Local Volunteer-Run Radio Station Sets Fall Fundraising Drive

A local volunteer-run WDVR-FM stands out with its eclectic mix of music and talk programs that include everything from musical theater to farm-to-table discussions. Now, the group is seeking to raise funds for its operation.

Unlike the typical public radio programming found at many of America’s approximately 1,500 community public radio stations, WDVR offers a diverse array of shows curated by its more than 50 volunteer DJs. The shows range from various music genres such as bluegrass, indie, and soul, to podcast-style interview programs and technology discussions.

“Most public radio – there are approximately 1,500 community public radio stations in America – tend toward very focused formats,” according to station board member Chris Poh, who has been with the station since its inception in 1991. “We have something for everyone’s taste.”

WDVR-FM, which began broadcasting on Feb. 19, 1990, has grown from a 500-watt terrestrial station to a multi-faceted broadcasting operation.

The station is targeted at serving Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset and Warren counties in New Jersey; and Bucks, Montgomery, Northampton and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania. Aside from its local audience, it broadcasts online to anyone with an internet connection.

However, the expansion and operational costs for the station and its off-site infrastructure have significantly increased.

In response, WDVR is set to launch a fundraising drive on Oct. 14 to support and further develop the Sergeantsville-based station through listener contributions.

“We are blessed to have an extremely loyal base of listeners that have been with us since the beginning.” said Carla Van Dyke, WDVR’s station manager. “And we hope to add new friends to that list of the thousands of daily listeners that have made WDVR a part of lives both locally and globally.”

Listeners interested in supporting the non-commercial station can contribute to the fundraising initiative by visiting https://wdvrfm.org/donate-2024.

WDVR-FM is licensed to Penn-Jersey Educational Radio, a nonprofit corporation, and can be heard on WDVR-FM 89.7 Delaware Twp, N.J., WPNJ-FM 90.5 Easton, Pa., W222BV-FM 92.3 Harmony Township, N.J., W245CC-FM 96.9 Trenton, N.J., W294BQ-FM 106.7 Easton, Pa., and W240CY-FM 95.9 Mount Bethel, N.J.

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