Support WHFR-FM during its annual Radiothon April 14-20

HFC’s WHFR-FM (89.3 FM) – the College’s student-run, non-commercial, independent radio and internet broadcasting station – will hold its annual pledge drive, Radiothon 2024, from April 14-20 with a variety of special on-air events scheduled throughout the week.

HFC Chairperson for the Department of Media Communication Arts and WHFR General Manager Susan McGraw is an alumna of HFC (then called Henry Ford Community College) and has been the radio station's general manager since 1999.

“Years before that, this station trained me as a student to be a broadcaster, and I worked successfully as a professional in the industry for many years before coming back to my home here at HFC and WHFR,” explained McGraw. “Without this real-life experience and educational broadcast opportunity, I believe the path to finding my life’s passion might not have led me to where I am today – loving my work with my students and volunteers and contributing to my campus and community. That’s all because of WHFR Radio.”

Making waves since 1985

Founded in 1985, WHFR Radio has been providing local talk and original, eclectic musical programming from talented, creative, local independent artists 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 what most other stations will not.

“My story is one of many that are written every year here at WHFR. Helping people learn about broadcasting, create great radio, and positively impact our community is what I believe WHFR does best. Our volunteer staff members are amazing, and they’re here because, like me, they believe in what WHFR stands for,” said McGraw. “We do things a little differently than the other stations, not only to fill a void in musical options for our loyal listeners, but to inspire our students and volunteers to go beyond the norm and be original.”

Asking for continued support from the community

To keep the station operating, we need your support. We make this request only one week out of the year, and we call it Radiothon. This year’s Radiothon theme is “Spotlight on Our Volunteers.”

“We need your help to keep us going strong and allow our passionate student and volunteer staff, both current and future, to grow their skills and do what they love,” said McGraw.

Please consider helping us continue to provide this forum for learning (and great radio) by donating to WHFR during our Radiothon 2024 pledge drive.

This annual fundraiser is the most effective way that WHFR acquires funding to stay on the air, operate at the level you expect and deserve, and offer this real-world forum for training. Because WHFR does not receive government funding, more than 60% of our budget comes from donors like YOU!

Three ways to donate to WHFR

There are three easy ways to donate to the radio station during Radiothon 2024:

1. On-Air: The on-air portion of Radiothon 2024 is April 14-20 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 that a self-addressed envelope be sent directly to you.
2. Online: You may Donate securely online.
3. Mail: Download, fill out, and send in the pledge form with your contribution at any time.

“You – our generous donors – play a vital role in the continued success of WHFR, and we are committed to staying true to our mission with local, independent, eclectic programming and a forum for learning and creativity for our students and volunteers. Thanks in advance for your support!” said McGraw.

For questions or more information about Radiothon 2024, contact McGraw at 313-845-9842 or scmcgraw@hfcc.edu.