Multi-platinum music icon, Bret Michaels, is named as the official 2020 Ambassador for the 10th Annual World College Radio Day, which is happening worldwide on Friday, October 2.

"In this difficult time, there has never been a more important year, or a better year, for the hope that college radio brings. It is the future of communications and, in a year like this, communication is key. Music itself is the soundtrack to life and helps drive us through these unprecedented times. When dorms and campuses may be quiet, this should be the time for college radio to be going strong," says Bret Michaels. His Life Rocks Foundation will be donating $10,000 in personal 'Bret Grants' to participating college radio stations around the world, matching the funds raised by the College Radio Foundation. Many college radio stations face severe financial difficulty and these grants will help them stay on the air.

"Bret is a long-time supporter of college radio, someone whose extraordinary multi-faceted career and philanthropic efforts have already impacted so many people," says Anabella Poland, General Manager of WMSC FM at Montclair State University in New Jersey and President of CRD. "In their early days, Poison received airplay support from college stations that helped songs like 'Talk Dirty to Me' get momentum on radio. Bret's passion and authenticity is deeply inspirational to the students."

"As an alumni of KCPR college radio and a prime example of college radio being a laboratory for students to learn business, communication and teamwork, I can't think of a better ambassador than Bret Michaels," said Bruce Flohr of Red Light Management, which manages Michaels and other artists such as Dave Matthews Band and Phish. "Bret's entrepreneurship, collaborative spirit and love of new music makes him uniquely qualified to help guide the next generation with his advice, personal stories and experience."

Some of these early stories are retold in Bret Michaels' debut book, Auto-Scrap-Ography: Volume 1, which is now in its fourth print run. The book marries the feel of a hardcover book with the immersive engagement of the digital age, sharing untold stories -  and never-before-seen photos - from his epic rollercoaster ride of a career and life. Giving back has always been at the forefront, though, as demonstrated by Michaels recently receiving Hollywood's Humanitarian of the Year Award.

A lifelong Type 1 diabetic, Michaels is known for his unbroken fighting spirit since birth. With over a million injections over his lifetime, a myriad of blood tests and more, he has never let anything stop him. It's that "bet on yourself" attitude and creative entrepreneurship that made him retain over 90% of his publishing and release his mega-successful albums as an independent label distributed by a major when labels turned down hits like "Talk Dirty To Me" and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn."

From the lessons he learned along the way, Bret will be inviting college radio students to #askBret life questions and advice so he can help them navigate the challenges of life and find the unseen benefits in all they do. Tag @bretmichaelsofficial and @collegeradioday, using the hashtags #askBret #WCRD2020 #collegeradioday #globalsolidarityrocks.

This year marks the 10th annual World College Radio Day, founded by Dr. Rob Quicke, professor of communication at William Paterson University of New Jersey.

"Obviously, we never could have imagined the circumstances for our tenth anniversary. However, the students are eager to celebrate and will be participating at over 500 college radio stations in any way they can because they want to remind everyone that now, more than ever, college radio is still such a vitally important medium," says Quicke. "Bret couldn't have been more passionate and excited about this project, with true concern for college students and how they'll be moving forward."

Set for Friday, October 2, the celebration will unite college radio stations from over 30 countries around the world to bring awareness to the work and value they bring to the broadcasting medium. This year the theme is Global Solidarity Rocks, taking into account the global collaborations that we do each year, but also reflecting on current needs worldwide, from the streets of Beirut to the race to find a cure for Covid-19 to all the teachers and students returning to schools with much uncertainty. Campus radio stations stand in solidarity with new artists, providing a platform for voices that otherwise may not be heard. Furthermore, student radio also unites in solidarity on causes important to their own community, whether it is restocking the food pantry or running a toy drive to bring a bit of cheer to local elementary school children.

(Photo - Mark Mazzanti)