Dear Friend of WEMU:
In January of 2011, WEMU took a leap of faith. We promised EMU that we could cut our general fund budget by $250,000 over three years to help offset the 15% cut to higher education the University was facing from the state. We were confident that WEMU’s listeners would step up to the challenge and help offset that cuts that we incurred. And, so far, you have. In 2012 we were able to offset that $50,000 with increased donations from listeners. This year WEMU took a $100,000 cut to our general fund appropriation.
With two strong pledge drives in fall and spring, we are again poised make it up through listener and corporate contributions. But, we can’t do it without your financial gift. We have until June 25 to raise approximately $35,000. $35,000 that goes directly to the programs and people you count on from WEMU. $35,000 that helps us maintain our daily operations and our strong focus on community through local news and local music programming. Without that $35,000 we will be faced with some tough decisions.
Will we be able to continue to bring you the specialty music programs you look forward to each weekend? Will we be able to remain live on weekday evenings? Or will we be forced to go to syndicated programming, which may fill the hours with music, but that lacks the soul, vibrancy, and community connection you get with WEMU?