Operators Will Be Standing By...

From 7:00pm (eastern daylight time) on October 1 to late on October 8 (or early on October 9), WPRB, 103.3 FM, Princeton, NJ will be holding its annual membership drive.  Funds pledges and donated during this drive help support the station's annual operating budget.

For the few people reading this site who don't already know me in real life, it shouldn't take long to figure out that WPRB is one of the most significant institutions in my life. I first darkened its (admittedly dingy) doorstep in September 1990 and quickly became part of the family -- spinning records, reorganizing the record library, fixing broken equipment, or just hanging out on the dilapidated couches in the lobby. 18 years later, I remain a member of the station's alumni managing board, helping to ensure that WPRB is there for future generations of students, community members, and loyal listeners.

The membership drive is a great event for the station's all-volunteer staff. It brings students, alumni, and community members together, helping (or forcing) them to meet more people than just the DJs who immediately precede and follow their own shows. It helps every participant understand their connection to the business of running a small business in a complex economic environment. And with all the special on-air events and free food, it's just a fun time to be around.

This year, through the Free Yr Radio campaign sponsored by Toyota and Urban Outfitters, WPRB will be giving away a new Toyota Yaris automobile.  You don't have to pledge to win, but nobody likes a freeloader, right? 

All contributions are welcome -- small, large, anywhere in between. Premiums abound at all levels, from magnets to t-shirts to the Pledge Penguin FM radio.  There's even a handy installment option this year if you'd rather spread out the payments.  Check out pledge.wprb.com for all the details, and thanks in advance for your support of independent radio.