East Tennessee's Own WDVX-FM to hold 2011 Spring Fund Drive March 17-26

KNOXVILLE -- WDVX radio station is getting out their green in preparation for the St. Patrick's Day kick off of the annual Spring Fund Drive, to be held March 17th through 26th. During the fall and spring fund drives, the station reaches out to its community of listeners for support, which accounts for over a third of the station's annual budget. Without support from listeners during the fall and spring fund drives, the award-winning station could not continue to provide the quality programming and access to over 300 free live music shows a year that has made the station not only a community asset, but a hub for visitors to the Knoxville area. WDVX also has a lot of new and exciting projects planned for 2011, including the completion of its new transmitter, the construction of a translator to service South and East Knoxville, website improvements, and many more surprises to come.

The WDVX Fund Drives are known for its entertaining guest hosts, surprise guests, and musical performances throughout the drive. The March 17th kick off Blue Plate Special will feature music by local traditional Celtic band, Four Leaf Peat, and old-time inspired rockers, The Junior League Band.

With proposed changes in funding at the federal level for public broadcasting organizations, the station will rely on listener-supporters more than ever to help sustain operations for the upcoming year. According to WDVX Development Director, Jennie Caissie "Listener support is the single biggest source of support the station receives. We count on our listeners and friends in the community to show how much they appreciate the station--- not just the music, but the support we give to local businesses and non-profits too. For some folks, like our military listeners, WDVX is their link to home. For listeners outside of East Tennessee WDVX is a positive representative for Southern Appalachian musical art and culture. WDVX has listeners everywhere--- all over the United States and in several foreign countries too! This is the time for those listeners to show their appreciation. To make the choice to be a part of the future of the station and become a supporter."

Home to popular music shows such as the Blue Plate Special, Tennessee Shines, and Ferd's Friday, the station recently won the Bluegrass Station of the Year Award from the Society of the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) for the sixth year in a row. The station has also been featured in national and international media as a regional Southern Appalachian cultural icon.

WDVX is an independent, community-supported radio station playing an eclectic mix of music celebrating the arts and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. The station can be heard in Knoxville and surrounding areas on the radio at 89.9 or 102.9 or online at www.wdvx.com.

To make donations or to volunteer at WDVX, contact the station at (865) 544-1029 or 1-866-946-WDVX (9389) or visit the website www.wdvx.com.

Published March 2, 2011