- Secure Pledge Form
- Membership FAQ
- MemberCard User Guide
- Major and Planned Giving
- Business Partnerships
- Program Underwriting
- Matching Gifts
- Volunteering
- WTIU Store
- E-Mail Newsletter
- Digital TV
Questions? Contact Us
To find out more about how your business can support WTIU, contact
Marianne Woodruff
Underwriting Sales Manager
(812) 855-9208
Underwriter Profile
Smithville Telephone
Smithville Telephone Company and WTIU have enjoyed a partnership for almost a decade when the communications company became an underwriter, sponsoring children’s programs. Vice President Cullen McCarty says the relationship benefits both and that he is proud to support public television.
“We’ve received a lot of compliments for sponsoring the children’s programming. It’s gotten us some good exposure in the public eye that we do support quality children’s programming. The programs give parents a good alternative and I think they appreciate that. We’ve enjoyed the benefits of being associated with WTIU, ” he said.
Over the years, McCarty and Smithville Telephone have come to appreciate the adult programming as well, and McCarty says WTIU is a perfect fit for the community.
“I think WTIU fits Bloomington to a T. It’s the only local TV station we have and the programming reflects the diversity of the population and the interests we have here. It amazes me the number of people thatwatch Antiques Roadshow or may an opera that might be on or Evening with the Pops. People that you wouldn’t expect to watch public television are watchers and they enjoy it.
“WTIU addresses a need. You look at network TV and it’s all Joe Millionaire. You don’t find that with public television. You find some intelligent programs. That’s what I think people enjoy, ” McCarty said.
Partnering with WTIU
Businesses help maintain the high-quality programs viewers have come to expect from public television. WTIU is a non-commercial service and we draw on a diversified funding base, including individual members and businesses. As a business, there are many ways you can support the quality that we deliver:
- Underwriting programs
- Becoming a corporate member
- Donating food or supplies to our on-air membership campaigns
- Participating in the MemberCard program
- Participating in an employer / employee matching gifts program
For more information, call the WTIU Development Department at (812) 855-9208.
Underwriting Programs
WTIU offers quality programming for thousands of viewers throughout west-
and south-central Indiana every week. Underwriting consists of 15-second opening
and closing messages with both audio and visual content which bookend a program.
This exposure gives your corporation, business, foundation or organization
a unique opportunity to reach a highly sought after audience on a regular
basis. Your message, presented in the company of the highest quality programs
on television, will make a positive imprint on viewers…your customers,
employees, colleagues, friends and neighbors throughout this region of Indiana.
Through our personalized approach of matching sponsors with programs, underwriting can be a cost-effective way to enhance your marketing strategy and public image. Our audience is typically comprised of affluent, well-educated and proactive community-minded individuals. Therefore, you will be able to target specific audiences with buying power who are more likely to remember your company, associate your business with quality, and buy your goods and services.
For information about reaching these individuals in a format uncluttered by commercials, contact Underwriting Sales Manager Marianne Woodruff at (812) 855-9208.
Corporate Membership
Another business partnering option is corporate membership, which is a year-long WTIU membership for your business.
The benefits of corporate membership include a one-year listing in the WTIU Program Guide, which is sent to over 4500 households in our 24 county viewing area; on-air recognition during our March Pledge Drive; and a special corporate recognition plaque for display. Some contribution levels also include on-air benefits.
Contribution levels begin at $500 per year. For information contact Marianne Woodruff at (812) 855-9208.
Food Donations
WTIU depends upon the generosity of hundreds of volunteers each year. And the success of our volunteer program is enabled by the many donations received from restaurants, caterers, and vendors in the West and South-central Indiana broadcasting area.
Generally, we seek food donations in the form of appetizers, snacks or desserts for approximately 20 volunteers each morning, afternoon, and evening shift during our three annual pledge drives which are held in March, August, and December.
As a food donor, you will receive on-air recognition, listing in the station’s monthly program guide following the donation, a subscription to the program guide, and of course, our volunteers are made aware of your generosity with signs to accompany your donation in the studio.
Also, your contribution is eligible for a tax deduction in accordance with Indiana laws.
For more information, contact Laura Grannan at (812) 855-6114 or .
MemberCard Program
In Fall 1998, WTIU introduced the MemberCard as a new benefit for members who contribute at the $75 membership level and above. Typically, this card allows the holder to receive two-for-one dining privileges just one time annually at participating locations. More than 25 restaurants in Bloomington and dozens more in South-central Indiana currently take part in the MemberCard program. The MemberCard is also good for two-for-one admission to a different arts or entertainment attraction each month. In addition, the card is honored nationwide by thousands of restaurants that support public broadcasting.
The Member Card is a great opportunity for exposure for your business. Your business will be listed in the regional brochure which is distributed not only to WTIU-TV and WFIU-FM members but also to the members of WFYI in Indianapolis. Travelers from surrounding communities and nationwide will be directed to your establishment to test your fare for this one-time special offer, giving you the opportunity to convince them to come again and again!
We continue to add establishments in order to expand this great benefit for valued community members who support public broadcasting. For more information, contact Joan Padawan at or (812) 855-3957.