For Programmers

Your home base at WSLR: the handbook, drive materials, training videos and studio how-tos.

Fall 2026 Fund Drive

On air October 7 to 13. Goal: $100,000.

This is the biggest thing we do together all year, and it only works when every programmer shows up for it. We get to $100,000 one listener, one show, one shift and one brick at a time. Everything you need is on this page.

The new WSLR Programmer Handbook

Everything about being on the air at WSLR now lives in one place. It replaces the old Guide for Programmers, so bookmark it and use it as your go-to reference.

Inside: our mission and community expectations, FCC compliance and on-air conduct, station operations and policies, best practices for broadcasting, the studio equipment checklist, and guidelines to share with your guests.

Read the handbook

What we need from you

To sign up for your shifts, call Leon. He’ll set you up with your two slots and work around any scheduling conflicts.

Call Leon: 941-822-5534

Can’t get him by phone? Email leon@wslr.org. Participation is the expectation, so please call early.

Mark your calendar

Before the drive

Don’t wait for drive week. The work you do now makes the shift easier.

• Mention the drive on your regular show, and say when your drive shift is.
• Reach out to your list personally. A text works fine.
• Post from your own social accounts. Tell your guests. If you’re planning something special for your drive show, promote that too.

“I’m on WSLR Wednesday helping raise money for the station. If you enjoy the show, I’d love your support.”

On the air

If you get stuck, this is a complete pitch:

1. Tell them what they’re hearing.
2. Tell them why it matters.
3. Explain that listener support makes it possible.
4. Ask. Become a member or make a contribution at wslr.org.

• Pitch all through the show. Listeners come and go. Don’t save it for the last five minutes.
• Change up the reason. Your show, the music, local news, community voices, Fogartyville, independent media.
• Thank people by name when we can use it. “Thank you, Susan, for the $50.” It builds momentum.
• Every gift counts. $10, $25, $50, $100 and monthly sustaining gifts all matter.
• Don’t apologize. Fundraising isn’t an interruption. It’s how the programming happens.
• Be yourself. Funny show, be funny. Serious show, be serious. Your listeners already like your voice.

Built for Belonging bricks

Bricks are a big push this fall, not a side promotion. Listeners can put their name, their family, their show, or someone they want to honor or remember right into the Peoples Patio. People have helped build this place for years. Now they can say “I helped build this place” and point to it.

Bricks count toward the $100,000 goal. Buyers get an email with a link to customize their engraving.

One thing to get right: a brick is a charitable contribution, not a membership. Please don’t promise membership benefits to someone who buys a brick.

Buy a brick

How listeners give

Donate now

Studio soundboard how-tos

Four short videos on running the board. Use Next to browse.

Questions about the drive? Talk to Leon Kerber, Radio Programming Director, at 941-822-5534 or leon@wslr.org.