News Releases

USM’s Community Radio Station WMPG Launches Spring Begathon on Monday, March 31

March 18, 2008

For more information, contact Development Director Dale Robin Lockman at 780-4151 or development@wmpg.org.

USM Community Radio Station WMPG’s Spring 2008 Begathon begins Monday March 31 and continues to Sunday, April 6. People wishing to pledge their support are welcome to call 874-3000. Listen to WMPG the week of Begathon at 90.9 FM and 104.1 FM or on the Web at http://www.wmpg.org. WMPG, broadcasting from studios at the University of Southern Maine, depends on its on-air fundraiser for one-third of its annual operating budget.

The DJs and managers at WMPG try to make Begathon more of a party than a chore – for the on-air staff and the listeners. “It’s a celebration of the station and the community it serves. The Begathon is different than most radio pledge drives in that we actually have fun,” said Jim Rand, station manager. “We call it Begathon,” muses Dave Bunker, program director, “but we’re not really begging; we’re proud to ask listeners to support WMPG.”

In recent years WMPG’s volunteer base has grown to over 200, continuing to represent the diversity of the ever-growing Greater Portland community.  WMPG is proud to air programs featuring the music of, and hosted by, members of Greater Portland’s international communities, including Vietnamese, Latino, Irish, French, Caribbean, and Cambodian radio programs in addition to American music of every variety; from Rock to Rockabilly, from Bluegrass to Jazz , from Country to Hip-Hop, and everything in between. WMPG also airs many locally produced public affairs programs and the award-winning Blunt Youth Radio project.  WMPG’s daily weekday schedule features the only broadcast of Amy Goodman’s news program "Democracy Now!" in southern Maine.

People wishing to support community radio should call 874-3000 or send donations to WMPG, 96 Falmouth St., Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300.

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