Comments from the petition: Page 3

I have withdrawn my contributions which have been automatically deducted from
payroll for years. I am so disappointed that the unique musical offerings are
being removed and an eclectic radio station with a little of something for all
different tastes is being replaced with one format-- talk --as if there is not
enough news and talk already available. I could get the Diane Rehm show on your
HD broadcast but I will not be getting the same musical mix on your classical HD
broadcasts. However, what most offended me about this decision was how it was
made w/o any public input and that is why I revoked my contribution. So much for
public radio.

My drive to and from the College of Medicine every day will be severely damaged
by removing this station from the air. I count on it every day to get news and
information that is unbiased and accurate.

As an old and rather rude English song goes
"Ain't it all a bloody shame"

Classical music on 89 is invaluable to my happiness in Gainesville...along with
Richard and Agnes and others whose information about it make it "come alive!"
and create a sense of social bonding with all of the local people who are also
listeners...Keep 89 like it is!!!PLEASE!!!!!!

HD radio is expensive, not easily available & not in cars. For those of us
who like both the classical & news, it means no music when we drive
(etc.).
It is too soon to change format. You certainly did not poll your listeners
about the proposed changes. AND it is US who support Classic 89 financially.

The loss of an institution at UF and the sole comprehensive source for quality
classical programming would be yet another chink in the armor of our institution
and society. One of the things that makes Gainesville great is the fact that we
have our own cultural center - and one of this quality in a town this small.
The radio is already flooded with talk/news stations - scan both the FM and AM
dials for any length of time and you'll hear that WUFT and its classical
programming is the rare gem among a sea of wagging tongues. We live with a
constant barrage of talk and news radio (and all other media) that have resulted
in the production of news when none exists.....the same cannot be said of the
benefits of classical music!!
At the very least keep a minimum of 8 hours of classical programming from 6AM to
midnight!!!

As a Gainesville resident, I find it unacceptable to have no free access to
classical music on the radio. Eliminating Classic 89 is all the worse
considering that it has been far more than a channel that merely broadcasts
classical music. All my life I have enjoyed its insightful programs on classical
music, folk music, and music from many other countries, and I feel that they
have contributed a great deal to the culture of Alachua County. To say that all
of this will be accessible for only $50 is extremely misleading. I wish that we
(especially all those who have been regular contributors to WUFT) had been given
a choice in the matter rather than having it forced upon us, and I hope that a
solution can be found which does not involve removing Classic 89 from the air.

We are asked to donate, but not to decide. Seems backward.

As President of the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra, I am very disappointed that
this decision was was made without the slightest concern or response collected
from the classical music lovers of Gainesville. It is nice to have a fancy
study done by outsiders, but they forget the "human" element in every decision.
It seems every decison is always based on the bottomline, what a
shame.

Delay the switch long enough to survey the listener base - switching to all news
may lose so much listener support that it will be less economical than the
current muixed format!