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| Marianne Miller Dear Madam: It has been brought to my attention that the University is considering selling WUEV to an outside source. Although I recognize that there will be benefits for UE as an institution, the negative impact of the closing of WUEV would be overwhelming for the employees, the students, the University, and the community. I, as an individual, have a large investment in WUEV. I work as a DJ for the afternoon Jazzflight as well as for Rated G, the children's show that we produce on Saturday mornings. This employment means the world to me. Firstly, I am majoring in the nationally recognized Department of Theatre here at UE. One stipulation of being accepted into the department is that one may not hold outside employment: I am not allowed to get a job. I am, however, allowed to hold employment ON campus. I do not qualify for work-study, which means I have to be creative in supporting myself: my parents do not and will not support me. WUEV is the perfect solution to my dilemma. My employment is conveniently located and fits within the parameters of the rules set down in my department. Secondly, WUEV is an item on my dramatic resume. Radio work fits into the category of voice work, and future artistic employers value the experience that I am receiving at WUEV. Many actors who cannot find employment end up doing voice work (voice overs, cartoons, etc.) to support themselves. WUEV gives me the practical background that I may someday need to keep myself afloat in my career. Thirdly, I enjoy my work. I spend 8 hours a week on the air. My knowledge and love for Jazz music deepens every set I have, and the Rated G program is a fun way for me to start my Saturday and meet other students. WUEV is my sorority alternative. WUEV is my stepping stone to career development. WUEV is my job. The students will also be impacted by the closing of WUEV. Parents who cannot attend sports functions can enjoy the live feed of WUEV to support our teams and their kids. I know my parents have listened to my sets on the air through the internet, and those experiences have alleviated much of the empty-nest syndrome that my mother feels. WUEV is a way for the students' family and friends to stay connected to them during such a precarious time of change in one's life. The University reaches the community through WUEV. We speak often about how UE needs to continue reaching out to Evansville, and WUEV is one of the most accessible mediums with which to accomplish this goal. Our programming covers a wide variety of lifestyles. Sundays broadcast a Christian program while weeknights, a show for pop music fills the waves. What better way to advertise the diversity that UE supports. There have been countless listeners who have called to tell me personally how much they enjoy our jazz show and that they listen to the show every day. Chuck Meachum, a faculty member here at UE, and his children are avid listeners of Rated G. Grandma Kitty and her two grandchildren as well as a whole staff of meatpacking workers listen each Saturday morning to hear us tell jokes and read stories: we bring a little joy to these people each and every Saturday. These aspects of WUEV are priceless. As you can see, WUEV is quite an asset to its employees, the UE students, UE as an institution, and the community. The removal of WUEV from UE would end a long tradition of providing excellent radio programming. I ask that you carefully consider that vast number of cons that come from closing down such an establishment. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, |