WAMC/Northeast Public Radio to Raise Funds for Japan

ALBANY, NY (03/16/2011)(readMedia)-- The twenty-two stations of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio will be opening up the phones to raise money for victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. This special one day fund drive is possible thanks to a special waiver from the Federal Communications Commission, allowing the stations to raise money in partnership with the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York.

On Monday, March 21st from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, WAMC's President Alan Chartock, The Roundtable's Joe Donahue and Vox Pop's Ray Graf will take to the airwaves, encouraging listeners to call in with their contributions. Special guests will join them through the course of the day.

"We cannot stand by and do nothing," says Alan Chartock. "We've heard from so many listeners who want to contribute but aren't sure of the best way to do it. We can make it easy for them to help. We did it for Katrina, we did it for Haiti, and now we'll do it for Japan."

The Japanese Red Cross has issued a statement that all funds contributed to the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York and earmarked for Japan will be turned over to the Japanese Red Cross.

"The American Red Cross is grateful to WAMC for their support of our fundraising efforts to help Japan recover from the devastating earthquake and tsunami," says Gary Striar, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross. "The continued incredible generosity of local residents helps the Red Cross respond to disasters across the street, around the country and around the world."

WAMC is well-known for the success of its regular fund drives. Most recently, the station raised over one million dollars to support its programming. In 2005 a similar one-day fund drive raised over $500,000 for the American Red Cross to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. More recently, an evening of music by James Taylor which was simulcast on WAMC raised over $200,000 for Partners in Health, an organization working on the ground to provide assistance to victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

No matter where they are, listeners can make a toll-free call to 800-323-9262 to support the cause. The station will also be taking secure online contributions at www.wamc.org.

Member-supported WAMC Northeast Public Radio broadcasts news, informational and cultural programming to listeners in portions of seven northeastern states. WAMC is an award winning producer of regionally based programming and an affiliate of National Public Radio, American Public Media, and Public Radio International.

WAMC-FM 90.3 FM, Albany; WAMC, 1400 AM, Albany; WAMK 90.9 FM, Kingston; WOSR, 91.7 FM, Middletown; WCEL, 91.9 FM, Plattsburgh; WCAN, 93.3 FM, Canajoharie; WANC, 103.9 FM, Ticonderoga; WRUN, 90.3 FM, Remsen-Utica; WAMQ 105.1 FM, Great Barrington, MA; WWES 88.9 FM, Mt. Kisco; 90.1 WANZ Stamford, NY,93.1 FM, Troy; 99.3 FM, Oneonta; 97.1 FM, Hudson; 107.1 FM, Warwick; 107.7 FM, Newburgh; 103.9 FM, Beacon; 96.5 FM, Ellenville; 106.9, Middletown; 102.1, Highland, NY and 90.9 FM, Milford, PA.; 97.3 FM, Cooperstown and on-line at www.wamc.org.