WNED radio listeners will get a break from pledge breaks in February as the public broadcasting service conducts its first “No Pledge Drive” fundraising effort.

Instead of the normal five to seven minute pledge breaks, WNED-AM 970 and Classical 94.5/WNED will ask listeners to mail or phone in their pledges. [A dedicated toll-free number (1-877-511-1017) will be in service as of Jan. 28.] If fundraising goals are on target via this new approach, the AM news station will cancel the February pledge drive and the FM classical music station will not reinstate the winter pledge effort.

“This is radical for WNED, but we are listening to what people want,” said Sylvia Bennett, Vice President of Development. “Our listeners appreciate the quality, in-depth news and information offered on AM 970/FM-94.5-HD2 and the round-the-clock classical music airing on 94.5 FM-HD1 with no commercial interruptions. We hope to provide more of the same, and we hope our listeners will respond by renewing their memberships or becoming a new member. But in order for this pledge-free campaign to work, listeners must respond immediately with their fundraising support.”

Program hosts will update listeners on the progress of the “pledge-free” effort. To continue in this direction, WNED will need to raise $108,000 for WNED’s news service and $150,000 for Classical 94.5 by February 29.

Contributions of $35 or more are most welcome in support of either station. Those who pledge $120 or more to either station will receive a new WNED Member Card good for two-for-one dining at local restaurants and cultural attractions.