News Releases

USM's Community Radio Station WMPG Launches Spring Begathon on Monday, March 19

March 12, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Jim Rand 780-4424, or e-mail him at stationmanager@wmpg.org.

Community Radio Station WMPG's Spring Begathon 2007 begins Monday, March 19, and ends Sunday, March 25. People wishing to pledge are urged to call 874-3000. The University of Southern Maine-based station depends on its on-air fundraiser for one-third of its annual operating budget. WMPG broadcasts volunteer-produced shows at 90.9 and 104.1 FM and at http://www.wmpg.org from studios located on the USM Portland campus. People wishing to donate to the Begathon should call 874-3000 or send donations to WMPG, 96 Falmouth St., P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300.

"The Begathon is different than most public radio pledge drives as we actually have fun" said Jim Rand, station manager. "The DJs go all out and the listeners really come through year after year. We don't change what we do during our on-air fundraisers, we just do it with a bit more intensity. The emphasis is on having fun. We need the support of our listeners, but we don't forget that listening to the radio should be enjoyable."

In recent years WMPG's volunteer base has swelled to over 200, continuing to represent the diversity of the greater Portland community.  WMPG is proud to air programs hosted by members of greater Portland's immigrant communities including Somali, Vietnamese, Latino, Serbian, Irish, French, Caribbean, and Cambodian programs. WMPG also airs American music programs that range from rock to rockabilly, bluegrass to jazz, country to hip-hop, and everything in between. WMPG also airs many locally produced public affairs programs including the award-winning Blunt Youth Radio Project.

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