WLUW Update

To follow up on the previous post concerning the demise of Chicago's only independent community radio station, 88.7 WLUW-FM Chicago (of which I am Music Director and DJ for; and is responsible for Audiversity existing at all), here is some more information on the happenings:

WLUW's staff had a meeting with the heads of WBEZ (Chicago Public Radio, who stepped in back in 2002 to support the transition of the station from Loyola's college frequency to a listener-supported community radio outlet) to be properly informed of the situation and get the opportunity to ask questions. Here is a summation of the entire situation and what went down at the meeting.

At a very basic level, we are now in a tentative 11-month transitional period, but we have no idea what we are transitioning to nor whether we will be given an opportunity to remain at the station once June 2008 comes around. In fact, I very much doubt Loyola has any idea what we are transitioning towards either.

And what is even more ridiculous is this FAQ page posted on Loyola's website. First of all, the opening line is completely misleading: "Loyola University Chicago and WBEZ have mutually agreed to begin discussions on the termination of our operating agreement for the radio station WLUW." WBEZ is pertaining to their part of the contract, they are not by any means wanting to terminate the operating agreement. And most upsetting is this line: "The community radio station label is akin to calling another station blues, jazz, or rock. It's a format, not ownership." I completely disagree with this; the whole idea of a community station is that it services and acts as a voice for the community. Perhaps it is a format, but a much more important and multi-dimensional format than say a commercial rock station. Not to mention the tight knit community of volunteers that run the station. I find it to be a very shallow and callous response to the situation.

If you would like a more concise description of the situation, check out this Time Out Chicago article. Though this is just a simple audioblog, I do plan on using it somewhat as a forum for the happenings of this ordeal because this site owes everything to WLUW. Also, please take a minute to read and possibly sign this petition to help create more low power frequencies so that community radio can exist; it may be our only chance to continue providing Chicago with a radio station that is progressive, community-oriented, committed to social justice and independent thought and expression, and to giving a voice to those who too often go unheard.