For Our Members ...

It was a different world 50 years ago, in 1972 Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman elected to Congress, the Mariner 9 spacecraft was orbiting Mars, the Equal Rights Amendment made its way to a vote, Bobby Fischer won the world chess championship against Russia, M*A*S*H debuted, the Watergate story broke, gas was .36 cents a gallon, bell-bottom jeans were in and WCMU started its radio service.

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary and look to the future, one thing is clear –providing fact-based news, information and local reporting is more important than ever. There’s an increasing demand for trusted news and a deep concern for our democracy, no matter your political affiliation. According to a recent NPR/ PBS NewsHour/Marist poll, 83% of Americans think there is a serious threat to the future of the nation’s democracy, an increase from 77% in July ’22. Half of the 46 counties we serve no longer have a newspaper, leaving many across our listening area in a “news desert.”

We conducted a thorough review and evaluation of our audience data. The research showed consistency across our schedule is key to serving both classical and news audiences effectively. After careful consideration and analysis, we’re excited to announce beginning March 1st you’ll have expanded news coverage and a 24/7 classical service!

The WCMU

Classical service will showcase young musicians through “From the Top,” “SymphonyCast” presents symphonies from around the world, “Footlight Parade: Sounds of the American Musical is a celebration of classic Broadway and Hollywood musicals from the early 20th century to current hits, “Pipedreams” highlights pipe organ music and “Performance Today” features concerts, interviews, and features. This and so much more on your 24/7 classical music service.

Also, this month on television you’ll see our newest local production, “50 Years Later: The Impact of Title IX” which features legendary coaches, Marcy Weston, Margo Jonker, Cristy Freese and Sue Guevara. And you won’t want to miss the final season of Sanditon starting on March 19th at 9 p.m. We’ll have a sneak-peek screening of Sanditon in Mt. Pleasant before it airs so keep an eye out for the date on our social channels and in the e-newsletter.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Debbie