News Releases

WMPG BEGATHON Begins Monday, March 29

March 26, 2004

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tom Flynn 780-4151.

Community radio station WMPG's Spring Begathon 2004 begins Monday, March 29 and ends Sunday, April 4. People wishing to pledge are urged to call 874-3000. The University of Southern Maine-based station depends on its on-air fundraiser for a third of its annual operating budget.

In recent years WMPG's volunteer base has swelled to over 200, continuing to represent the diversity of the ever-growing greater Portland community. WMPG airs programs hosted by local DJs who feature the music of greater Portland's immigrant communities, including Somali, Vietnamese, Latino, Serbian, Irish, French, Caribbean, and Cambodian radio programs. Also aired is American music spanning the spectrum from rock to rockabilly, from bluegrass to jazz, and from country to hip-hop. WMPG also airs many locally produced public affairs programs and the award-winning Blunt Youth Radio project.

"Begathon is a really fun time at WMPG," said Jim Rand, station manager. "The DJs go all out and the listeners really come through year after year. We don't change what we do during our on-air fundraisers, we just do it with a bit more intensity. The emphasis is on having fun. We need the support of our listeners, but we don't forget that listening to the radio should be enjoyable."

WMPG broadcasts at 90.9 and 104.1 FM and at www.wmpg.org from studios located on the USM Portland campus. WMPG's shows are produced by volunteers from the community and the university.

People wishing to support WMPG can call 874-3000 or send donations to WMPG, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300.

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