Radio station raises money for spring drive

For the past 12 years, Bob Kissel has played the blues on Bloomington's independent radio station 98.1 WFHB-FM.\n"I have enjoyed the opportunity to listen to local musicians perform right next to me in the studio," said Kissel. "I have learned so much about the characters that give the blues so much soul."\nWFHB has more than 70 volunteer programmers who are selected to produce a music or news show based on their area of expertise. Kissel wants to show the importance of blues' cultural and historical significance in society during his weekly program "Blue Monday." \nTo keep programs like Kissel's on the air, WFHB hopes listeners will tune in from now through April 21 and contribute money toward the station's spring fund drive. \n"We don't get any tax money or huge government grants," said News Director Chad Carrothers. "We are nonprofit, free of corporate interests, and we provide a neutral forum for people to discuss the issues impacting their lives."\nTwo years ago, WFHB served 7,000 listeners on a daily basis and raised $15,000 during the drive. Now, with an audience of more than 14,000, the station plans to raise money to the tune of $50,000.\n"WFHB is a small, entrepreneurial business center that has bills, employees and the need to expand into the future," Kissel said. "We are funded by our own business efforts and by the investment of the community."\nShana Berger, a supporter of WFHB, believes community radio stations are the alternative to the consolidation of mass media.\n"WFHB allows a kind of programming and news that is specifically for our community," Berger said. "It helps unite the voice of our community by providing a forum for dialogue."\nWFHB plays a diverse selection of music, ranging from jazz to electronica, reggae and alternative. The station also focuses on specialty programs, such as the BBC World Service and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender show, BloomingOUT.\n"Our content is driven by listeners," Carrothers said. "If you don't like what's on the air, you're not going to have any reason to give the station money."\nWith listener contributions making up half of WFHB's annual budget, the station relies heavily on the listeners to support the station financially.\n"Contributing during our current fund drive affirms a member's commitment to our community and the efforts that WFHB undertakes to reflect the diversity of Bloomington," Kissel said.\nSince 1993, WFHB has provided a forum for local information, music and culture and hopes the money raised will ensure the station's future on Bloomington's airwaves, Bruce said.\n"We're not playing up to the record label or a talk show host's ego," said Bruce. "We're responsible to the members, volunteers and the community. WFHB is mission-driven, not profit-driven."\nVolunteers urge listeners to donate money by either contacting station manager Ryan Bruce at manager@wfhb.org or 327-9342.\n-- Contact staff writer Jessica Levco at jlevco@indiana.edu.