WABE Launches Two New Donor Funds Honoring ATL Cultural Icons Lois Reitzes and Camille Russell Love 

 New donor funds will preserve Lois Reitzes’ legacy of arts journalism and propel Camille Russell Love’s vision for empowering underrepresented Atlanta storytellers through original public media content. 

WABE, Atlanta’s NPR and PBS affiliate, proudly announces the creation of two legacy donor funds honoring two of the region’s most visionary champions of arts and culture: Lois Reitzes and Camille Russell Love. These newly launched funds—the Lois Reitzes Arts Fund and the Camille Russell Love Creators Fund—celebrate the impact of two women who shaped the creative spirit of Atlanta and ensure their influence endures for generations to come. 

The announcement comes as both Reitzes and Love mark the close of remarkable public service careers. Reitzes, who has been a singular voice in arts journalism for more than 45 years, will retire from daily hosting duties on WABE’s City Lights in June 2025. The program will evolve into The City Lights Collective, a new weekday arts and culture show debuting July 7, continuing WABE’s tradition of highlighting Atlanta’s diverse creative community. Love retired in December 2024 after 26 years as Executive Director of the City of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs, where she helped develop the city’s public art programs, jazz festivals, and artist funding initiatives. 

“These funds ensure that the legacy of these two extraordinary women lives on—not only in name, but in impact,” said Jennifer Dorian, President and CEO of WABE. “They represent the very best of Atlanta—visionary leadership, cultural advocacy, and a deep belief in the power of the arts to connect and uplift. As we face unprecedented threats to public media funding, we are called to act boldly. These funds will protect and expand the very storytelling that makes our city strong.” 

 A Legacy of Inspiration and Coverage 

The Lois Reitzes Arts Fund aims to raise $450,000 by July 2025 to support The City Lights Collective and WABE’s continued commitment to arts and culture journalism. Contributions will help expand reporting on Atlanta’s exhibitions, performances, festivals, and artist communities—continuing the work Lois Reitzes championed for nearly five decades. To donate or learn more, visit wabe.org/lois. 

“The arts provide meaning for our lives,” said Lois Reitzes. “Fact-based, unbiased coverage of culture is as important as coverage of politics or business or global affairs. It all enables us to better understand what’s happening in the world.” 

A Future Fueled by Local Voices 

The Camille Russell Love Creators Fund, seeded through WABE’s signature summer fundraiser The Cookout, will support Atlanta-based creators—especially those from historically underrepresented communities. Funds will go toward developing and producing original audio and video content, including podcasts, radio shows, and documentaries that reflect Atlanta’s cultural richness. To support the fund, visit wabe.org/CamilleLoveFund. 

“Creatives in Atlanta are deserving of financial support,” said Camille Russell Love. “That support should be considered as an investment in the careers of these creatives and will result in a stronger ecosystem of creativity for Atlanta!” 

This announcement comes as WABE confronts a potential $1.9 million cut in federal funding—underscoring the urgent need for community investment in public media. With nearly 90% of WABE’s support already coming from local listeners and viewers, the creation of these funds reflects a commitment to honoring Atlanta’s cultural past while fortifying its creative future. 

For media inquiries or interviews, contact: 

 Sherri Daye Scott, Chief Marketing Officer 

[email protected] | 404-309-4345 

ABOUT WABE 

WABE is Atlanta’s original, independent, non-profit source for news and local stories and the choice for NPR and PBS. Our stations deliver fact-based journalism and inclusive, engaging, cultural content that informs, inspires, reflects, and empowers the millions who call the Greater Atlanta area home. WABE’s programs, podcasts, and events make Atlanta’s stories and storytellers accessible and relevant across various platforms for our diverse audience. WABE original programming, along with national NPR and PBS content, is available on WABE 90.1FM, WABE.org, WABE TV (PBS-30), and WABE-HD1/WABE-HD2, as well as streaming on the WABE Mobile App, Hulu + Live, YouTube TV, Chromecast, PBS.org, Local Now, Roku, Android TV & mobile, Amazon Fire TV & tablets, iOS, tvOS, and Android TV live streams. Visit wabe.org for more information.