Since 1978, North Country Public Radio (NCPR) – along with virtually every other public radio and TV station across the country – has been holding intensive, on the air fundraising campaigns every fall. This year, the station is trying something very different.

“We think listeners and digital audiences understand that their contributions are what keep NCPR going. We decided to experiment using very brief messages that did not interrupt regular programs- at all,” June Peoples, Membership Director, said in a notice to the press.

According to Station Manager Ellen Rocco, it’s working. “For the past few weeks, we’ve given the phone number and web address once or twice an hour without breaking into programs and at this writing, we’ve raised about $225,000 toward a $325,000 goal.”

The station hopes to reach its goal by Monday, October 20.  Dale Hobson, the station’s Web Content Manager, described the experiment this way: “It’s hard to overstate what a game changer it would be if NCPR could make its fund goal before ever having to interrupt programs to make the pitch.  It would not only be a first for us, I don’t think we could ever go back again. And other stations around the country are watching to see if we can do the deed. To not only do away with one intrusive on-air drive, but to do away with all of them in the future, too – who wouldn’t want to help?”

The station is offering giveaways to those who contact NCPR during the campaign, with a grand prize giveaway on Monday of a $2,500 voucher which can be used for air travel anywhere in the coming year.

NCPR news, music and digital operation can be found on air, online, on Facebook Twitter, Tumbler, and mobile. For more information about the station or to make a contribution go to ncpr.org, or call 877-388-6277.

Disclosure: The Adirondack Almanack founder and editor John Warren is a regular weekly contributor to North Country Public Radio.