David : We have always had a slightly different philosophy on pledge than a lot of stations because we don't pledge as much as most stations. We have such a loyal viewership that we fill the niche that we need by pledge in in a short amount of time. If someone's a member, they're going to stay a member for a long time, and we appreciate that about our folks.
Blair : I get to interact with the programming department, the people that select the producers, the editors, the shooters. I get to see what projects they're working on, and I know that those projects are funded in some way, shape or form, either directly or indirectly through what membership does.
What are some of your favorite moments working on Pledge?
What’s an area you’ve seen evolve during your time working on Pledge?
Blair : My favorite moment was recording testimonials for Pledge. When I actually got to interact with actual viewers and people that love TPT and all the great programming. Several of the people shed a tear because they grew up with it. Westley : I remember the first time I interacted with Pledge, and I came in to do just a small talent spot before I worked in membership. I think it’s astounding, live television, roughly 45 people all working together and there's a floor director that goes five, four, three, and then points to you and the camera is live to everyone in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It’s a thrill the first time, the second time, and the 100th time that you do it. David : It is the thrill when it works. One of the first times I really remember was the time on the very first “Lost Twin Cities”. This was when we had phones with dials that ring. We didn't even start talking. We put the phone numbers up and the phones, you could just hear them running through the banks. That's when we had 35 volunteers at that time, and it was just insane. That thrill of people appreciating the work that we do.
David : So, I've been here 43 years, so I've seen everything, but I remember when I started as a telemarketer. but back in that day, premiums were not a thing. You'd have a coffee mug and a tote bag, and that was pretty much it. It wasn't until the mid- 80s that show-specific premiums came out. Blair : But it's also evolved to be more experiential, right? So, concert tickets, in-person events, wine tastings, which has been a great evolution. Westley : The tone of people who are pledging has moved away from, I need this physical thing, and instead towards experiences. For example, our concert ticket offers always perform really well. People are excited to get out and go see live music.
How does Pledge support the greater work happening at our station?
Westley : Member support is roughly half of our budget and although only 12% of it comes from Pledge, the ripple effect it has on how we do the rest of the fundraising budget is huge. David : We have 117 thousand members and about half of them have interacted with us during a pledge. We have loyal members that have been members for 20-30+ years and at one point that was really the main way that most people came into the system. It gives us the ability to tell our case to viewers. That's the impact.
Blair : It's a little art, little science and-
David : A lot of luck.
Learn how to become a volunteer for pledge drives and other TPT events at: TPT.org/support/volunteer/
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