Comments from the petition: Page 42

Please reconsider changing the format of WUFT-FM back to include a mix of news,
talk & music including classical music. My family & I have stopped
listening to your broadcast due to the constant talk format

I recently returned to Gainesville for a lengthy trip, and couldn't believe what
had happened to my favorite local radio station. I am able to stream with my
computer another NPR station KUNC from northern CO which I also enjoy; but,
alas, I am helpless in my car. We actually raised $40,000 in our rural county
in CO to have an antenna placed in our community so that we can enjoy the
wonderful classical/eclectic music mix that they offer. Seems like that
community is moving forward, and Gainesville is moving backwards. What gives
with the powers that be here???

The arrogance of the deciding person in this matter is astounding. He/she
should be addressing the abysmal state of proofreading in the local sheet (Sun).
Even more, he/she should be addressing the terrible management of the radio and
tv stations under his/her oversight. They go on and off the air willy-nilly
with never an apology or explanation.

I recall that, when this change in format was originally in the air, a WUFT
program manager said it would not take place because the NPR programming that
would replace the music was too expensive. But the cost would be minimal if the
NPR programs were broadcast on HD, so people could access them if they bought a
digital radio. Now we are being told that broadcasting classical music is more
expensive. Which is true?
I understand the WUFT HD signal on #2 is poor and does not provide optimum music
listening, but I would not go to the expense of a digital radio
anyway.
Please bring the old programming back; it provided more than adequate NPR news
programs in addition to wonderful music and music commentary. If you do and
only if you do, I'll renew my membership.
Sincerely,
[name redacted]

I recently received a letter in the mail sent by WUFT-FM General Manager Larry
Dankner requesting a donation to help the radio station because of the "loss of
some loyal members and revenue" in the past year. The letter goes on to say
that "WUFT-FM/WJUF-FM is committed to bringing you all the programs you and your
family enjoy." As this petition and the movement behind it demonstrate most
emphatically, the management at WUFT is NOT committed to bringing my family the
programs I enjoy, and it's no wonder that there has been a loss of revenue and
members. Count my family as among that loss of members, until the University
shows a re-commitment to putting the "public" back in "public radio."

put the class back in CLASSIC 89

I have pledged and donated to WUFT "CLASSIC' 89 in the past but no more
donations until format is changed and some music is returned to programming.

I am surprised to see from the article in the Gainesville Sun on Thursday,
October 29th. that none of the reasons for changing Classic 89 had any truth
attached to them. Isn't it commom knowledge on the U of F Campus that Dr. Machen
had it changed since his wife hates classical music.
Please note that I no longer spend any time or money on WUFT-FM.

It's unconscionable that a major university community doesn't have a "good
music" radio station. I mean music that doesn't give one a headache, that has
harmony that's stood the test of time. Music, in contrast to talk shows, is
especially appropriate for listening in the car--it doesn't distract from
driving. Upon moving here we were distressed that there was only one radio
station we could stand to listen to, and now even that's gone. I hope you can
bring it back.

We are now considered among the uncultured who do not have access to a classical
radio station on our PBS agenda. Do not let us lose what we have so valued in
the past. We need our classical station back. Other states have it, Georgia,
Alabama, Mississippi, but we don't. This is a definite step backward in our PBS
programming.