It troubles me to discover that the University of Evansville is considering an offer to purchase the license to 91.5 FM, WUEV. Not only is it a shortsighted step, but detrimental to the quality of life on campus and in the community. What is even more concerning to me is the short time for which the University is providing for comments to the administration, without so much as running it up the flagpole in the alumni magazine.

If flagging interest in radio, as a career is a consideration, when I worked at WUEV from 1981-1985, we had great participation for those outside the communications department to round out a very diverse staff. From my recent trip to the station’s website it seems as though the staff is still very large. With the ability to pre-record DJ shifts, staffing cannot be the issue.

If transitioning to new HD technology is the University's concern, out-right sale of the station seems absurd. Those in the administration should think of the possibilities of the station’s multiple bands as a future revenue source and a sound capital investment. Poised on the brink of a new wave of disseminating mass communication messages, it is criminal to get rid of a flagship for innovative programming including: continued streaming/webcasting, podcasting and use of side broadcast bands for sports educational, and cultural programming.

I hope those making the decision on whether to sell the station or not, will look further than the bottom line of the asking price, and to the long range benefits the station has given since 1951.

Sincerely,

Christopher Allman
UE Class of 1985