WNET Mounts Campaign to Raise $150 Million WNET, the New York City public television station that is celebrating its 50th anniversary, is beginning a capital campaign to raise $150 million. Half the money raised by the campaign, which was to be announced at WNET's annual gala Thursday, will be used to increase the station's $91.2 million endowment, said Lisa A. Mantone, vice president of development and communications. Most of the remainder will go to support the local and national programming that WNET produces, including "Great Performances" and "Nature." About $50 million has been pledged already. The station's board had been considering a campaign since 2006, before the financial crisis, which hurt many nonprofit organizations, WNET included. Ms. Mantone declined to speculate if the timing of the appeal indicated an improved economic outlook for nonprofits. "I think every institution has its moment and you work with the moment that you're in," she said, adding, "The 50th anniversary is just that moment for us."