‘Pints for Public Media’ raises $30,000 for WKU Public Media

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A community-led music fundraiser is turning live performances into lasting support for WKU Public Media.

Organizers and supporters gathered Monday night at White Squirrel Brewery for a ceremonial check presentation following Pints for Public Media, an all-day event held Nov. 22 that featured 17 musical acts and raised $30,000 for the station.

The benefit brought together local musicians, volunteers and public media supporters, drawing more than a thousand people throughout the day.

“We found a way to bring people in the community together that wanted to support the idea of public media,” said Ernie Small, one of the event’s organizers. “It was unbelievable how many people showed up and stayed all day.”

Funds raised will directly support WKU Public Media’s operations and student opportunities at a time when stations nationwide are relying more heavily on community backing.

“Every dollar we raise translates into student hours,” said Jordan Basham, executive director of WKU Public Media. “This ends up being about 3,000 hours of hands-on experience for students preparing to be the next generation of broadcasters.”

Co-promoter Alan Simpson said the event was about more than music, pointing to public media’s role in providing trusted news and emergency information.

“Public media serves a need that no other broadcast media serves,” Simpson said. “It’s quality reporting, and it’s something our community depends on.”

Organizers say the success of Pints for Public Media has opened the door for similar events in the future, as community members continue to step up in support of local public media.