WBEZ Figures Out How To Not Make Pledge Drives Torturous For Everyone

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 27, 2014 7:15PM

Look, we love NPR, and have an extreme fondness for local station WBEZ, and that's not just because they've given us such great programming as This American Life, Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!, and Sound Opinions, among other shows. But whenever it comes time for the station's pledge drive we admit we avoid the urge to toss the radio out the window by simply switching that station off for the duration. We know, we know; this probably makes us bad people. But we've always been annoyed at having to sit through this essential piece of their business, and it's made even more torturous when you're a member and wonder why YOU have to suffer through the endless interruptions and entreaties for more money.

So file the following idea under "This is so genius why did it take so long to do this and can someone give the brains behind it the Nobel Peace Prize for the legions of nerves it will soothe thus averting many certain physical altercations."

During their next pledge drive WBEZ is offering the option of a pledge free stream to members of a certain level and above or anyone willing to fork over $40. Not, if everyone pledges we can cut this short. No. This is if YOU pledge YOU don't have to listen to another goddamn request for money and we return you to your regularly scheduled programming. Who wouldn't want to do that?

We further welcome this move since it recognizes the notion that membership should have its privileges, because while one could argue that inventive original programs and excellent news coverage is its own reward, the ability to actually listen to it instead of yet another request you meet a donation challenge in the next fifteen minutes is a bona fide boon to society.

So hurry up, pledge and get access to that stream, and never hear Ira Glass beg you for money, on behalf of WBEZ at least, during your morning commute again.