Public radio station KUMR at the University of Missouri-Rolla begins its Fall Membership Drive at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, with its popular bluegrass program, “Bluegrass for a Saturday Night.” The drive runs through the following Saturday, Oct. 15.

“Dollars that come from listeners and area business underwriters comprise the largest component of support for KUMR programming and operations,” says Jim Sigler, KUMR general manager. “KUMR’s program schedule is a work in progress that mirrors the diverse preferences of KUMR listeners. Every dollar pledged to the station goes to making KUMR more responsive to the needs of its members and the community.”

Sigler says the goal for this spring’s membership drive is $70,000. “The station has set a goal of 10 new members for each day of the drive,” he adds. “KUMR’s ability to increase membership is critical to its continued success and ability to deliver the best quality public radio possible. Since we enjoy life in a sparsely populated part of the country, it is all the more important that every KUMR listener becomes a member.”

During the KUMR drive, listeners may make pledges by calling 573-341-4386 in the Rolla area, or toll-free at 800-388-5867. Listeners also may pledge online at KUMR’s website, www.kumr.org . Premiums will be available for various levels of pledging.

KUMR is a 100,000-watt non-commercial public radio station that relies on strong listener financial support to cover the cost of its programming and operations. Licensed to the Curators of the University of Missouri System, KUMR offers a mixed format of news from National Public Radio, nationally and locally produced talk shows, and a wide range of music, including classical, jazz, acoustic folk, blues, big band, Celtic, bluegrass and Caribbean. KUMR is located at 88.5FM, 96.3 FM in Lebanon, Mo., and online at www.kumr.org .