Posted on: Monday, November 26, 2001

KHET plans pledge drive in December

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Hawai'i Public Television needs to raise $635,000 by year's end to maintain programming and services at levels its viewers have come to expect.

The TV station will conduct an on-air pledge drive, from Sunday to Dec. 16, on KHET Channel 11 (Oceanic 10) to solicit donations from its viewers.

"We need the $635,000 just to keep running," said Becky Dunning, vice president of development. "It's the balance of the $2.75 million a year we receive from individuals."

Dunning said that the shortfall is not unusually high. "It's a pretty standard sum," she said. "But generally speaking, people tend to give at the end of the year, often for tax reasons; it's a time when people share what they have.

"Community support is our largest source of revenue, and that support is critical to our survival."

Dunning said that some new shows, as well as favorite ones, will be aired during the pledge drive.

Among the premieres will be a rock and doo-wop show assembling classic pop acts such as Frankie Valli, Little Richard, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and Jay Black and the Americans.

Among the repeats will be "Hawai'i — Songs of Aloha," a montage of leading Island performers ranging from Willie K, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and the Makaha Sons, to Hapa and Na Leo Pilimehana.