KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– Listenership, community outreach and fund-raising at WUOT-FM were at record levels in 1996, the director of East Tennessee’s public radio station said Friday.
“It was a record year all around,” said Regina Dean, executive director of the University of Tennessee’s Radio Center. “We appreciate all that our listeners and underwriters did last year to make WUOT an even stronger voice in our community.”
The station’s metro audience reached an all-time high of 51,700 in the summer, she said. During any 15-minute time slot during the summer at least 3,500 people were listening, she said. WUOT’s four most-listened-to programs were “All Things Considered,” “Morning Edition,” “A Prairie Home Companion,” and “Car Talk.”
“As federal funding for public broadcasting continues to shrink, WUOT is working hard to offset the loss with additional financial support from the community. Last year, WUOT raised a record $328,653 from the community,” Dean said.
The on-air fund drive in October exceeded its $150,000 goal by nearly $8,500, and another $92,000 was received by the mail renewal campaign. Underwriting from businesses and firms produced $26,600 in new dollars, she said.
“Fanfare,” a new public service effort, provided recognition on the air and in the station’s program guide to non-profit organizations in the area. More than 130 groups applied to participate in Fanfare last year.
WUOT’s 1996 educational activities included work with Beck Cultural Center on Black History Month, a stop smoking program with the Knox County Health Department and the American Cancer Society, and a radio expeditions series, “Life on the Brink,” with area school systems.
Dean said the station’s locally produced arts and culture programs continued to grow. “Alive After Five” is done in conjunction with Knoxville Museum of Art and “Live At Laurel” with Jubilee Community Arts.
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Contact: Regina Dean (423-974-5375)