radiothon

[ rey-dee-oh-thon ]

noun

1. an on-the-air radio campaign, often lasting 24 hours or more, designed to raise money for a radio station, charity, the arts, etc., as from listeners phoning in and pledging specific donations, sometimes in exchange for gifts or premiums.

Word History and Origins

Origin of radiothon¹

1960–65, Americanism; radio + -thon ( def )

Example Sentences

They manned the phones at Capital Centre and hosted a radiothon.

From Washington Post

“In the first week, half a million dollars had been raised,” said the lawyer, who hopes to collect more funds when Melbourne’s Greek community centre holds a major radiothon with the national broadcaster, ABC, this Wednesday.

From The Guardian

Radio 104.1 ran its annual radiothon to support him and his family in December, which culminated in a two-day marathon at Toyota of Wallingford.

From Washington Times

In the meantime, Kennedy will continue cheering on her beloved Carolina Hurricanes, and she will raise money for Duke University Hospital through a radiothon in April.

From Washington Times

That was followed by an impromptu radiothon Feb. 3 when Dakich declared, “Let’s raise some money,” and fans around the state responded.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• telethon