KASU 91.9 FM, the public media service of Arkansas State University, will launch its Live Fall Fundraiser next week to support its operations in light of ongoing funding challenges.
The event begins Monday, September 28, running from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and continues from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, October 2. Additional fundraising events will be held on October 16 and October 30, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., respectively.
KASU is aiming to raise $60,000 through donations to help offset the loss of federal funding for public media. Station Manager Mark Smith highlighted the significance of community contributions in sustaining the station's mission. “KASU continues to navigate these uncertain times with the support of A-State, listener member donations, and businesses through underwriting,” he said. “There has never been a more important time to support public radio and KASU.”
KASU, Arkansas’ oldest non-commercial public radio station, signed on the air on May 17, 1957, and will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year. The station has been an NPR member since 1971 and offers a mix of locally produced news and music programming alongside content from NPR, American Public Media, and other sources.
Donations can be made anytime online at KASU.org/give or via the KASU mobile app. Membership contributions are also accepted during business hours by calling 870-972-2200. Additionally, listeners can reach out to Rayna Kingston at rkingston@AState.edu or LaDawn Fuhr at lfuhr@AState.edu for more information.
Smith expressed gratitude to the station’s supporters. “Our listeners and underwriters consistently support the station they love, helping us to sustain the programming, and we appreciate all the support we continue to be given,” he said.