JONESBORO – KASU 91.9 FM, the public media service of Arkansas State University, will hold a Live Fall Fundraising weekend from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, featuring special programming and in-person events at the station's studios in Jonesboro. The fundraising goal is set at $60,000.
The weekend begins on Friday, Nov. 13, with live segments from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., continuing Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and concluding Sunday, Nov. 15, with extended programming from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Highlighting the weekend will be a live two-hour episode of *6 Degrees of the Delta* hosted by LaDawn Lee Fuhr, with guest co-host and musician Greg Spradlin. Listeners are also invited to a public "Records Party" at KASU’s studios on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m., located at 330 West University Loop, Education/Communication Building, Room 152, on the A-State campus.
Station manager Mark Smith said the event provides an opportunity to connect with a broader audience while addressing funding challenges in the absence of federal support for public media. "There has never been a more important time to support public radio and KASU," Smith said, adding that listener and business contributions are critical to the station's operations.
KASU, Arkansas’ oldest non-commercial public radio station, has been serving the region since it first went on the air in 1957. In addition to local programming, it provides news and shows from NPR, American Public Media, and other content providers. This year, the station is celebrating its 70th anniversary with events under the theme "On the Road to 70."
Greg Spradlin, the featured guest for Sunday evening’s live event, brings his considerable musical background to the station’s efforts. A Pangburn native, Spradlin is renowned for his work as both an artist and a champion of Arkansas’ music heritage. His career includes collaborations with notable acts like Los Lobos and The Imposters, and his music has appeared in projects ranging from Arkansas Tourism campaigns to national television programs like ESPN’s "True South." Spradlin also works to preserve the state's musical history, contributing to initiatives like the Arkansas Music Trail and highway memorials for artists such as Johnny Cash and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Donations during the fundraiser can be made online at kasu.org/give or by using the KASU mobile app. Financial contributions to the non-profit station qualify listeners as members, and businesses may become underwriters to support KASU programming and events. For additional details, contact KASU staff members Rayna Kingston or LaDawn Fuhr, or call 870-972-2200 during business hours Monday through Friday.