Please Help Ensure WUTC's Future

September 30th, 2026

Welcome to WUTC's Newsletter! From your community public radio station in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley. Follow us at wutc.org — and the WUTC app.

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Dear Friends Of WUTC,

Welcome to cooler weather, long car rides, and the music and programs that make WUTC 88.1 part of your everyday life.

Our Fall Fund Drive runs October 1–11, and this year it matters more than ever. It's one of the few times a year we ask you directly for support, and we wouldn’t ask if it weren’t essential

Since federal funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was dissolved, WUTC has been operating at a funding deficit. That money is gone, and there isn’t new pipeline to replace it. It has been a serious blow, but our commitment to you hasn’t wavered.

We are here every day providing unbiased news, local stories, and the exceptionally curated music that you can’t find anywhere else.

It is because you listen to the station, that we come to work every day and do our best. It is because you listen and are reading this that I am asking you to increase your donation if you are a donor, or to become a donor today.

It only takes two minutes to give, and every dollar helps keep WUTC on the air, independent, and focused on our community.

The programming we bring you is for the public, but it is not free. Your support is what bridges that gap.

Please donate today and help ensure that WUTC is here for years to come.

Thank you - and I hope to see you soon.

- Susan Lazenby, General Manager, WUTC

Bring On The IBMA World Of Bluegrass

In just a few weeks, the world's premier bluegrass event returns to Chattanooga for a second year - and once again, WUTC will be its official public radio partner.

The IBMA's World of Bluegrass takes place in Chattanooga from Tuesday, October 20th through Saturday, October 24th.

With the lineups of artists and events on the calendar, we're looking to bringing the bluegrass to you: on air, online and in our community.

Dive Into Our IBMA Coverage - Past And Ahead - Here

Dig In At Fork It Over For WUTC

Pappardelle at Giardino in Chattanooga. (Credit: Giardino)

On Tuesday, October 13th, join us at Giardino restaurant in Chattanooga from 6 PM to 8 PM for Fork It Over For WUTC.

Enjoy an evening of great food, drinks and good company to support your home for public radio here in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.

All proceeds will help WUTC close the gap from its loss of federal funding and address long-term costs for the station, including equipment and operations.

To secure your spot, please register by October 10th - do it right now by clicking the link below.

Register Here For Fork It Over For WUTC

Sponsor Message:

This newsletter is sponsored by The Ryan King Team of Keller Williams Realty.

Led by Ryan King, who has been a leader in Chattanooga real estate for more than twenty years, The Ryan King Team brings that experience to today’s market.

When navigating Chattanooga real estate, experience matters.

Learn more at TheRyanKingTeam.com.

Become A WUTC Sponsor Today

Latest Must-Listens

- Live Interview: Chattanooga Gets Ready For Year Two Of IBMA World Of Bluegrass: Clark Gibson interviews Paul Sheminger, the IBMA's interim executive director - and Donna Elle Harrison of Chattanooga Tourism Co.

- The Overlap: Future Ready Chattanooga - Building A Creative Economy: On this first episode of a new podcast collaboration with ArtsBuild, Ray Bassett of Scenic Roots speaks with Dr. Olivia Bagby of the Hamilton County Schools, ArtsBuild's James McKissic and Monica Kinsey with the City of Chattanooga.

- As Cempa Turns 40, Plans For Its Future In Health Care: Dr. Shannon Burger, CEO of Cempa in Chattanooga, sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Ray Bassett on Scenic Roots about the nonprofit's legacy and its expansion.

- Hollye B: A Nashville native who's now back in Tennessee and her roots, singer-songwriter Hollye B is the guest on this episode of Live in the Library - hosted by Clark Gibson and recorded live downtown at the Chattanooga Public Library.

Meet Rob Beckett

Rob Beckett is our Assistant Station Manager here at WUTC.

He began working at the station in the fall of 2016 - and today, he handles station operations and its financial management, as well as assisting our General Manager Susan Lazenby.

A Chattanooga native, Rob is a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Get to know Rob Beckett on our Instagram: @wutc_88.1

Tickets! Tickets! Tickets!

Lizzy McAlpine performs with special guests Searows and Post Animal on Wednesday, June 16th at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Enter your chance to win a pair of tickets here.

For all WUTC tickets and giveaways, visit: wutc.org/tickets

Giving Matters

Every gift during our Fall Fund Drive matters.

For some listeners, this moment may be an opportunity to think beyond a regular contribution.

The loss of federal funding has changed WUTC’s financial stability, making philanthropic support more important than ever.

Major giving can help us invest in the long-term future and stability of local public radio in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.

If WUTC is important to you and you’re interested in making a deeper investment, I welcome the opportunity to talk with you about what that could look like.

Contact Jennifer Fritts at jennifer-fritts@utc.edu - or call 423-425-4902.

For ways to give to WUTC, visit: wutc.org/support