TUCSON, Ariz. (April 17, 2009) -- Fans of public television, classical music and National Public Radio united to help a March membership drive exceed pledges from the same time last year.

Donor pledges to KUAZ-FM and AM 1550, Classical KUAT-FM and KUAT Channel 6 showed an overall increase in number from the previous year, with increases ranging from 16 to 22%. This is the first time Arizona Public Media has ever combined all three of the top stations during a membership drive.

These increases are positive notes in light of the national averages for pledges to PBS stations, which have seen an average decrease of 22% in number of pledges and 32% in gift dollar amounts from last year.

Online pledges made to the television and the public radio stations by supporters via the Arizona Public Media website also saw increases over last year: the number of pledges from KUAT Channel 6 viewers and KUAZ radio listeners were up, while online pledges for Classical KUAT were slightly down.

Also new to this year’s Spring membership drive were more than 50 guest hosts from the community, who lent their voices and their time to help make the campaign a success.

“This is very good news in this down economy,” said Jack Gibson, Director and General Manager of Arizona Public Media, the broadcast organization of KUAZ, KUAT-FM and KUAT6. “Our donor base remains strong and is appreciative of the variety of content we provide them via television, radio and the internet.”

About Arizona Public Media Arizona Public Media® is a member-supported non-profit media organization of The University of Arizona, this year celebrating 50 years of public broadcasting service to Southern Arizona. Arizona Public Media (AZPM) broadcasts PBS stations KUAT Channel 6 and KUAS Channel 27; Digital TV Channels 6-1 PBS-HD; 6-2 V-me (en español); 6-3 Create; KUAS Channel 27-1 PBS-HD; 27-2 PBS Kids; 27-3 PBS World, the UA Channel (Cox 116/Comcast 76); classical music station KUAT-FM 90.5/89.7; NPR affiliate KUAZ 1550AM/89.1 FM; and the Ahora channel (en español) on KUAZ-HD2. AZPM also produces award-winning original local programming from its digital studios on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. More information on programming and community events can be found at www.AZpublicmedia.org

Arizona Public Media is a registered trademark of the Arizona Board of Regents.