New England Public Radio set records in contributions from individuals and from businesses, officials announced.
AMHERST - New England Public Radio, WFCR 88.5FM and WNNZ 640AM, closed out its fiscal year on June 30 with a balanced budget in part due to a record-breaking $1,756,730 in listener donations, according to a statement issued by the station.
The total listener contributions were $107,000 higher than last year and exceeded the pledge-drive goal by $6,700 above the goal. It is the first increase in three years.
'"For several years now, listener contributions have been flat, averaging $1.65MM annually," said Cathy M. Ives, who leads the station's Development Department. "We're thrilled to see this $107,000 increase over last year, and hope we continue to see the same growth in years to come."
The station's underwriting program also broke records this year, bringing in $1.23 million from more than 300 local and regional businesses; an increase of over $30,000 from the previous fiscal year.
"We are very grateful for the support of our listeners, and community businesses and organizations," said Martin Miller, CEO and General Manager of New England Public Radio.
"Ninety percent of New England Public Radio's operating budget comes from this kind of community support. That we have exceeded our individual donor goal this year, only proves that public radio is an important and valued asset to those who live here in western New England."
New England Public Radio also announced $25,000 was contributed to the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts' Tornado Relief Fund by PeoplesBank during the station's June Fund Drive.
The money was raised thanks to a special partnership between the station and PeoplesBank, which contributed $10 to the fund for each pledge made to New England Public Radio during the June 14-28 on-air drive. Funds raised will support local organizations that have either been directly impacted or are providing services to tornado victims.