Radio Aid On Course To Raise £4 Million

The UK’s commercial radio stations raised over £3 million in their Tsunami fund-raising effort, UK Radio Aid earlier this week, more than tripling the expected figure.

The 12 hour charity marathon saw over 280 radio stations replacing their usual programmes with a nationally syndicated broadcast to an audience of over 20 million listeners. Participating stations agreed to launch the aid appeal by donating one day’s profit each, with the initial donation then built upon with donations from listeners via text message, phone and internet pledges (see Commercial Radio Output Unites For Tsunami Effort).

Listeners were also invited to enter competitions via text message to win once in a lifetime prizes, such as a free mobile phone, including calls and handset upgrades for life and a top of the range car. All profits from the one-day event went to help the children affected by the Asian tsunami disaster in December.

The event was hosted by numerous celebrity presenters, from Davina McCall to Frank Skinner. Meanwhile exclusive live acts from Jamelia, Bryan Adams and David Gray entertained listeners, as did interviews from the prime minister and prince Andrew.

Support for UK Radio Aid was extremely strong, with donations from commercial sponsors totalling over half a million pounds and the income from the competition prizes contributing over £800,000.

Mark Story, chairman of UK Radio Aid said: “This important fund-raising effort wouldn’t have been nearly so successful without the generous support from the key sponsors of UK Radio Aid. The commercial companies themselves have donated over £300,000.

Donations are still coming in strong and Radio Aid hopes to hit the £4 million mark soon.

UK Radio Aid: www.ukradioaid.com

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