Why does WAMU 88.5 hold on-air membership campaigns?
Occasionally, WAMU 88.5 takes to the airwaves with special, week-long membership programs. Our year-round mission is to broadcast the finest in news, talk, and cultural radio programs, but our on-air campaigns refocus our one-way broadcasting medium, allowing us to enter a dialogue with our members. Because there is always a measure of uncertainty regarding funding – due in part to the uncertain economy and its effect on corporations and the challenges posed to grant making organizations and foundations – listeners who contribute are the most reliable and most important source of support for WAMU 88.5 and the public radio system. On-air membership campaigns are the most effective and immediate means of seeking new, community-wide support for WAMU 88.5, at the same time replacing those listeners who can no longer continue their annual support with new or previous WAMU 88.5 members.
