March 23, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2006
Contact: Bobbie Fisher, Corporate Communications, 757.889.9107

WHRO’s RADIO SPRING FUNDRAISER TO FEATURE SPECIAL EVENTS
Appearance by NPR Personality Neal Conan Highlights Membership Opportunities

Hampton Roads: WHRO’s annual radio membership drive begins on April 1st, and will feature exciting special events and unique opportunities for new and renewing members. Neal Conan, host of the NPR program Talk of the Nation, will be WHRO’s guest at two separate events, tickets for which will be available to those making pledges.

“Our two stations offer our listeners in Hampton Roads, and around the world via the internet, a wide variety of programming, from news and information programs like HearSay with Cathy Lewis and All Things Considered, to wonderful classical music and fine arts performances -- you never know what you’re going to hear when you tune us in,” said Barbara Hamm, Chief Communications Officer. “Our membership drive will reflect that same sense of excitement and surprise, and we’re making it as entertaining as our programming.” Local celebrities will participate during the 15-day membership event : familiar names like Charlie Hartig, Bill Hennessey, Holly O’Neil, Dan Roberts – and many others. As an added feature, the third President of the United States – in the person of popular radio personality Clay Jenkinson – will join the fun.

This year’s goal is $500,000 – a milestone for WHRO 90.3FM and WHRV 89.5FM. “Programming costs continue to rise, and with the advent of digital radio, the opportunities to expand our services – allowing us to serve the needs of even more of our constituents – are our primary focus in this fundraiser,” said Virginia Thumm, Chief Development Officer. “We’re also making support opportunities more exciting,” Thumm said, pointing to the “day of radio” sponsorship: for a pledge of $365, a dollar a day, donors can honor birthdays, anniversaries and other special events on both radio stations on a day of the contributor’s choosing.

WHRO is a public service media company that promotes education, culture and citizenship to the citizens of Hampton Roads, Virginia through a variety of telecommunications services. Thousands of viewers and listeners tune in to broadcast programming on WHRO's public television and two public radio stations every day. Since its founding more than 40 years ago to support education, WHRO has employed creativity and technology to serve its mission to enrich audiences through content that educates, entertains and promotes understanding. Owned by 14 local school divisions, WHRO delivers educational and new media services to 286,000 students and 25,000 educators per month as well.

For more information contact the Office of Communications at 889-9437.