By
Carrah Bechtel
Arizona Daily Wildcat
'E-Pledge' targets phone-shy, Internet-savvy donors
The KUAT/KUAZ Communications Group has a new way for people to show their support for public broadcasting during pledge drives.
People can now pledge for the university radio station online 24 hours a day. "E-pledging" has been offered since April 18, with results exceeding expectations.
KUAZ (89.1 FM/1550 AM) is the first station within the group to offer this option, and so far 40 pledges totaling $3,105 have been counted - which account for 7 percent of total pledges for the spring campaign at this time, said Michael Serres, creative services manager at KUAT.
Serres said that research has shown radio listeners tend to be more Internet savvy, and are more likely to use the Internet than television viewers.
People in the past, although well-intended, may not have sent their payments or forgot to do so if done by postal mail, he said. An "E-pledge" is a better way for KUAZ to satisfy its pledges right away because the full payment transaction takes place online.
"I was the first 'E-pledger' for KUAZ," Serres said. "And I was able to fulfill it right away."
"The other great thing about it," Serres said, "is that you can preview the gifts you receive for pledging and have your name spelled correctly for membership because you get to type it yourself."
Gifts include a Best of National Public Radio cassette, a cappuccino mug and a KUAT/KUAZ tote bag. Different levels of pledge support depend on the gift received.
In the next few months, viewers of KUAT, the campus-based public television station, will also be able to send in pledges over the Internet.
The KUAT/KUAZ Web site also displays radio and television affiliates for public broadcasting in Southern Arizona, and features programming guides and highlights of upcoming broadcasts.
For people concerned about Internet credit card safety, the KUAZ Web site uses a secure browser, Serres said.
"We wanted to make sure it was safe and secure before we launched the campaign," said Serres.
Another feature is a message option for people to give feedback about their "E-pledge" experience.
Jodi Scheib, KUAT/KUAZ membership manager, said one person sent a message saying, "Thank you for this option, I'm not much of a phone person."
"E-pledge" will be available at www.kuaz.org through tomorrow, when the spring campaign ends.
