WERU Community Radio

Listener support for WERU is alive and well and awesome! After losing federal funding (the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was recently defunded by Congress, which eliminated 25% of our budget), we needed a highly successful membership drive and a strong showing of solidarity, and our loyal listeners delivered in grand fashion. $95,000 was raised on over 650 donations! That’s right, it was a huge outpouring of support, three times as much as usual, and a big step towards making up for the lost funds ($165,000) and financial independence for the radio station. The volunteers, staff and board of directors are moved and humbled by this level of support, and we thank you sincerely!

In a year of anniversaries, Saturday Night Live turned 50, and The New Yorker celebrated its first century. To mark the occasion, Word and Working Loose, the Blue Hill “concept shop” and art gallery, hosted a conversation between two New Yorker editors, one of whom has written the definitive biography of SNL founder Lorne Michaels. The event took place on Tuesday, July 29. Susan Morrison, New Yorker articles editor and author of Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, was interviewed by New Yorker executive editor Daniel Zalewski. The conversation took place at Working Loose, 49 Main Street, Blue Hill.

Listen to the talk in the WERU Archives here!

Do you have a story that’s too good not to tell? We want to hear it.

For the past six years, folks from across the peninsula have gathered in East Blue Hill to share true stories from their lives—on stage, in front of neighbors and friends. This year we’re looking for stories on the theme: “Good Idea at the Time.”

Maybe you moved across the country. Took a gamble on love. Saw a business opportunity you couldn’t turn down. If you’ve got a story about diving in headfirst—for better or worse—we’d love to hear from you. Email us at eastbluehillstories@gmail.com to pitch your story by August 13th. We work with every storyteller ahead of time to shape and rehearse your story so you feel ready and confident. No stage experience needed—just a good story.

The show is the evening of August 27th. WERU Community Radio is the media sponsor of this event!

On Sunday, July 27 from 6 to 8 pm, A World of Music host Greg Rossel welcomed Anna Dovhanych, a foreign exchange student from Ukraine attending high school in Blue Hill. Anna shared a range of music from her country, from traditional wedding songs to contemporary rock and pop, including several of her favorite artists. She even received a text from her parents back home, where it was 2 am! You can listen to the entire program here.

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While ordinary life goes on for most of us, some Mainers are living in fear. This is not normal.

Listen to the most recent episode of Democracy Forum from the League of Women Voters of Maine in the WERU archives here!

Participatory Democracy, encouraging citizens to take an active role in government and politics. Tune in every 3rd Friday of the month at 4pm!

WERU is thrilled to announce that Wabanaki Windows and host Donna Loring have received a 2025 Hometown Media Award in the category of racial justice and civil rights, presented by the Alliance for Community Media Foundation! Wabanaki Windows airs on WERU on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 4 to 5 pm, and also airs on WMPG Community Radio in Portland. Congratulations, Donna, on this recognition and thank you for your many years of excellent programming! “Read more” to see the full press release.

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