Stop Sponging off of Public Radio!

Not long ago my local public radio station, WCPN Cleveland 90.3, had it's biannual fund raiser. They always sound so naively optimistic but then betray a faint hint of desperation when they point out that all the phones are open and they can meet their goal if one person just donates $500 in five minutes. It surprises me the amount of effort required to raise the cash considering that most people I know are loyal listeners who love many of the shows. I've even read many personal ads that say NPR is one of their "things (they) can't live without". Sadly, my local station said their research shows that only 1 out of 12 listeners actually donate!

I fell in love back in college and became a monthly donor at 23 and living off $7 an hour working at Friendly's. I think we both know the average public radio listener makes a bit more than that. Well, maybe we need a refresher on the meaning of the word "public". (to be honest, I've let my membership laps here and there, but usually because my credit card expired.)

The broadcasters hosting the fund drives make the same points over and over each year, but you know what? They are right. How much do you spend on Starbucks each month? On produce that goes bad before you eat it?

Cable TV is $30-$150 per month. What actually delivers you more *quality* material? What makes your daily commute more bearable? And who needs the money more?

Won't you feel better knowing you've done your part? How many times have you said to someone, "You know, I heard this really fascinating story on NPR...?"

How many times have you had a "driveway moment" when you are listening intently to something, get to you destination, but then sit in the car until you are done listening to a segment, and possibly even run into the house to hear the rest?

All of these talking points really speak to me. And they should speak to most typical public radio junkies. You are out there, I know you are.

Most memberships are only about $50.00 per year (and mine comes with all kinds of cool benefits, like discounts on movie tickets. I donated when I was a waitress, and my parents who were pretty tight on cash often mad a small donation to the local PBS. No excuses, do it now. Do a monthly donation, set it and forget it.

Donate to WCPN 90.3 in Cleveland.

Support another NPR affiliate.

Sorry about the hiatus. I've actually been writing a lot of different things at once. I used to write something impulsively late at night and then when I go back, I'm unhappy with it. I hope to spend a little more time on the posts, but I'm still trying to figure out a good rhythm.