Sep. 5, 2009 (United Press International) -- Public radio stations throughout the United States say they have enjoyed successful pledge drives despite the recession.

The Washington Post reported Saturday some broadcasters, such as Maryland Public Television, have even received more in pledges in 2009 than last year.

"Given everything that's going on, we thought that was pretty solid," MPT Vice President Joe Krushinsky said of his station's 3 percent increase to $667,000 in pledges compared with 2008 totals.

Colorado Public Radio enjoyed a 15 percent increase in pledges during its last fiscal year, which ended in June. Meanwhile, KPBS of San Diego received a $2.5 million gift from Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) co-founder Irwin Jacobs and his wife Joan last week.

Lewis Kennedy Associates official Helen Kennedy told the Post such donations are likely an indicator of how valuable listeners find the offerings of public radio stations.

"Having been in this industry for 30 years, my gut tells me that people really value public broadcasting and its place in the community," said Kennedy, whose company offers fundraising consultations to public broadcasters.