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Celebrate public media and give back to BPR

BPR's Director of Donor Engagement Kristin Harkey models BPR's "Be the Lifeline" T-shirt.
Tracey Briggs
/
BPR
BPR's Director of Donor Engagement Kristin Harkey models BPR's "Be the Lifeline" T-shirt.

Public Media Giving Days—the nationwide effort to recognize the impact that public media has on our lives and to support local public media stations— is back.

The fourth annual national event runs Friday and Saturday, but BPR is off to an early start, with a three-day campaign on air and online. BPR seeks to raise $60,000.

During last year’s Public Media Giving Days, federal funding for public media was at risk. Last July, Congress rescinded all federal funding for public broadcasting, making that risk a reality. BPR now depends fully on the people of Western North Carolina to support this civic good.

BPR’s annual budget of a little more than $4 million is even more dependent on listener support. Your ongoing generosity ensures that BPR can continue delivering trusted local journalism, essential emergency coverage, and the cultural programming that connects our mountain communities.

During Public Media Giving Days, you can stand up for the station that stands up for you — and choose from limited‑time thank‑you gifts created just for this moment:

  • BPR Ball Cap — $180 or $15/month Soft, textured cotton in BPR’s signature blue with “Be the Lifeline” embroidery.
  • BPR TShirt— $120 or $10/month A limited‑edition Bella‑Canvas tee designed for comfort and everyday wear.

Make your Public Media Giving Days contribution — or increase your monthly gift — and help BPR thrive.

Donate now.

Tracey Briggs joined Blue Ridge Public Radio in January 2026 in a new role to help the organization boost fundraising following the loss of federal funding. She came to BPR from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, where she was director of communications and external affairs.
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