MPBN Radio Set to Raise Essential Listener Support in a Record Amount of Time

“Super Thursday” One-Day Pledge Drive on April 12 on MPBN Radio

(Bangor/Portland, Maine) – MPBN’s first ever Super Thursday One-Day Radio Pledge Drive last fall beat all records for listener support, and raised it in the shortest time ever. The statewide network is now looking to tap into its listener commitment and dedication to MPBN programming, and their enthusiasm to keep the programs interruption-free as much as possible, to help raise member support that is more vital than ever during its upcoming Spring Membership Campaign.

The “Super Thursday” One-Day Radio Pledge Drive will take place on Thursday, April 12 – starting at 1:00 am.  MPBN’s new President and CEO, Mark Vogelzang, is very enthused about the new one-day format. "MPBN has significantly reduced the total number of days of on-air radio fundraising, and frankly, this one-day idea is smart, efficient and fun - much like MPBN is every day. I'm impressed with the strong audience ratings here in Maine, and the high percentage of listeners who are contributing members." Vogelzang notes that there is also an added importance to this membership campaign. “With the state appropriation for MPBN already reduced by 13.5% or over $250,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, it is essential that listeners step forward and do their part. This is a win, win situation. We all work together to raise the essential support to keep MPBN going, but do it in as short a period as possible.” MPBN’s state funding is intended to help the network reach areas of the state with its television and radio services that might not otherwise be served.

Jennifer Foley, MPBN’s VP of Development, expects the volunteer phones and website to be extremely busy during the "Super Thursday" One-Day Radio Pledge Drive. "Our goal is at least 4,000 calls of support and 1,000 new members. We’ll keep the phones open all day long. Everyone will have a chance to be part of what we call a 'celebration of public radio'." MPBN phones will be staffed by enthusiastic volunteers in both Bangor and Portland, doing their part to help MPBN maintain and strengthen its membership base. So many folks responded to MPBN for help with the phones on "Super Thursday" "we actually have had to say no to many volunteers who want to be part of this," added Foley. Network officials will be watching the results of this campaign carefully. “If successful, this could be a continuing model for the future,” notes Foley.

Vogelzang, who moved to Maine and assumed the presidency just this past January, notes that MPBN Radio plays a very important role in the everyday life of Maine citizens. “There are many places in the state where MPBN Radio is listened to more than any other station, providing essential news and information, great music and the best radio entertainment around – from Car Talk to Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me. It’s clear to me already that Maine citizens from all walks of life and all corners of this state greatly value MPBN. It’s a statewide treasure.”

MPBN’s "Super Thursday" One-Day Radio Pledge Drive commences on-line at 1:00 am on April 12 at mpbn.net, and volunteers will be answering the pledge phone lines starting at 5:30 am. "Super Thursday" concludes on-line at midnight.

MPBN was founded by the University of Maine system, along with Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin Colleges, and can be heard on 90.9 Bangor; 90.1 Portland, 89.7 Calais; 90.5 Camden; 91.3 Waterville, 106.1 Presque Isle, and 106.5 Fort Kent, and 24 hours a day at mpbn.net.

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