FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2009
CONTACT:  Bobbie Fisher, Chief Communications Officer, 757.889.9107

WHRO/WHRV RADIO COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN SHATTERS FUNDRAISING RECORD

NORFOLK:  Public radio stations WHRO and WHRV announced today that the on-air community campaign recently concluded was the most successful in the stations’ history, raising more than a half million dollars in two weeks time.  The unprecedented total pledges of $522,000 include contributions called in by phone or made online, and renewals of current memberships and additional gifts.

“It’s an all-time record for any pledge drive,” said Bert Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer of WHRO. “While the region and the nation still try to recover from the worse economy since the depression, our work is being appreciated and supported from all over Hampton Roads and beyond.”

“Not many communities boast two full-time public radio stations,” said Virginia Thumm, Chief Development Officer for the public broadcaster, “and we’re one of very few regions in the country to have a station dedicated to a 24 hour classical music.  Through its generosity to both of our stations, this community has demonstrated that it values the diversity of the programming and services we offer.”

Supporters of WHRO can make a contribution at any time by visiting WHRO’s website, whro.org.

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 four public television and seven public radio stations every day.  Since its founding 45 years ago to support education, WHRO has employed creativity and technology to serve its mission to enrich audiences through content that engages, educates and entertains.  Owned by 18 local school divisions, WHRO delivers educational and new media services to 286,000 students and 25,000 educators per month as well.