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Release Date: 
Monday, March 20, 2023

WHFR-FM holds Radiothon 2023, March 26 to April 1

Event Date: 
Sun, 03/26/2023 to Sat, 04/01/2023
Susan McGraw standing next to the WHFR logo.
WHFR manager Susan McGraw stands in front of the WHFR-FM radio studio in the Student & Culinary Arts Center (Bldg. M). From March 26 to April 1, WHFR will host its annual Radiothon.

HFC’s WHFR-FM (89.3 FM) – the College’s student-run, non-commercial, independent radio and internet broadcasting station – is holding its annual pledge drive, Radiothon 2023, from Sunday, March 26, through Saturday, April 1, with a variety of special on-air events scheduled throughout the week.

“Thanks to your past support, a new transmitter was installed in the fall, along with related equipment to make WHFR’s signal stronger and clearer, which allowed us to branch out farther than ever. Through your support, we are pleased to serve an even wider area of our local community – as well as those listening through our internet stream worldwide. We couldn’t have done it without you!” said Susan McGraw, HFC Chair of the Department of Communication & Media and WHFR General Manager.

Founded in 1985, WHFR-FM Radio has been providing local talk and original musical programming from talented, creative, independent artists that is rarely heard on the Metro Detroit radio dial. Known for its classical programming in the overnight hours, original musical styles from talented musicians, and great local talk, WHFR airs content that most other stations won’t, said McGraw.

Branching out farther into our community

“Whether you’ve been listening since day one or are brand new to WHFR, we’re so glad you’re here,” said McGraw. “To keep WHFR operating successfully, we need to ask for your continued support. We make this request one week each year, and we call it Radiothon. This year’s Radiothon theme is ‘Branching out farther into our community.’ We’re looking for your help to keep our efforts going strong.”

As a non-commercial, volunteer-staffed radio station, WHFR is not licensed to sell commercials and must rely on support from HFC and private donations in order to operate. Because WHFR does not receive government funding, more than 60 percent of our operating budget directly comes from donors like YOU!

This annual fundraising event is WHFR’s largest fundraising effort and provides the biggest opportunity to collect much-needed independent funding to run the eclectically programmed radio station and operate at a level you, our listeners, expect and deserve.

3 ways to donate to WHFR

There are three easy ways to donate to the radio station during Radiothon 2023:

  1. On-Air: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2023 is March 26 through April 1 when our live DJs will be asking you to call in at (313) 845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation via credit card or to request a self-addressed envelope (SASE) to be sent directly to you.
  2. Online: Log onto the WHFR-FM website and click the “Radiothon 2023” button.
  3. Mail: Fill out and mail in the pledge form with your contribution at any time.

The station is offering some fun incentive items at various pledge levels in keeping with the “branching out” theme, including a stress-relieving WHFR adult coloring book with pencils that boasts a nature motif at the $60 level to enjoy while relaxing with WHFR.

“You, our generous donors, play a vital role in the continued success of WHFR,” said McGraw. “We are committed to staying true to our mission with local, independent, eclectic programming for you. Thank you in advance for all of your support!”

For questions or more information about Radiothon 2023, contact McGraw at 313-845-9842 or scmcgraw@hfcc.edu.