WUMR FM-92, Will Host First "Radiothon" Sept. 21-27
For release: September 16, 2003
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey

Jazz lovers, unite!

WUMR FM 91.7 will hold its first Radiothon Sept. 21-27. Gifts will be used to create a salaried position for director of programming to enhance the quality of the station's programming. Donations also will supplement the station's operational budget, which has faced major reductions in state funding.

Those who donate will receive gifts such as CDs, coffee mugs and concert tickets. Prominent jazz lovers will appear as on-air guests during the Radiothon, including Dr. Vasco Smith, attorney Jocelyn Wurzburg, Ham Smythe III, radio personality Loretta Scott and Napoleon Cassibry.

WUMR is the only non-commercial classic jazz station in Memphis. Known as "The Jazz Lover," the 25,000-watt station serves listeners within a 60-mile radius of Memphis. Its play list blends contemporary and traditional jazz with a sampling of fusion, Latin and New Age music.

Also, as "the voice of the University of Memphis," the station serves the area with educational, sports and community service programming. It's a training lab for students, providing hands-on experience in announcing, news reporting and writing, talk show hosting and sportscasting. In addition to on-air positions, students serve in management roles in various departments, including music, production, traffic, news and sports.

WUMR is staffed almost exclusively by students and volunteers. The only professional staff member is general manager Dr. Robert McDowell, an associate professor and formerly interim chairman of the Department of Communication. Along with teaching, advising and administrative duties, McDowell supervises of staff of 25 to 30 volunteers at WUMR.

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