What Our Listeners Say
“Thank you for reporting on little-known history like the May 17th Harrisonburg historic marker erection event to honor those who resisted massive resistance in Virginia”
— Leslie, Jamaica Plain
“I love WMRA and rely on NPR for much of my news._x000D_
Don't let the bastards get you down!”
— Leslie, New York
“My credit card reached its expiration date, so time to update the info so the contributions continue. My last name is pronounced PRY'-LUCK. I'm a big fan of Morning and Weekend Editions, Wait Wait, and especially Acoustic Cafe, an outlet for music that doesn't get played on the radio as often as it should. I don't always get to hear it, but the Saturday night blues and music heritage programming is also very good.”
— Pryluck, Amissville
“I used to be a manager at WXJM 88.7 and we shared the station with WMRA. It's where I grew my love for communications and radio. I loved listening to WMRA when I was in Harrisonburg and I'm grateful to be in a place where I can now give back. The defending is absolutely devastating. I hope my monthly donation helps sustain this critical source of information and entertainment for so many. Thank you all for all you do! ?? long live radio!”
— Cecily, Gainesville
“This donation is in honor of James and Abby Goldblatt on the occasion of their 50th anniversary; they celebrated in the WMRA broadcast area, raised their kid in an NPR household, and believe in the importance of public-funded media.”
— Abby and James, Silver Spring
“I spend half my time inside the Beltway and the other half on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley. WMRA is indispensable to me. You keep me up-to-date on Virginia government and culture, as well as world news. The fact that I can listen to BBC Newshour while riding on my tractor is one of the great joys of my life. Thank you, WMRA, for being a good friend, a great neighbor, and a trusted source of news, information, and entertainment.”
— Paul, McLean
“My wife Susan and I are summer residents of Shenandoah County (near Basye) and we are pleased that we can follow all of our favorite programs on WMRA that we listen to in Alexandria on WAMU and WETA._x000D_
_x000D_
David and Susan Drachsler (Draxler)”
— David, Alexandria
“Sending support to weather this difficult time”
— Edward, Alexandria
“In appreciation of years of good work by Kimberlea Daggy”
— Gregory and Eileen, Winchester
“Name pronunciation: pet pledge in honor of Peanut, RIP. I am so done with the assault on knowledge, stewardship, and simple empathy. Hoping to live to see the end of this horrible era. NPR is one of the assets that can get us through.”
— Conley and Ms. Lake, Winchester
“Thank you, WMRA. You're a big part of my day-to-day.”
— John, Winchester
“Not to be read on air: want to support pubic radio and television in light of the administration's cuts.”
— and Mrs. Boldin, Winchester
“As a retired public school teacher-librarian in Virginia, it is my privilege to continue being a sustaining member of WMRA. Thank you for all you do for our communities. Keep fighting the good fight!”
— Jonelle, Winchester
“You are a treasure to the Valley. Keep up the good work! I still listen to Car Talk podcasts”
— Morgan, Strasburg
“I am currently a sustaining member of 10.00 a month and want to add to this another 10.00 a month. I hope that I am increasing my sustaining membership correctly. If not please let me know by email and I will make the necessary adjustments. Thank you. Susan Wolf”
— Susan, Toms Brook
“The transparency and dedication to the truth in reporting is needed now more than at in previous point in my 65 year lifetime! This small donation will hopefully support public broadcasting in the Valley the listeners call home. We need to make sure that WMRA and NPR are always available to those who demand unbiased and honest reporting. Thank you for all you do!”
— Jeffrey, Woodstock
“NPR is a trusted source for news – thank you for providing fair reporting on important issues.”
— Tammy, Woodstock
“I particularly enjoy listening to Chris Boros and Bob Leweke (from whom I look forward to hearing It's Friday" from each week). I'm a Federal employee and I contribute to WAMU every paycheck via the Combined Federal Campaign, but have never figured out how to do the same for you folks. Since my husband contributes to WMRA, I haven't worried about this in the past, but now that the government has "clawed back" your funding for the next couple of years, I figure that I need chip in now. Thank you for all that you do, and I sure hope this helps!"”
— Karen, Culpeper
“I?m beyond disgusted by the current administration?s withdrawal of support for public radio. I wish I could give more and perhaps in the future I can do more. So thankful for all the great programs WMRA broadcasts. ??”
— Heidlebaugh, Culpeper
“In depth analysis rather than op-eds”
— Carty, Etlan
“The job you do and the programs you offer matters at such a time as this.”
— Anne, Madison
“I doubt you can read this on air, but I'd like to say that NPR and WMRA are a bright spot in these dark times, and Donald Trump and the republican congress can go F themselves. We will fight on, and keep public broadcasting going!! Resist!”
— Swift, Harrisonburg
“I am a proud sustainer of WMRA and today I give an extra donation with deep gratitude for all the local, national, and international news, voices, and programs WMRA provides to ALL communities and community members in the valley. The recent federal actions that seek to disempower the people by clawing back funds for this much needed public service are deeply shameful. But we protect us around here: They can't stop the signal.”
— Heidi, Harrisonburg
“We appreciate the thoughtful coverage of the news.”
— Gretchen and Steve, Harrisonburg
“We're proud to support WMRA and NPR.”
— Beau and Amanda, Harrisonburg
“We support the News and Information Fund because we want to know what's going on here in the Valley. The way WMRA's local news coverage has grown in the 15 years since we arrived has been very gratifying.”
— Les and Joni, Rockingham
“Unbiased, accurate journalism is a cornerstone of our country. Thank you for what you do!”
— Ellen, Harrisonburg
“thank you for providing fair, balanced and accurate reporting of the events shaping our world!”
— Dinapoli and Ms. Adolino, Harrisonburg
“Thanks for all you do!”
— Ray, Rockingham
“NPR and BBC news, and Wait Wait Don't Tell me”
— Yordy, Rockingham
“i have the highest regard for public radio and have been a sustaining member for almost 30 years. I am doing this in addition to make up some of the difference in funding.”
— Paul, Harrisonburg
“WMRA has been there for me for 40 years. I think the clawing back of your funding by Trump's Republicans is shameful. $60 doesn't make much of a dent in $170,000, but it's a start.”
— and Mrs. Stevens, Harrisonburg
“We are choosing to increase our monthly sustaining pledge due to the recent budget recessions in Congress targeting public media. We depend on WMRA for our local news, and on NPR for our national and world news. WMRA is a wonderful local asset to our community and we would hate to see its services diminish for lack of community support.”
— Richard and Sue, Harrisonburg
“WMRA is so much more than just news or political perspectives. NPR takes you around the world, offering interesting stories, interviews, and information about people and event that you just don't find anywhere else, or explored in such depth. If you wake up in the middle of the night, you can be sure there is something interesting to be heard and learned on WMRA! I would really miss it if it wasn't there – the dial on my radio rarely moves from 90.7!”
— Piitz, Rockingham
“had lapsed but came back and icnreased donation because of presidents executive order”
— John and Sher, Rockingham
“We only listen to WMRA.”
— and Mrs. Brubaker, Harrisonburg
“I support because public broadcasting saves lives. My father lives in Homer, Alaska. On Wednesday, July 16, 2025 there was a magnitude 7.3 earthquake that also triggered tsunami warnings along the coastline of southern Alaska. KUCB in Unalaska and other NPR/PBS stations immediately broadcast warnings for everyone to move to higher ground. When the Alaska Emergency Management Agency contacted stations to broadcast warnings?they found that those stations had already gotten the warning out to the public. Taking funding away from stations in extremely rural/hard to access areas will end up hurting someone one day. Those stations will also have difficulty fundraising enough money to make up for the lost government funds. I love my dad and I want to make sure that he and all the people living in areas vulnerable to tsunamis get an extra 15 or 20 minutes warning. _x000D_
_x000D_
Information from The Washington Post 7/19/25_x000D_
Here?s Where Public Broadcasting Cuts Hit the Hardest _x000D_
_x000D_
Amy Regnier (RUH-near)”
— Amy, Harrisonburg
“It matters to me particularly in these times that the public receive the actual facts of what happens in the news and not political fabrications. I trust NPR and this station to deliver what's important both locally and nationally. Thank you.”
— Jan, Harrisonburg
“I have relied on NPR for most of the adult years of my life for news reporting that is investigative, honest and humane. The increase in my sustainer's contribution is a small price to pay in helping to maintain a free and untainted press. I believe in what you do and you have my thanks.”
— Jan, Harrisonburg
“You are increasingly the only liberal news source. Thank you!”
— Sarah, Harrisonburg
“I really appreciate WMRA, and I especially love the Acoustic Cafe with Tina Owens.”
— Linda, Harrisonburg
“I am increasing my monthly contribution to express to express my outrage over the cuts to public funding. More than ever we need unbiased, thoughtful reporting and programming. I hope everyone who can will give generously.”
— Knickrehm, Harrisonburg
“So sorry this is happening to you, my favorite radio station. Not right!”
— Robin, Basye
“Bill called to increase monthly sustaining contribution to $20 per month.”
— and Mrs. Nabers, Basye
“We count on NPR for our news, and we love Wait Wait Don't Tell”
— Jan and Ted, Bridgewater
“Updating credit card info”
— Sandra, Bridgewater
“2001 VW Passat $975”
— Sarah, Bridgewater
“I recently moved here from North Carolina and was avsustainer to WUNC. I want to support my local NPR station. I think public radio and public television are the most reliable sources for regional, national and international news and analysis, and also gray sources for entertainment.”
— Mary, Bridgewater
“I don't know what we would do without NPR. It is one of the most informative and honest stations on the air. Why would anyone in their right mind want to shut it down or hinder it from keeping us informed? Why try and destroy all things good? Someone's got their head on backward. Need I say more?”
— Rodes, Bridgewater
“Foolish cutbacks by the Federal Govt hurt all of us. Donating to NPR is one way to help.”
— William, Broadway
“Now more than ever! Your service to our community and our nation is critical. Thank you!”
— William, Broadway
“We need radio free u s a with all the fiction being dispelled today”
— Arner, Edinburg
“I've already been a sustaining member for years and since the current administration announced today their cutting support for public broadcasting, it occurred to me that doubling my monthly contribution is a comfortable action of resistance. We all now need to step up and contribute more to support WMRA because the truth is more important now than ever.”
— Nel, Edinburg
“I love, support and appreciate public radio for Radio Lab, Science Friday, Blues Programs, American Roots, Fresh Air, Top of the Hour News, Acoustic Cafe, the Moth Radio Hour, the list is endless! Thrive on!”
— and Mrs. Dehart, Fulks Run
“I listen to WMRA every morning on my way into work. It's so nice having a reliable source of news even at 5am!”
— Helen, McGaheysville
“I depend on WMRA as an unbiased source of information as well as classical music.”
— Frysinger and Ms. Oglesby, Mount Crawford
“WMRA is my most trusted news source. I appreciate the in depth reporting on issues that matter to me.”
— and Mrs. Cameron, Mt Crawford
“Michele Norris was just on MSNBC pointing out that our rural stations need our help right now in the face of idealogical, political. budget cuts. I realized that I needed to get with it and support the station that I've listened to most of my life.”
— Crist, New Market
“Keep on fighting the good fight!”
— Elmore, Penn Laird
“WMRA provides critically important, relevant and trustworthy national and state news and information. WMRA is our preferred NPR affiliate. We also appreciate your local music offerings, Tina Owen?s? Saturday afternoon program and others.”
— Ron and Deborah, Charlottesville
“Thank you for providing credible news coverage, a wide variety of programming, and entertainment. We appreciate you!”
— Caroline, Charlottesville
“I count on you to help me understand the influences on community and national life and well-being. Thank you for your resilience. We need you now more than ever.”
— Hanson, Charlottesville
“Your programming is pleasant change from other media. I am devestated that the current administration has stripped the support you are entitled to!!”
— Kathryn, Charlottesville
“Thank you for all you do to provide quality news to our region!”
— Ann, Charlottesville
“It's never been more important to have factual, up to the minute news. We like the station's own music programs too (Acoustic Cafe) and features on local issues (food insecurity)”
— and Mrs. O'Leary, Charlottesville
“We contribute a recurring donation but recognize the need for more support with the lack of any federal funding. We value public radio so very much!”
— Susan and Evan, Charlottesville
“Thank you for all of the great work. The balanced reporting is very much appreciated.”
— Stephen, Charlottesville
“I listen to not just the news but also to many podcasts through NPR daily and cannot imagine being without NPR. The reporting based on fact and journalistic integrity are very important to me in these terrible times of misinformation and ignorance. Thank you NPR for being there everyday!”
— Gemila, Charlottesville
“NPR is an essential resource for news, especially during these trying times”
— Lillian, Charlottesville
“I am upset that Congress is taking back money that you deserve.”
— Maxey, Charlottesville
“I am very upset by what just happened in Congress with funding.”
— Maxey, Charlottesville
“I am now 83 and believe I began listening with the first All Things Considered and have never stopped. It is a good and worthwhile habit. I thank you.”
— Carolyn, Charlottesville
“Z-Anne I am trying to do my part to make sure your station continues to broadcast news for everyone after the federal government drops the ball.”
— MacDonald, Charlottesville
“We have just moved to town and are loving WMRA. We move around a bit and have always supported NPR. It's a treasure and so are you all! (My last name is pronounced ALL-gore.)”
— Catherine, Charlottesville
“I value the outstanding news coverage and programs like Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Fresh Air and others”
— Cynthia, Charlottesville
“Thank goodness for NPR. NPR is my sanity.”
— Reeves, Charlottesville
“I am a sustaining member but happy to chip in more in this time of need – thank you for being my trusted news source”
— Meg, Charlottesville
“We're upping our contribution by 20% to help offset the ~15% loss in funding from the federal government. Hope others will follow suit!”
— and Mrs. Michie, Charlottesville
“2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid $1140”
— and Mrs. Ford, Charlottesville
“Keep the faith! wMRA is an outstanding station. Your local and national public affairs and information rograms, as well your lighter fare provide central Virginia with a great cultural resource. Your team members are personable, intelligent, winning. Keep up your fine work. And thank you!!!”
— Andrew and Susan, Charlottesville
“I support the First Amendment by supporting WMRA and NPR's unbiased journalism, which keeps me updated on what's happening in the US and round the world.”
— Lisa, Charlottesville
“Thank you so much for your great journalism, I love listening to the show every day on the way to work and I hope this goes a little way to keep public broadcasting funded!”
— Shannon, Charlottesville
“Listening to WMRA is informative and fun. I am very disappointed and concerned with our government defunding CPB and many other issues. Donating is the way I can help my local station continue.”
— Marques, Charlottesville
“I?ve been listening to NPR and Public radio for more decades than I?ll admit. You all are like friends who come to visit every day bearing gifts of stories about the world. Please keep doing what you?re doing; we need you now more than ever!”
— John, Charlottesville
“WMRA has entertained and informed our family since 1991 when Joe High and I first met. Thank you!”
— Garson, Afton
“I'm a news masochist and hearing current political farces on my drive to/from work makes me feel alive”
— Benjamin, Afton
“I listen every day. I could never pay what this service is actually worth to me to have access to, but I'm glad to be even a part of supporting WMRA and NPR!”
— Fisher, Afton
“I am a current sustainer and I'm increasing my monthly pledge.”
— Blake and Danielle, Barboursville
“(I am a sustainer and my credit card expired- just setting up the monthly payment again – this time a little higher amount – thanks for all you do!)”
— Katherine, Crozet
“I support public radio because I believe in quality journalism without bias. I?m new to the area (moved up from Florida and SO happy to escape!) and excited to support your station!”
— Katy, Crozet
“I have been listening to NPR for 51 years. I cannot imagine my daily life without it.”
— Kathryn, Crozet
“I listen to NPR whenever I am in the car. Please do everything in your power to keep it alive.!”
— Clover, Crozet
“I support WMRA because I listen all the time ? I laugh ?. I learn ?. I go to the basement when you tell me there?s a bad storm coming ?. I avoid 81 when you suggest it might be a good idea. _x000D_
Thanks for all that!_x000D_
Now, if you could just do something about the spotted lantern fly ?. LOL”
— Karen, Fishersville
“You are an integral part of our morning lives.”
— Jamie and Bill, Nellysford
“WMRA is my constant companion when I'm driving from Nellysford to Charlottesville–or anywhere else in your listening area. I appreciate your strong reporting, your commitment to the highest standards of journalism, and the dedication of your talented programming staff. Thanks for being there, for all of us.”
— Scott and Anne, Nellysford
“NPR has been a trusted source of news, information and entertainment for much of my life. It simply matters.”
— Robert, Nellysford
“Big fan of Acoustic Cafe and the local news.”
— Robyn, Palmyra
“Source of international, local, and national news”
— McDuffie, Roseland
“Thank you for continuing to fight the good fight!”
— Shannon, Schuyler
“The programming is excellent, charming and usful, definitely not playing to corporations or special interests groups. Quality entertainment, ethical and well presented!_x000D_
I would also like to dedicate this continuing donation to an amazing man, gone to soon. Ralph Ellis Graves. A true gentleman; brilliant, thoughtful and kind and to all.”
— Joan, Waynesboro
“Don't always agree with your opinions, but I truly believe you do your best to get the truth out to us. (And I do want to hear what the other side is saying.)”
— Craig, Waynesboro
“While I've since moved from the area, I'm donating in gratitude for the years WMRA provided me a window to the world.”
— Matthew, Williamsburg
“Your news coverage is essential to a free society.”
— Saranna, Farmville
“No fear!”
— Kenda, Buckingham
“Thank you! We rely on your news, information, music, and stories.”
— and Mrs. Pietrowski, Staunton
“I support because free and independent media is important to our local community!!”
— Rebekah, Staunton
“I am a long-time member, increasing my monthly, sustaining contribution in order to help WMRA continue providing top quality journalism.”
— David, Staunton
“We depend on your station, and NPR as a whole, to keep us informed about what is going on in our community and world. It is often hard to find the truth amidst all the noise, but NPR is one of those places we can find it. Thank you for continuing to speak truth!”
— Tom and Vicki, Staunton
“I rely on WMRA for all of my news and information, which is trustworthy during this disastrous time of Fake News" poisoning our communities."”
— James and Pam, Staunton
“I depend on trustworthy news and information from WMRA, which is especially import to me during this disastrous time of fake news poisoning the thinking in our communities.”
— James and Pam, Staunton
“I am trying to fix a payment plan which I already have. Possible card replacement caused this issue.”
— Jennifer, Staunton
“It?s time to stand up and support public media in the Shenandoah Valley. We want to donate 1% of the CPB deficit.”
— Bibb, Staunton
“you provide so much information for the conversations of my every day. I appreciate that I know I am getting REAL, FACTUAL news. i only wish that more news organizations would take the high road and report as you do. Thank you for your continued diligence in providing the real story.”
— Sherry, Staunton
“You all are a life line. Thank you so much.”
— John and Beth, Staunton
“Many Thanks!”
— Karen, Staunton
“NPR may be the second best radio service in the world (sorry, as a Brit, BBC Radio 4 comes first)”
— Alex, Staunton
“A free and independent press is necessary for the survival of democracy. We need NPR now more than ever.”
— Tracy, Staunton
“Listen daily to NPR!”
— Bob, Staunton
“Wonderful, intelligent and thoughtful programming and news.”
— Mike and Sharon, Staunton
“Can't thank you enough for all you do to keep us informed with reliable national news coverage, great local coverage. Love the podcasts and of course the awesome music. So increasing my support a bit and hope many other listeners do the same.”
— Dattilio, Staunton
“I listen to your broadcast daily. Thank you for your honest reporting!”
— Melissa, Churchville
“While many ?leaders? in DC may not see the value of an informed electorate, I do! I see the value and I?m willing to support a valuable tool in keeping our community informed and connected. Thanks WMRA and NPR.”
— Charlie and Heidi, Grottoes
“WMRA doesn't tell me what to think. It tells me what to think ABOUT.”
— Warren, Lexington
“Thank you for being truthtellers!”
— Sharon, Lexington
“We are already sustaining members, but wanted to give an extra one-time donation because of these troubled times.”
— and Mrs. Connors, Lexington
“I should have done this years ago.”
— and Mrs. Goodwin, Lexington
“I depend on NPR for balanced and thorough news reporting.”
— Hasey, Lexington
“I listen to WMRA every day for news. Time to rally and support the station I count on.”
— Richard, Lexington
“I listen to WNRA regularly and depend on it for news and weather and certainly entertainment.”
— Richard, Lexington
“Stay strong, we will help as much as we can. We love WMRA”
— Kathleen and Larry, Lexington
“WMRA is my constant companion and my first location to find real, factual information. I would be lost without you all.”
— Kevin, Middlebrook
“We pay to stream TV and don't really think much about it. We listen to WMRA far more than we ever watch TV. Additionally we get WAY more information and thought provoking content from WMRA than from any TV network. Thanks WMRA. We're happy to up the support in place of the loss of federal funding. Can't imagine going without WMRA!”
— and Mrs. Mumbauer, Mount Sidney
“I have been a NPR listener since 1980. I trust the reporting and enjoy the stories. I miss Prairie Home Companion and Car Talk. I'm 71. The current political environment makes balance reporting very important. If my tax dollars are being taken away, I will increase my donation. I hope others will do the same.”
— Bess, Raphine
“WMRA has always been there for me with reliable reporting and excellent programming. After all the joy and information you all have brought to me, the least I can do is put up a little money every month!”
— Jacob, Steeles Tavern
“Wouldn't know what to do without you!!!”
— Auwarter, Verona
“I have donated 2 cars and wish I could send more money. You are worth it!”
— Lindy, Weyers Cave
“Public radio are way yoo important to lose.”
— Karen, Weyers Cave
“This program benefits society and promotes human well-being. Thank you.”
— James, Weyers Cave
“NPR is my bulwark of sanity in a world of misinformation and spin. A monetary donation is the least I can do to push back against an agenda of devaluing truth and expertise. Thank you!”
— Dupont, Scottsville
“NPR is more important than ever in its provision of in depth news and journalistic integrity. The programs I value most are All Things Considered, Fresh Air, This Anmerican Life and on the lighter side, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. Keep up the great reporting!”
— Ewers, Wingina
“I listen all day to public radio, and it disgusts me that the government has taken away your funding.”
— Alona, Purgitsville
“Honest, relevant, thought-provoking reporting.”
— Dorothy, New Orleans
“Continuing to listen to WMRA, now from Mexico City!”
— Brian, Brownsville
“Happy to support WMRA from Colorado!”
— Eric, Golden
“Hi, greetings from southern Utah. We have been members of NPR for 40+ years. We support two NPR stations, WMRA and KUER in Utah. We look forward to doubling our annual contribution to both stations. We have been longtime fans of Acoustic Caf? which keeps us contacted to the Shenandoah Valley while living in Utah. We wish you the best in these challenging times. Thank you for all that you. Shawn & Linda Green”
— Shawn and Linda, La Verkin
“I?ve chosen to support this station as well as my local NPR station because my great-grandmother?s family is from the Shenandoah Valley. While I?m proud of my heritage I am also appalled that several of my ancestors enslaved people; supporting first-rate independent journalism in the area where the did so is part of my way of addressing that legacy, and with today?s news I?m freshly aware of the urgency of keeping that flame lit.”
— Christine, Seattle