Comments from the petition: Page 7

Classic 89.1 is an important part of the quality of life in Gainesville.

Communication students need experience in music as well as news format. They
stumble around now with classical music terms and names. Not a good add for UF

Losing classical music from FM radio will be a sad loss for the community. We
certainly don't need more "talk" radio, we have way to much of that already.
Pleas reconsider your poorly thought out decision. I will certainly not support
talk radio with any financial contributions.

Classic 89 was the only place on the radio to not only hear classical music, but
to learn about music, in keeping with the educational purpose of the University
of Florida. Local presenters, like Richard Drake, gave commentary and expanded
our horizons using the large musical library of Classic 89, to which many of us
contributed. National NPR presenters, like Michael Barone and Bill McGloughlin
did the same. I have no difficulty keeping up with both national and
international news and general public discourse using other sources: Classic 89
filled a void.
In addition, Classic 89 was a community: it was the place for notices of local
arts events and live interviews with local artists. The familiar voices from
the different shows were also a community. Even some of the quaint
mispronunciations of student commentators were a part of that community. The
listening audience was a community. Opera lovers could count on Saturday
afternoons.
I believe that a great nation NEEDS great art. Other nations have long
recognized this, and have substantially subsidized the arts. The messages being
sent from the University of Florida suggest that a "great" university has no
need of the arts.

There are plenty of news and talk show on the air. There is no other classical
music station. I think a university town should have atleast one. Along with
science and sports there should be an attempt to spread culture to the students.

Classic 89 brought me the UF. Dean Wright proposes to replace the outstanding
music program with news read by ill-educated amateurs. I shall terminate my
financial support if this policy is carried through.

Why would you change the format? Please revert back to the old format.

Classic 89 has been the only radio station that I listen to since moving to
Gainesville. I found a refuge from the constant clamor of the talking heads.
There are many sites for news reports and talk shows, but only one source for
classical music. What a loss!

Classical music is forever. Many of us look forward to listening to the
greats
Also a great interest in Jazz
To change to a talk radio station is a less than intelligent decision.
We who have supported Classic 89 totally disagree.
You are about to loose most of your listener support.

There is no way to express the extreme disappointment of my husband and myself
at the changes anticipated. We absolutely LOVE Classic 89 as it has always
been. WE listen all day and in the evening. WE have been happy to support
Classic 89 for many years. Please do not abandon your friends after so many
years.