News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 3/7/03   KSLU PLANS SPRING FUND DRIVE, MARCH 13-15       HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University public radio station, 90.9 KSLU Alternative Public Radio, will host a three-day fund drive, March 13-15, featuring community members, celebrities, and the station’s debut of a new program, Garrison Keillor’s popular "A Prairie Home Companion."       The fund drive is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will culminate with the introduction of "A Prairie Home Companion" to the station’s line-up on Saturday, March 15, from 5-7 p.m., said KSLU General Manager Wayne Cain.       "Our first fund drive last year raised approximately $6,500, which resulted in our being able to bring listeners exciting new programming like ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ this year,” Cain said. “With federal cutbacks looming, support from the community is more important than ever. If you believe in local noncommercial public radio, we ask you to show that support and call in your pledge during our fund drive.”       The fund drive telephone number is 985-549-2330.       Cain said local celebrities and community leaders who plan to participate in the fund drive include Southeastern President Randy Moffett and Communication Department Head Karen Fontenot, New Orleans television broadcaster  Steve Bellas, award-winning video producer Rod Starns, Hammond Mayor Mayson Foster, Hammond Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jamene Dahmer, Debra Neil of the Neil Corporation, Downtown Development District Director Marco Monoc, and 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux.       "The fund drive crystalizes the concept behind public radio for both our student workers and audience members,” added Todd Delaney, KSLU’s programing director. “It's the time of the year when we talk candidly about the quality programs that only we can offer our community."       “I am looking forward to working with everyone both on campus and locally to make this year's fund drive a rousing success,” said Liz Black, who joined the KSLU staff as development director in January. “Public radio provides an important service to both our community and our campus. The fact that programming of the caliber of  ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ will be heard on KSLU demonstrates the importance of continued support from our listeners. I hope all of our listeners will pledge their support during our fund drive.”       Licensed to Southeastern, KSLU is the only public radio station on the north shore and one of only eight public radio stations state-wide.        In addition to running public radio programming from Public Radio International, KSLU also features local news and interviews with Mary Pirosko, Rosa Dunn’s "Point of View" talk show, and an eclectic blend of music, including an hour of blues each weekday from 6-7 p.m. on the “KSLU Blues Cruise.” A local music show runs in the evenings, and the station plans to expand local music content throughout the day in the near future.        KSLU also serves as a training ground for Southeastern broadcast communication students, who work behind the scenes and on-air, and are trained by a professional staff.        For additional information about the fund drive, contact Black at 985-549-2330. Return to News Releases