WHQR raises more than $169k after seeing federal funds cut

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — WHQR is thanking the community for the financial aid they received during a three-day pledge drive that starting on Wednesday. July 23.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed a law rescinding $9 billion in previously approved federal spending for the next two years. That includes more than $1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

WHQR Station Manager Kevin Crane says about 8.5% of WHQR’s annual budget comes from federal sources. Last year, WHQR received a $174,000 Community Service Grant from CPB.

WHQR opened its pledge phones Wednesday, with the pledge ending Friday at 6 p.m.

The station was seeking volunteers to help answer calls, and about 60 volunteers showed up to take part.

With an hour to go — at 5 p.m. Friday — Crane said the station had raised $169,950.

“The tremendous outpouring of support from our public radio community has been overwhelming,” Crane said in a statement. “This is just the beginning as we make the transition to a 100% community funded station.”