WNIJ 89.5 FM is pleased to announce the launch of a new fundraising project called Mission Possible. The objective is to raise $150,000 without interrupting programs. This financial goal is both ambitious and necessary as it is the amount needed to continue to bring the quality programming thousands depend on in northern Illinois.
WNIJ is one of two non-commercial public broadcasting radio stations managed by Northern Public Radio, the broadcast arm of NIU, and provides independent, local, national and international news. For years, WNIJ has preempted programming throughout the year to ask listeners for their financial support, as public radio is supported by the public.
Staci Hoste, director and general manager of the station, explains the change, “This fall, in the midst of the 2016 presidential election as this community prepares to make a profound decision, we want to meet the need for in-depth, quality and, most importantly, uninterrupted coverage.”
The station instead will use regularly scheduled breaks to ask for this support. If the $150,000 campaign goal is not met by Oct. 21, staff will resume the traditional pledge drive until that goal is met.
Hoste offers another important reason for the change to the fundraising approach, “In the face of continuing uncertainty in the state of Illinois, WNIJ will not receive the level of funding provided in previous years; therefore, we need listener support, not only to protect programs from interruption but also to protect the future of public radio. We’re committed to doing all we can to adapt to ever-changing financial circumstances, but we can’t do it without a strong community of supporters. Now is the time to give, and we thank everyone who already has contributed to this campaign.”
Support public radio in your community and donate today! Those who support the station already can participate by increasing their monthly contribution or providing an additional one-time donation.
All donors to the campaign will be sent a postcard and encouraged to take a photo with the enclosed card and share it on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #WNIJMissionPossible. Tell your friends and followers why you support WNIJ. The station will share the best photos. All posts will go one step further to making this mission possible, and the station will be able to celebrate its community of supporters in a brand new way!
