August 30, 2023
For almost 50 years, WETS-FM has been a source of trusted news in the region, informing,
educating and empowering the community. This fall, listeners will have an opportunity
to partner with the station by participating in the WETS-FM Fall Fund Drive, Sept.
9-15.
WETS-FM is an NPR affiliate that is operated as a partnership between East Tennessee State University and the station’s listeners. Operating 24 hours a day at 89.5 MHz in the Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia/North Carolina region, the station is also broadcast online.
“WETS-FM is an important part of the news landscape in the region, and our faithful listeners have sustained us for almost five decades,” said Chad Barrett, station manager. “We rely on support from the community to continue providing critical news stories, informed opinions and so much more.”
Barrett hopes to raise at least $75,000 during the fall fund drive. Donations go directly to supporting NPR, American Public Media, and other programming, as well as maintaining the station’s equipment.
In addition to monetary donations, WETS-FM needs volunteers to assist with the fundraising efforts. Volunteers will take telephone calls and handle donations from listeners who call in with a donation or a pledge. The greatest need for volunteers to be present in the studio is during the mornings, Monday through Friday, from 7-9 a.m., and in the evenings from 4-7 p.m.
WETS is also seeking listeners who are interested in sharing a recorded testimonial that could be played on air during the fall fund drive. To volunteer for either of these opportunities, email wets@etsu.edu.
“Every donation, regardless of size, helps us to continue our mission,” said Barrett. “We deeply appreciate the support we receive from our listeners and community members. These donations directly sustain our ability to cover stories that matter, and your engagement keeps us connected with the issues that shape our lives in our region and beyond.”
Visit wets.org or call (888) 895-9387 to donate.
From a vibrant arts scene and Broadway host to professors producing cutting-edge research and winning prestigious fellowships, ETSU is a powerful source of information and scholarship in the Appalachian Highlands.