John Wright, the Dean of the University of Florida School of Journalism and Communication, decided to stop the broadcast of music on university-owned WUFT-FM, Classic 89. His July 3 announcement of the change scheduled for August 3 was a stealthy move accompanied by misleading information about the cost of HD radio receivers needed to hear the limited broadcast of music in the future. The News Department of WUFT-FM has a stated policy of not reporting on listener reactions to the scheduled change. The change was announced just after a fund-raising campaign during which prospective donor/members were not told that music was on the Dean`s chopping block. Donor/Members that ask will be given a refund should they discover the option. But Dean Wright no doubt hopes that the word will not get out. Dean Wright praises HD radio, but fails to say that listeners outside of Alachua County will not be within the broadcast range, even if they invest in an HD receiver. He justifies his decision based on the recommendation of an unnamed outside consultant and creation of teaching opportunities. Meanwhile, Dean Wright oversees U.F.-owned Rock 104, a commercial radio station that competes with other rock stations for listeners and advertising revenue. Well-informed sources say that Rock 104 is losing $20,000 to $30,000 each month. Some temporary listeners to Rock 104 are shocked by offensive commentary interspersed with the music. Is it too much to ask Dean Wright for financial information regarding WUFT-FM and Rock 104? Of particular interest is how much money is donated by Donor/Members of WUFT-FM. You may request financial information from Dean Wright by calling 352-392-0466. You may request a refund of contributions to WUFT-FM by calling 1-800-315-7062 X 1163. You can request a delay in implementation of Dean Wright`s programming change by emailing University of Florida President Bernie Machen at president@ufl.edu. | 