Join Us in the Effort to #saveWSIE
Thank you for your decision to support WSIE 88.7 "The Sound!" WSIE is in dire need of funding in order to continue our operations. We need to raise approximately $100,000 before June 30th 2020, otherwise we may very well lose our region's only radio station dedicated to Jazz and its companion genres. If you'd like to know more about the events that led to this situation, please continue reading after the giving form below. Otherwise, please consider making your tax-deductible donation by filling out the new, more user-friendly form just below. If you would rather mail a check, please find specific instructions and our mailing address toward the bottom of this page.
The past few years have ushered in a new and productive era for WSIE 88.7:
-In 2016, WSIE updated its format to include a rich blend of Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Blues and Easy R&B. Since then, our listening audience has more than tripled and continues to grow.
-We have added a library category that is specifically dedicated to putting a spotlight on the music of our regional artists.
-We have been invited to co-sponsor several locally produced Jazz festivals and we've had the wonderful opportunity to get back out in the community through various concerts, fairs and festivals.
-We have revamped our website to include regional artist bios, a calendar of upcoming Jazz-related events and an interactive blog, among other features.
-We have increased student involvement with WSIE by offering new and varying volunteer positions for SIUE students.
-We are the region's only remaining 24/7 FM radio station dedicated to playing, promoting and preserving Jazz and its companion genres. We are also one of only 16 remaining Smooth Jazz Billboard chart reporters in the United States.
All in all, WSIE has enjoyed a steady, upward trajectory. But in 2018, we lost 100% of our state funding as a result of the Illinois budget impasse (2016 - 2018). We were charged to become entirely self-sufficient by increasing our underwriting income, applying for grants and encouraging our listeners to make tax-deductible donations in support of this wonderful station. Things were moving along nicely ... until COVID-19 interrupted everyone's lives.
As a result of local and state "Stay-at-Home" orders, many of our underwriters were forced to reduce services or close entirely. In turn, most of these businesses had to make the tough decision to suspend or cancel their financial support of WSIE until further notice. Also, we have seen a sharp reduction in listener donations. This all adds up to a fairly large net loss for our current fiscal year (Approximately $100,000). This is an urgent call to action, as we need to raise these funds before the end of our fiscal year (June 30th, 2020) or face the reality of potential closure.
"saveWSIE" is a national campaign that asks fans of Jazz to consider making a tax-deductible donation, large or small, in order to help us preserve this heritage St. Louis radio station. September 4th, 2020 will be WSIE's 50th anniversary and it is our goal to assure that this radio station will be around for the listening enjoyment and education of listeners for years to come. In order to accomplish this, we need your help. As opposed to asking for large donations from a few, we're hoping that this national campaign will usher in a grassroots movement that will encourage many fans of Jazz to donate smaller amounts. For example, if 10,000 people donated just $10, we would achieve our goal.
So, we're asking you to consider making a donation, in any amount, to help us save WSIE (If you're open to it, small monthly recurring payments are VERY helpful for our long-term success!). Also, if you would be so kind, we ask you to visit our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and share that you've supported WSIE with our "saveWSIE" social media graphics. Just click the "share" button under the graphic and then share why you've decided to support WSIE 88.7 "The Sound."
Lastly, if you've never listened to WSIE, or if it's been a while since you last tuned in, we invite you to experience "St. Louis' home for great Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Blues and Easy R&B" at 88.7 on your FM dial. If you do not live in the St. Louis region, we invite you to check out WSIE's great mix at wsie.com or on your smart device by downloading the free TuneIn app and searching for "WSIE." It is our hope that you will have found your new favorite radio station!
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. We appreciate any support that you can afford to give in our effort to saveWSIE.
Jason Church
General Manager
WSIE 88.7 "The Sound"
Email: jaschur@siue.edu
You may also send a check, payable to the SIUE Foundation (Memo line: WSIE Development Fund), and mail it to:
WSIE Radio
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Campus Box 1773
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1773
WSIE exists because of your support!
Did you know that WSIE now has an online apparel store?
- Thanks to our connection with Big Frog in Edwardsville. Now, you can show your support in more ways than one!
- When you buy your WSIE merchandise, Big Frog will send a portion of every purchase back to support your favorite radio station, WSIE 88.7 "The Sound."
- Click HERE to browse their online WSIE store.
The work of 88.7 The Sound is central to the far-reaching impact of public radio. We are a community institution, providing music our listeners can’t hear anywhere else on the FM dial. To make a contribution, tax deductible as allowed by law, please visit the SIUE Foundation to give online.
Thank you for your generosity and for listening to WSIE, 88-seven, the Sound.
