Without continuing donations, large and small, Free Speech Radio News could go off the air  Please donate now.

Why is this happening?

In early May 2012, our major funder reported an inability to meet its obligations for operating support. There is hope the money will come through in time to prevent FSRN from going off the air, but this is not certain.

As of today (June 19), we have enough money to operate into July. That's it.  When our bank account dips below a certain point, we will have to issue layoff notices. 

Couldn't you see this coming?

In fact we did. At the beginning of 2012 we started a process to upgrade our website and enhance our online presence, build fundraising capacity and begin more aggressive marketing of FSRN to both radio stations and funders. If things had gone according to plan, you would be reading this message on a newly-built website with broad multi-media capability and tools to help us start up new streams of revenue. We still hope to do this, but had to use the funds for this project to keep our daily operations going. We plan to complete the project once we stabilize our income again.

Is FSRN alone in this?

No. This type of financial pressure is being felt all over the independent media sector. FSRN is not the only progressive news outlet taking drastic measures to stay alive. Fortunately, FSRN listeners are very loyal, and understand the importance of Free Speech Radio News. You are helping us meet this challenge, and we appreciate your generosity.

What can I do about it?

Donate: Free Speech Radio news is unique and irreplaceable in today's homogenous media landscape, so keep the flame burning at FSRN. If you have not yet answered our appeals, now is the time. The $10 donor is as important as the $10,000 donor, so please donate everything you can.

You understand FSRN's value, and share our values: we're independent; we're fair, and we're free from government and corporate spin; we report with integrity. We bring you stories from around the world that are un-reported, under-reported, or that some would like to censor. We report on how policies affect people. We report on the issues you care about that are hard to find elsewhere.

Spread the word:  Forward our e-mail appeals to friends and family, send links to our stories through Twitter and Facebook. On Twitter, use the hashtag #savefsrn.

Free Speech Radio News was built with grassroots efforts, and uses a grassroots model for our reporting - with more than 200 free-lance correspondents around the world, in places you don't often hear from elsewhere. In just the past couple weeks, you heard FSRN reports from: Lagos, Nigeria; St. Petersburg, Russia; Srinigar, Kashmir; Bethlehem and Jerusalem; Calapan, Philippines and more. Our global coverage is unparalleled and uncompromising. It would be a huge loss if we were to go off the air.

Get Involved: If you are able to take a personal role in our fundraising, would like to discuss a major gift, or have other ideas or suggestions, please contact me directly. Together, we can save FSRN.