winning content for people seeking to learn more about the issues and ideas that affect our community, our nation, and our world. Chicago Public Media produces programs such as This American Life, Sound Opinions, Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me! (a co-production with NPR), Eight Forty-Eight, Worldview, and Radio M. It operates WBEZ 91.5 FM, one of the country’s premiere public radio stations, and Vocalo 89.5 FM, a next generation service that seeks to expand the reach of public media.
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Editors Note: Chicago Public Media CEO Torey Malatia is available for interview regarding the WBEZ Pledge Drive and any other topics regarding public broadcasting.
