Why you should donate
WMBR is noncommercial radio, offering quality programming that can’t be found anywhere else. We are 100% volunteer, with no paid staff. This is rare – even among other noncommercial stations. Our volunteers are MIT students, alumni, staff, and members of the local community.
Your support truly sustains us! While MIT generously provides our space and essential resources, we rely entirely on grassroots donations to cover our expenses and bring you the unique, quality programming you've grown to expect.
The past year has seen significant change at WMBR. We replaced our ancient analog phones with a new digital system, installed a new HVAC system, and breathed new life into our live music studio. We welcomed dozens of new students, staff, and faculty to the airwaves, bringing nearly 40 brand-new programs to you this fall season. Our volunteers recently released an iPhone app for listening to the station, with an Android version in the works. We are excited to expand and improve our online presence!
Where the money goes
Your contributions have already made a significant impact. Studio renovations, including repaired walls, fresh paint, and new furniture, have revitalized our space. Equipment upgrades, such as new appliances and audio engineering gear, have enhanced our production quality. We've also invested in campus outreach at MIT, growing our community presence and strengthening our ability to recruit new talent.
Our primary control room is on its last legs, and hasn’t seen a paintbrush or level in decades. Your contribution will directly fund its renovation in January: replacing the frayed carpet, water-damaged ceiling, holey acoustical fabric, the list goes on. Our mixing board is long past its end of life, outliving even the brand that built it, and will be succeeded by a modern console. Jumbles of wires will be replaced with a powerful audio network, increasing reliability and bringing the station into the 21st century.
To deliver the crystal-clear signal you deserve, we'll continue to invest in state-of-the-art broadcasting technology. Beyond the control room renovation, we plan to upgrade our computer systems and software to empower our DJs’ creative impulses and enhance your listening experience. Your donations also continue to cover essential expenses such as webcasting and licensing fees, music purchases, insurance, and legal costs.
Every dollar you contribute directly shapes the future of our station. You're not just donating; you're investing in a vibrant community hub, supporting local talent, and ensuring diverse voices and programs are heard on the airwaves. We are profoundly grateful for your support, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for being the best listeners a station could ask for!
Premiums
A variety of premiums are available as our way of saying thank you for your support. They are tokens of appreciation for your tax-deductible donation to WMBR. This year we're offering t-shirts, cooling towels, sweatshirts, jackets, tote bags, and stickers!
Here's a sneak peek at what the premiums look like:
- Stickers
- Cooling Towel
- WMBR T-shirt
- Throwback WMBR T-shirt
- Radio With A View Anniversary T-Shirt
- Record Totebag
- Crew Neck Sweatshirt
- Fleece Jacket