This change has turned my life on end. This is a terrible thing that losing the
all-music, arts-oriented format will do to the community. I started this
website as part of my response to your action. I do not want to lose the great
resource that WUFT-FM is.

A great university or one rhat aspires to greatness needs to preserve and
honor the past, and that duty includes presnting the classical from the musical
literaturs just as much as from the written literature.

I feel very strongly that the current programming on Classic 89 provides a very
important and valuable cultural and educational resource for our community. It
is extremely important to have this public service continue to be accessible on
the analog airways to anyone who has an ordinary radio, be it at home or in the
car. 24-hour Beethoven Station broadcasting can not replace the wonderful mix of
music genres, educational music programs (such as "Exploring Music", "Afro-pop
Worldwide" and "Piano Jazz"), talk programs, and news that we currently have in
place. All-talk programming is more suitable for HD radio streams at present
than music programming is, because few people have HD radios in their cars or in
their home stereo systems. Music needs to be heard through better speaker
systems than a table-top HD radio can provide, whereas talk shows and news don't
require superior speakers to be heard satisfactorily, so perhaps the all-talk
programming could go on the HD-2 stream, leaving Classic 89 on analog. Please:
Save Classic 89!

I have enjoyed listening to WUFT music for over 15 years and am very distressed
by the pending changes. The more I learn about the reasons for the changes, the
less any change in programming makes sense. Why mess with a winning format?

We are constantly bombarded with 24-hour news and commentary. Classic 89 is an
island in the storm. Please reconsider the format change and leave classical
music on the program.

Please keep our music-based WUFT/FM format. As a piano teacher, composer, and
lover of music, I rely on the station to bring me great music and inspiration.

Please continue Classic 89 with its mix of diverse music, news and national
programs.
Why not add the few programs that are repeatedly cited and eliminate some
music.
The elimination of analog Classic 89 would be a step backwards 30 years for our
area.

WUFT offers so much in the way of music. I've enjoyed recordings of live
performances from local artists, listening to Marian McPartland, and always tune
in to Live at the Met on Saturdays. The Garrison Keillor show has provided me
many hours of entertainment, as well as the Motown show and Nothing but the
Blues on Saturday evenings. I've received a great education in listening to
Afro-pop, and the Celtic Hour, as well as having called in to the station and
been a winner of the Friday afternoon Trivia and Request program. I love all
kinds of music, and WUFT is the only station in Gainesville where such a variety
is possible. I have a number of out-of-town friends who tell me that they tune
in to Classic 89 as soon as they are within range as they are driving to
Gainesville because of the music that is offered!

I personally love the WUFT format. I have it on at work from 8:30 to 5...
listen to it in the car on the way to and from work. I don't listen to any
other station. Frankly, I'm tired of listening to people talk at me.
Practically the only TV station that has merit is WUFT-TV! WUFT-FM was its
partner. Every other radio station in Gainesville has a talk show format. It's
reality TV on the radio and I'm way over reality shows! Mindless and mediocre.
It is an absolute joy to have the diversity of classic 89 in my office and at
home. I find it hard to believe that a University, which is supposed to
educate, enlighten and strive for the very best in all areas - including fine
art and culture - is disgarding one of its finest voices.

As a piano teacher, I have relied upon and fully supported Classic 89 since its
inception. Many of my students have used the Friday request program in order to
listen to various artists perform the compositions they are studying. As well, I
listen continuely while not teaching. How can a University city be without a
classical music station? If one wants constant news, one has many other choices.
Many times I have cringed when the students give the news. Certainly, Classis 89
(or whatever it will be called) will NOT be my choice for the news. PLEASE
reconsider your decision!

My husband and I are appalled that this wonderful cultural and educational part
of our day has been axed from scheduling. Many eloquent and informative posts
have been written to the Sun. We join and echo their protests.

As a music lover and longtime Classic 89 supporter, I am deeply saddened and
angered by the elimination of classical music from the station. The "exciting
changes" at WUFT-FM are a public relations debacle. My "listener demands" are
no longer going to be met by the new format. What will happen to Richard Drake,
Agnes Klauder, Kathy DeWitt and other local contributors to the music scene? I
am no longer a proud member.

The University of Florida is an educational Institution. We have to educate our
students in whole, not only in a specific, narrow field. Thus, they need to be
exposed to classical music.
There is enough rock music and talk on other radio stations. I just don't want
to be exposed constantly to hear people talking. I want enjoyable
music.
I have invested in expensive stereo equipment and have a radio in almost every
room in the house and in my cars. I do not want to spend again thousands of
dollars to buy HD radios.
The $75.- HD radio which I got from classic 89 as a donor is of low sound
quality.
The HD 1 and HD2 broadcasts are the same if they work at all.
The HD signals cannot be received at the beach.

Please, keep the present music format of WUFT-FM, it's excellent as it is.

I think that classical music is a useful part of a good cultural education and
would like to see some part of this retained.

The current format that has been in place for a number of years is VERY, VERY
GOOD! A wonderful mix of topics on the "talk" programs, a great diversity of
styles on the "music" programs. The local commentators and presenters (i.e. Hank
Conner, Agnes Klauder, Henry Pensis, Richard Drake, etc. etc.)add immeasurably
to the sense of 'ownership' and involvement that is the essence of "listener
supported" radio. I praise and support all who have spoken out against the
segregation of talk and music programming and I am deeply suspicious of the
motivation driving this radical change. The insulting and patronizing "exciting
changes" ads and evasive justifications only strengthen my belief that there is
a "hidden agenda." Come clean... what is it?

Dear Dean Wright,
The music program on WUFT is outstanding and quite unique in that it offers a
rich variety of musical genres that I have only experienced with radio stations
in major metropolitan centers, such as WQXR in New York. Your radio station with
its first-rate musical offerings, presented by a highly competent staff, has
greatly contributed to elevating Gainesville to a major cultural center in
Florida and has enriched the life of those of us who can no longer get around
to attend concerts and other cultural events. Please do not rob us of this
cultural icon. Thank you.
(sig.) [name redacted] (The Villages)

Public Radio is not supposed to be about Arbitron ratings, or paying Commercial
Radio consultants $120,000...Classic 89 truly represents "listener supported
public radio", bringing Local Arts, the discovery of music and culture to the
entire North East region of Florida.
The last thing we need is more talking heads, and a supposed "HD Tuner" no one
is going to use, and is not going to reach farther than 25 miles. Surely,
classic music, folk, alternative jazz, etc. merits serious attention in a
sophisticated University community.
I would hope that in light of Bernie Machens' dismal record and reputation, this
would be re-thought.

Public radio serves a purpose, as it always has, to provide material not
provided by other radio stations, and material that is not necessarily
commercially profitable or based solely on Nielsen or other ratings. Like
public TV, which airs material such as Masterpiece Theater and Metropolitan
Opera and Nature and educational shows that would not be aired anywhere else,
nor are likely very commercially viable in a solely profit-based scenario, but
are so worthwhile culturally and educationally, public radio should continue to
do likewise in continuing to air classical music. This is a no-brainer, folks.
This is the very PURPOSE of public broadcasting in any media. To remove
classical music in lieu of all-talk radio is a disgrace, plain and simple. I
educated myself in classical music by way of public radio over the decades - not
having that resource available to people seems totally incomprehensible to me.
Entire generations of people will grow up not hearing this music (it most
certainly is not presented to them in our schools or in for-profit media) if it
is not made available on free public radio. Please think twice, and think twice
yet again, about this serious and drastic decision.

My sister worked on the station when it was all classical 20 years ago. i went
to the grand opening of the station when it was all classical 30 years ago.
This is the only place in Gainesville to hear quality classical music -- so
please stop succumbing to "mainstreaming" and "profiteering" by abandoning a
classsical format!

I have withdrawn my contributions which have been automatically deducted from
payroll for years. I am so disappointed that the unique musical offerings are
being removed and an eclectic radio station with a little of something for all
different tastes is being replaced with one format-- talk --as if there is not
enough news and talk already available. I could get the Diane Rehm show on your
HD broadcast but I will not be getting the same musical mix on your classical HD
broadcasts. However, what most offended me about this decision was how it was
made w/o any public input and that is why I revoked my contribution. So much for
public radio.

My drive to and from the College of Medicine every day will be severely damaged
by removing this station from the air. I count on it every day to get news and
information that is unbiased and accurate.

As an old and rather rude English song goes
"Ain't it all a bloody shame"

Classical music on 89 is invaluable to my happiness in Gainesville...along with
Richard and Agnes and others whose information about it make it "come alive!"
and create a sense of social bonding with all of the local people who are also
listeners...Keep 89 like it is!!!PLEASE!!!!!!

HD radio is expensive, not easily available & not in cars. For those of us
who like both the classical & news, it means no music when we drive
(etc.).
It is too soon to change format. You certainly did not poll your listeners
about the proposed changes. AND it is US who support Classic 89 financially.

The loss of an institution at UF and the sole comprehensive source for quality
classical programming would be yet another chink in the armor of our institution
and society. One of the things that makes Gainesville great is the fact that we
have our own cultural center - and one of this quality in a town this small.
The radio is already flooded with talk/news stations - scan both the FM and AM
dials for any length of time and you'll hear that WUFT and its classical
programming is the rare gem among a sea of wagging tongues. We live with a
constant barrage of talk and news radio (and all other media) that have resulted
in the production of news when none exists.....the same cannot be said of the
benefits of classical music!!
At the very least keep a minimum of 8 hours of classical programming from 6AM to
midnight!!!

As a Gainesville resident, I find it unacceptable to have no free access to
classical music on the radio. Eliminating Classic 89 is all the worse
considering that it has been far more than a channel that merely broadcasts
classical music. All my life I have enjoyed its insightful programs on classical
music, folk music, and music from many other countries, and I feel that they
have contributed a great deal to the culture of Alachua County. To say that all
of this will be accessible for only $50 is extremely misleading. I wish that we
(especially all those who have been regular contributors to WUFT) had been given
a choice in the matter rather than having it forced upon us, and I hope that a
solution can be found which does not involve removing Classic 89 from the air.

We are asked to donate, but not to decide. Seems backward.

As President of the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra, I am very disappointed that
this decision was was made without the slightest concern or response collected
from the classical music lovers of Gainesville. It is nice to have a fancy
study done by outsiders, but they forget the "human" element in every decision.
It seems every decison is always based on the bottomline, what a
shame.

Delay the switch long enough to survey the listener base - switching to all news
may lose so much listener support that it will be less economical than the
current muixed format!

The airing of classical music on WUFT in Gainesville is the preferred and only
radio channel we have enjoyed for the 37 years we have been in Gainesville.
Broadcasting this quality of music critically elevates the cultural climate of
our personal and social environment. A university city boasts a sustaining
intellectual and spiritual element because of the arts and humanities activity
not found in a "business" town.
To lose this musical format would be to destroy yet another source of beauty and
elegance that gives human beings dignity and divinity. Please protect the
music.
I am a violinist, having received both Bachelor and Masters training at the UF
school of music; my husband is a luthier who listens frequently as he works on
instruments in his shop and commuting to and from work. He regularly comments on
the violin works he hears on WUFT 89. Protecting the quality of programming is
protecting the quality of people. Please protect the music.

I called the Dean of the College of Journalism about 2 weeks ago from the road
as I was passing Tampa and listening to their pretty nice programming in
Classical Music. There are few things about Tampa that I like (and Orlando, same
thing) but one is its dedication to classical music. But they do not carry opera
as we do. There are many things about Gainesville I like and with one of them
being removed, I am planning on leaving! I told the Dean that his comment in the
Sun about "Let them buy a $70 HD radio" was both crass and reflective of a
person who perhaps should never have been hired by "the prez." Both should leave
our fair city in my humble opinion. The piece in the Sun by Chobaz was an
absolute hit with me. I saved it, am framing it and am quoting it tonight at the
Gainesville City Comm. meeting.

My husband, [--] and I, are long-time listeners and contributors to Classic 89.
We are appalled by your decision to replace the relatively few hours of
classical music/day with more talk shoes. The current format is fine.
To date, our only objection is listening to the squeaky, inept journalism
students before/after the excellent NPR talk programs. The contrast between the
amateurs and professionals is excruciating. How can you even think of having
more of the same?

I have been a supporter of Classic 89 for a very long time and I keep my radio
{car and Home) tuned to WUFT-FM. I don't want to lose it.

I respectfully request that the format be returned to a classical-music plan
with some modifications to allow some of the "talk-related" shows planned into
the day. The information implying that the new format increases the
availability of students to have training in the talk-news area is bogus. They
are not now being trained to read or pronounce basic English correctly and
including more network based programs will not increase the opportunity for
building their skills.

It would have the all talk programming on the HD2 station and have left Classic
89 alone. HD signals are known to be problematic, particularly for
music.
This was already been communicated.

Please keep classical music on WUFT, but reduce the hours and mix it with
lighter, operetta. Your programing will also become boring if its only talk
programming. Thank you.

Why can't the NEW format be put on the NEW HD frequency!? That's the most
intelligent suggestion I've seen. It keeps old and loyal listeners who pledge
what they can to CLASSICAL MUSIC and use it regularly.
I, for one, will save my money and do what other listeners have suggested with
my limited entertainment dollars when pledge time comes around, if the new
format is put in place! I don't wish to buy a sixth radio with limited use, as
I have been tuned consistently and exclusively to WUFT-FM for 14
years!!
Most sincerely not wanting to be "tuned out"!

Dear sirs,
Please keep WUFT on the air. I cannot imagine a day without it.

"Classic 89" is a very important element of the quality of life that we have
come to know in Gainesville. It is unique in this listening area for providing
high-quality programs in classical music, opera, jazz, folk and other musical
genres. On the other hand, talk shows and news programs abound.
When returning to the area on a long car trip, it is such a pleasure to be able
to again find the signal for WUFT... and the music that it broadcasts has often
lightened my mood when I have tedious work to do at the office. A news
broadcast could not possibly be enjoyed in these ways.
Please reconsider the change in the station's music-based format.

I think it is shameful that a university with the aspirations of the University
of Florida prefers the endless jabber of talk radio to a classical music
station.

Our household has been a longtime supporter of WUFT-FM due to the classical
music programming, including classical music presented by local programs. We do
not intend to support an all news and talk station. We are saddened to have
classical music disappear from local radio.

WUFT-FM has been a public supported radio station. Shouldn't the listeners who
have supported the station have a say in the programming? WUFT-FM should remain
Classic 89 and give its listeners the music they have appreciated hearing.

The loss of the current programming at WUFT is denial of the superior concept,
organization, and craftsmanship by the staff at the station. It is a pleasure to
support their work. To lose their intelligence and skill demonstrates blindness
and non-intelligence.

It is dismal to think that an institution of higher learning would totally
abandon music. I am ashamed of this step by this administration. I ask that this
poor decision be re-visited.

Not only do I believe it is a mistake to discontinue broadcasting Classical
Music from WUFT-FM, I believe that its removal was done in a dishonest and
disdainful manner. The entire academic community, especially the UF
Administration, should be ashamed for itself.

I was very saddened to hear that WUFT-FM plans to eliminate music on its
broadcast FM radio. I have contributed to WUFT-FM over the years. But, plan to
cease any future donations if music formats are eliminated from the programming.
Again, I'm sorry and somewhat baffled that WUFT has chosen this course of
action.

When WUFT went on the air with classical music, I felt as if I were finally
living in a "real" city. I was overjoyed.
Now, I'm grieving over the loss of a classical music station, and feel that
G'ville has once again become a small, not very sophisticated town.
I gave enough money to WUFT-FM to get an HD radio as a reward, but I've never
been able to get it to work. In order to get the HD stations, I have to stand
and hold the antenna in my hand! And I can't imagine the cost of getting HD
radio in the car.
Good luck with the petition.

I agree with the suggestion that what you propose to do with Classic 89 could
and should be done with one of the other two stations owned by UF, and that
Classic 89, a rare and valuable asset to Gainesville, should be left as it is.

I cannot believe that the classical music station that we love is planning on
substituting talk shows. WUFT is on all day at our home. Morning Edition and
All Things Considered provide plenty of in-depth news and the music is wonderful
to listen to as we work. Terry Gross' interviews are always excellent at
lunchtime, but more talk would not be welcome. Please reconsider this
unfortunate decision, and keep the classical music that enriches all our lives.

At present there is already too much talk on the WUFT-FM classical music
programs. I want to hear MUSIC, not a lot of talk about the music. A short
introduction, say a max of 15 sec, is OK -- but a 1 to 15 minute dialog on it is
too much!!! I guess that I will continue exclusively with XM radio.

A university town needs classical music that is conveniently and inexpensively
accessible to the general public. It is part of the University's responsibility
to the community to provide this music. HD radios are not cheap--if they can be
found in town at all.
I am a fan of classical music and pay very little attention to the Afro-pop,
Celtic, folk, and jazz that WUFT-FM also played, but I know that they, too, are
not conveniently and inexpensively available to the public. Providing these
diverse musical types is again part of the University's cultural
responsibility.
It is a great disappointment to me that the University is permitting this music
to be shifted to HD which is not easily available. I know that I will never
contribute another penny to WUFT-FM while this situation continues.

Like many others, I feel downright betrayed that the format we've supported
faithfully for years has been completely scrapped w/o any input from its
listeners. Classic 89 was (and still is, for a few more days at least) one of
THE best things about living here. I don't want to wake up to standardized,
nationalized McRadio; I want to wake up to Richard Drake and his erudite, often
amusing, always enlightening comments about the great music we're hearing.
McRadio can be gotten anywhere: on the Jax station and on the internet. It's not
hard to find. A homegrown forum for supporting music and the arts IS
increasingly hard to find, and it makes no sense why we're scrapping it when the
appreciative audience is definitely there. Classical music is a necessary
cultural resource that should be kept available to everyone. None of the
explanations advanced by the either the current or former journalism deans
computes. To those who snicker and say, "aw, just stick in a CD and shut up,"
who among us could afford the vast selection of CDs Classic 89 has? How many
composers have I "discovered" as a result of listening to the great programming
on this station? Why can't the news-talk junkies who aren't getting enough of a
fix on Classic 89 and don't feel like turning on the Jax station or accessing
the Internet be the ones to have to purchase an HD radio instead?

The decision to drop the current format of what has always been known as
"classic 89" was done in a highhanded manner and against the wishes of those of
us unhappy to be required to purchase a digital radio to receive former
programming.

I am not only a UF faculty member, but a long term financial supporter of
WUFT-FM and the UF performing arts programs. The only reason my husband and I
contribute to WUFT-FM is the classical music programming. If the format change
goes through, we are done as contributors. There is talk radio everywhere but
only one source of classical music in this area. If WUFT-FM does go to
all-talk, we will take the money we contribute and use it for a subscription to
satellite radio, which does still program classical music.
And please don't tell me to get an HD receiver. I already have one that I
received as a gift for a donation to WUFT-FM. It doesn't work in my car!

PLEASE DO NOT DISCONTINUE GOOD MUSIC!

Dean Wright and whoever else was involved in this decision seem to have done it
by the seat of their pants and not thought out the real consequences to the
listening public. Thinking that this was a done deal, I decided to bite the
bullet and buy a digital radio. Guess what? I cannot find Dr. Wright's vaunted
$75 model anywhere in Gainesville stores. Radio Shack has models for $130 and
$150. I went to Best Buy because there was comment in the Sun about their having
$50 models. I went there last night and none of the staff knew what I was
talking about; one staff member said they had other models that would plug into
cars with MP3s, etc. or "your home entertainment center." I have a 1991 auto
and a dinky stand alone 19 inch tv and a boom box. So much for that. Come Monday
no more classical music and I was one of those who did stay with the station at
9am; I listened where I volunteer and many of the customers said how grateful
they were to hear "good" music.
At this point I must say I am damned annoyed that I have to be a Charles Proteus
Steinmetz to get a radio that is compatible with expensive or in my case
non-existent technologies. So much for having any old cheap FM radio and just
turning it on.
As to having more talk shows, BASTA. I already have an FM antenna [and my car
radio too] to pick up the Jacksonville NPR station--if that was what I wanted to
do. An antenna comes with most radios or you can use olde rabbit ear tv
antennas, much cheaper than buying a digital radio.
I also am not impressed with the argument that the college's students will help
fill the gap in local coverage. It's painfully obvious many of them can't even
bother to read their copy before they go on air; the mispronunciations are often
and ghastly. What does it say when one of their so-called star interns is nailed
for plagiarism. I used to help Jean Chance with her Fact Finding classes: Good
Lord. It was obvious from their thought processes and efforts that very, very
few would ever make competent investigative reporters. Theirs was the Barbara
Walters approach: Everyone will be glad to spill their guts and will not run
away from me or despise me for being a member of the 4th estate.
In sum,I consider this a breach of trust; I was there at the beginning and
pledged money and time to help Classic 89. What we had was a good balance: news,
jazz, folk, Prairie Home Companion, some public affairs programming, and great
mix of classical music. I shall miss greatly not being able to hear Richard or
Dana or Agnes or Henry any more.
Re: this all NPR talk programming. You all know the acronym TMI. You got
it.

The proposed "exciting" change from classical music to chat radio is not at all
a welcome one. The option to purchase an HD radio in order to receive classical
music programming is not feasible in these economic times.

The apparent contempt for Classic 89's long-time supporters is really
breathtaking.

It is a wonderful gift from the University to have classical music available at
all times, especially when I am driving. I am not pleased that the College of
Communications and Journalism wants to drop music and make WUFT-FM a station on
which student-led local government news and National Public Radio talk shows
would be aired. It seems to me we have enough of that sort of thing. At
present, WUFT-FM is the only place where we can listen to good music without the
purchase of a special car radio which with its cost and installation would be
fairly expensive. This is an expense which some people (especially at this
time) cannot afford.
In a letter to the editor in the Gainesville Sun on Friday July 31, Jeff Knee
suggests that UF's College of Fine Arts take over the direction of WUFT-FM.
This would give those students opportunity to develop skills in planning and
executing programs related to their field. Jeff also suggests that the students
of communication and journalism could practice their skills by planning and
executing programs on the other two radio stations owned by the University.
This seems like a good idea to me.
I will add that, if the change is made and we cannot get classical music on
WUFT-FM after October, we will seriously rethink our contribution to that
station.

Classic 89.1 is an important part of the quality of life in Gainesville.

Communication students need experience in music as well as news format. They
stumble around now with classical music terms and names. Not a good add for UF

Losing classical music from FM radio will be a sad loss for the community. We
certainly don't need more "talk" radio, we have way to much of that already.
Pleas reconsider your poorly thought out decision. I will certainly not support
talk radio with any financial contributions.

Classic 89 was the only place on the radio to not only hear classical music, but
to learn about music, in keeping with the educational purpose of the University
of Florida. Local presenters, like Richard Drake, gave commentary and expanded
our horizons using the large musical library of Classic 89, to which many of us
contributed. National NPR presenters, like Michael Barone and Bill McGloughlin
did the same. I have no difficulty keeping up with both national and
international news and general public discourse using other sources: Classic 89
filled a void.
In addition, Classic 89 was a community: it was the place for notices of local
arts events and live interviews with local artists. The familiar voices from
the different shows were also a community. Even some of the quaint
mispronunciations of student commentators were a part of that community. The
listening audience was a community. Opera lovers could count on Saturday
afternoons.
I believe that a great nation NEEDS great art. Other nations have long
recognized this, and have substantially subsidized the arts. The messages being
sent from the University of Florida suggest that a "great" university has no
need of the arts.

There are plenty of news and talk show on the air. There is no other classical
music station. I think a university town should have atleast one. Along with
science and sports there should be an attempt to spread culture to the students.

Classic 89 brought me the UF. Dean Wright proposes to replace the outstanding
music program with news read by ill-educated amateurs. I shall terminate my
financial support if this policy is carried through.

Why would you change the format? Please revert back to the old format.

Classic 89 has been the only radio station that I listen to since moving to
Gainesville. I found a refuge from the constant clamor of the talking heads.
There are many sites for news reports and talk shows, but only one source for
classical music. What a loss!

Classical music is forever. Many of us look forward to listening to the
greats
Also a great interest in Jazz
To change to a talk radio station is a less than intelligent decision.
We who have supported Classic 89 totally disagree.
You are about to loose most of your listener support.

There is no way to express the extreme disappointment of my husband and myself
at the changes anticipated. We absolutely LOVE Classic 89 as it has always
been. WE listen all day and in the evening. WE have been happy to support
Classic 89 for many years. Please do not abandon your friends after so many
years.

We have been told that if we want to hear the classics to buy an HD radio for
$75.00. Well, in our area a dozen hd radios wouldn't help because we are
outside of the digital coverage area. The Dean of Journalism's department would
not even return my calls so that my voice could be heard. ...and this is a
democracy....

We enjoy the programing the way it is, divided among news, classical and other
types of music. We also thank it is outrageous that Dean Wright is wasting
taxpayer money on a $10,000/month consultant when we are in the midst of a
budget crisis. All that money could be used on programing and other educational
endeavors, instead of making changes your listeners do not want. Very few people
have a digital radio and the digital signal is limited in its reach. Keep the
programing and all our favorite local personalities we have grown to love over
the years!

Precious few listeners of Classic 89 favor your proposed change and yet it is
being pushed without our concerns being heard. I hope to find out some day what
is really driving your decision.

I am absolutely sick over this decision . . . anything that drops important
music and art programs in Gainesville. My friends and I are so disappointed . .
. and not everyone can afford to purchase a new radio costing over $100 (I've
yet to see one anywhere that costs "only" $75!!!

Please keep format mixed and the origin local on analogue radio. I will
significantly reduce my financial support of WUFT until classical music
programming returns to analogue broadcasting for at least 2 hrs per day between
9 am and 10 pm.

To force a not readily known & available format (HD) on the faithful
listeners & DONORS of WUFT-FM, & spending $200,000. to create this
monster is a breach of faith of the PUBLIC radio system. This could have been a
teachable over a period of several years for WUFT-FM to introduce HD (not just a
premium of $250. during pledge times)but working with local retailers to stock
the various HD options (add-on, standalone, & auto) to transition this. This
is a shame for something that calls itself an institution of learning!

I have been a lover of 89 Classical radio for decades. It has kept me company
and taught me to love many different types of music. Always it has encouraged me
to raise my musical listening skills. I have proudly given others the gift of my
favorite radio station. Being raised in the New York City area gave me access to
a wide range of culture and 89 Classical has always kept its promise to bring
the culture of NYC to me in the North Florida country side. I will mourn my and
everyone else's loss.

For a sophisticated university community the classical music format should
continue as is.

Please keep classical music on WRUF. This type of programming is vital to a
University community.

Dear Dean Wright, We have been supporters from the beginning. This move strikes
a blow at the cultural core of this region. We will discontinue our support and
continue to add to our private cd collection. Will the public tv be next?

Please reconsider your decision. I believe it is a mistaken notion that the
change in programming is the most appropriate one for your listeners in this
area. I truly believe that it'll cost the station much more than it stands to
gain. I was very saddened to learn of your decision. I do hope you will
reconsider.
Thank you.

I am deeply saddened by the decision to change the format of WUFT-FM. All of
the wise ones form all cultures in times past and today say that the key to a
rich, full, sane life is balance. Removing classical music (which has been
medically shown to reduce stress) and adding more news (which tends to heighten
our already high stress levels) will take away one of the tried and true methods
many of us have for journeying through these troubled times. If people really
want to listen to more news, that is readily available. But taking away NPR's
excellent classical music programs will leave a huge gap. I am hopeful that you
will reconsider this disturbing decision.

There is plenty of news available on TV, internet, and the newspaper. But I want
my music the same as it was on Classic 98. Also, I want Classic 98 available on
my car radio without buying a digital radio.

As a professor for 35 years, I was discouraged by the continuing dumbing-down of
curriculum. In the face of that, I was delighted to know that Classic 89 still
offered a high standard. Please help Gville stay enlightened. Keep the
music-based format!

I have a digital radio. When listening to music on channel 2 there are frequent
periods of silence (dropouts) in the music. This does not happen on channel 1 in
digital and clearly not on the analog broadcast. Check with your engineers. They
are aware of the problem. How do you Know that listeners turn you off after the
news? Who did the survey research? My car radio is analog. No music in the
car.

I like a combination of talk and music with more music in the mix. What has
happened to the jazz that was on Friday evenings?

I have been a member of Public Radio since 1957 in Minneapolis. This is one of
the few times that I have been sorely disappointed in NPR, and hope for a
reconsideration of this nonsense.

Please keep the old music format.

Dear President Machen, and Dear Dean Wright,
From the day I entered the U.S.A. and started to live in Gainesville and
discovered Classic 89 I was hooked!
Such a beautifully balanced program, built up with knowledge, love, and care.I
bragged about it to my relatives
and friends in the Netherlands, where I come from. I sent them the
program-guide. They were very impressed and
envious! Living here now for more than 20 years, Classic 89 became more than a
super- radio- program. It became
a trusted friend.
Please, let us keep this friend, on a normal radio wave, just like it still is
to-day!

This morning, I plugged in my pocket radio and headed off for my daily walk
around Kanapaha Veterans Park. I walk early - and the music lets me relax and
absorb sights and smells of the woods. All of a sudden, I realized it was the
last day I would be able to count on my radio for the start of my day. After
all these years, how unbearably sad. Tomorrow, if I take the radio, I will be
barraged with all the problems of the day (which I usually gather when I'm home
fixing breakfast).
I am certain you did not consider the effects of your actions when you decided
to transfer the classical music OFF the channel everyone can hear TO a secondary
line on HD, which only a small percentage of people have in their ear, in their
car or in their home.
I beg you to reconsider this change, reinstate the people who have given the
station its flavor and personality, many for MANY years, and return us to the
precious world where classical music reigns - on the ONLY STATION AVAILABLE IN
GAINESVILLE.
Thank you.

A better option would be to replace SOME of the music programming with talk
programs, but to keep a variety of different types of music programming on the
air. Talk programming all day will be overkill. Intervals of music, including
classic, jazz, soul, folk, rhythm and blues, would stimulate greater
appreciation, and listening, of both the talk and the music.
I have contributed for twenty years primarily to support NRP morning edition,
and classical music, including opera. I am not interested in supporting a
talk-only format, nor do I wish to listen to a classical-music only format on HD
radio. A mix of programming is key. That will also be the best training for
students.

We do not find this high-handed, arbitrary action exciting at all!
Have you polled the listeners who have contributed hundreds of dollars each year
to Classic 89? We will be reassessing our future contributions.
This is shabby treatment of your classical music listeners.

Did the good dean who made this decision ask for any input from classical music
listeners who may be outside the range of the HD broadcast? To receive the new
classical music channel in Lake City, I will have to choose options that will
cost more than my current pledge to WUFT-FM...Hmmmm, where will I get such
money? Ah, I think I know where I can get part of that money.
It will be interesting to see if the pledges to the new format will surpass
those of the music lovers.

As a contributor since WUFT-FM began, and a protester when it added more news
and racket to the original all-classical programming, I deplore the
short-sighted decision to make WUFT just like all the other dumbed-down stations
cluttering the airwaves. No more support from this family!

I address this to Dean Wright & Pres. Machen: What arrogance and stupidity!!
As a higher learning educational university, you want to eliminate a time
honored, time proven higher order of inspiration and educational content for our
public audience!! Talk & "News" all-the-time shows are available in
abundance 24-7 elsewhere. And do we really need more "communication experts" who
are learning how to report on and interview biased, prejudicial & ignorant
human beings by incessantly repeating the same "news content", over & over?
My access is in my car and in my home office. Your alternative of HD
broadcasting is totally unacceptable!!

I want all programming currently on WUFT during the final week of July 2009 to
be the basis of continued programming on WUFT-FM HD1/analog broadcast. Until
such time as it is reestablished, my annual contribution will be reduced
90%-99%. I also intend to write the CPB and other outlets to express my
displeasure at this recent decision devoid of majority membership input and
based solely on "we've got to make changes & and let's let the consultants
tell us what to do". None of the arguments "for" the change as published in the
newspaper make any logical sense when examined closely, several of the facts
stated to support the decision are suspect with other data being ignored and,
taken together, only seem only to be purposed toward an arbitrary decision of UF
and College of Journalism administrators to demolish a major component of
Gainesville's aural personality and sense of place. Of particular note is the
very few letters that have been published in favor of the change --where are
those hordes just clamoring to get on the air and jibber-jabber? Besides many
other arguments that have been made about the drawbacks of HD radio broadcasts,
the bottom line is that no one in the outlying areas will be able to listen to
HD radio on an HD radio as it has limited range. It seems that before UF decided
to change everything, the "experiment" of talk/news programming should have been
tried on the HD channel with all of those who apparently "really want it" having
to fork out the dough for new gadgetry that the rest of us don't want, and with
all of it's manifold drawbacks and other gadgetry one would have to have to
listen to it seemlessly from home to car to work in the current broadcast radius
of North Central Florida from east to west coasts and from Orlando to South
Georgia. I want my UFT and I want it the way it is.

I love this radio station! There are plenty of news-only oriented radio stations
on the AM frequencies, but only one classical station. As a UF student, I listen
to 89.1 when I study and it transforms my environment into a relaxing space. The
variety of programming is also appreciated- the Thistle and Shamrock on Sunday
afternoons is wonderful, as well as the world music programming. The
expectations of the university for a student to spend more money to buy HD radio
equipment is irrational, and spending more money the university does not have to
buy programming the station does not need also defys logic. For the benefit of
our students as well as the community, please reconsider!

I am not against more news programming. I am opposed to the total and complete
removal of classical music programming. I feel betrayed that we were told
during the pledge drive that our contributions would assure the continuation of
those programs we value. Obviously, this did not happen.
Most of my listening is on the radio in my car. I checked on getting an HD
portable radio -- but it would require using a headset -- not a safe option
while driving.

Classic89 is a unique resource which needs to be preserved as a part of
the university's duty to promote education for the state in arts and science.
An educated person should obtain much of his or her culture from scholars in
our universities.
The arguments for removing Classic 89 in its present form are not based on
facts:
1. The drop of the listeners when classic music starts in the morning is not
due totally to a lack of interest more than due to commuters arriving at an office
where the car radio is no longer present.
2. The financial argument is also faulty ... Support from listeners will
decrease drastically and the new programming will cost even more
money.
3. I have participated in fund drives for many years as a member of the civic
chorus in answering telephones for the fund drive. I, and others, will no
longer participate or encourage my friends to donate.
4. The move to digital radio does not interest me. Although the technology has
been available for some time, it has not been readily accepted. The digital radios I
have found on the web for sale are much more expensive than the $75 quoted. I
did find one small portable radio for $50 with questionable quality. Why upgrade to a
supposedly better reception with a poor radio? I would have to buy a new radio
for my car, probably not available for my 1997 Audi and a separate tuner for my
home sound system.
I have been a listener since the beginning of WUFT and feel it is a real shame
to lose this resource.

Surely you have completed significant studies that show your audience approves
the planned WUFT format change away from classical music. I for one will go
elsewhere if classical music is moved from your on-air FM station. I hope your
studies were correct... or your listening and contributing audience will go
elsewhere with me, and there are a lot of choices. Good luck on your next fund
raiser.

The choices of "Talk Radio" are numerous. Choices for classical music are
nil.
I am sorry you are going the way of the rest of radio. I have always listened
to opera and jazz programs on 89.
The digital radios are too expensive for me.

As Director of Instrumental Music at Santa Fe College, it is my duty to help
preserve the only existing radio outlet for classical music in the Gainesville
area. Without this resource, both our music students and our concert audiences
will be robbed of a valuable resource that not only enhances their educational
opportunities, but also elevates them artistically. Gainesville is home to the
nation's third largest public university. The removal of this precious asset
from our daily experience will leave a gaping hole in the cultural landscape of
our community while sending a damaging message about our leaders' commitment to
the fine arts. Our students and citizens deserve better.

I have been an avid listener of WUFT-FM for 30 years. I am not happy with the
change in programing. Over the years, my pledges were made during Prairie Home
Companion or Morning Edition, but I always made comments in support of the
locally produced programs such as Soul Circuit and Nothin but the Blues as well
as Opera at the Met. You have removed an important part of our culture,
community and uniqueness by changing to a news-based format. You have also
removed the PUBLIC aspect of the radio station. All of my aquaintances at work
and in my community are very dispeased the change in programming. I will not
support the program change with my pledge dollars and my radio dial will be
tuned elsewhere.
My daughter grew up listening to classic music because WUFT-TV was the station
we always played at home. At 17, she has an appreciation of classical music of
many genres thanks to the classic format of WUFT-TV. This is a very positive
thing for the arts in general if the young generation has exposure to the
programs such as classical, soul, blues. These are all important genres.
Please return them to them to our radio station.
Please re-install the locally produced programs (specifically Soul Circuit,
Caravan, Nothing but the Blues, Classic Give-away with Agnes) and Opera at the
Met to WUFT-TV. Classic 89 was PERFECT as it was!

I am so happy to see that the fight continues! Power to the people!

I think Dean Wright should be fired for misuse of public funds ($10,000/ month
for a consultant when we are in the midst of drastic budget cuts?!!!), as well
as his ill-advised changes to the Classic 89 format. Just a thought-
is it still public broadcasting when the public is not consulted prior to major,
sweeping changes to "our" station?
Keep Classic 89 the way it is!

I was very disappointed this morning when I turned the radio on and discovered
some talk program instead of the classical music I was expecting. Please bring
the music back!

I have been a contributing member since the FIRST Spring drive, with my only
absence the one year in 1995 I had been unemployed. As soon as Classic 89
initially went on the air, the presence of classical music in the area added
greatly to the charm of the wider Gainesville community.
Now that I live in Dixie County where the availability of good music is severely
limited, Classic 89 assumed greater importance, making it's loss even more
meaningful.
Please bring back at least some of this music.

Very disappointing.

For the "flagship" University of Florida to be cancelling WUFT's music-based
format is embarrassing.
Greed and ignorance are sad partners in a deal such as this one.
VALUE has more meaning than just the numbers on your paycheck.

Since WUFT-FM is the only UF station that is making money, why are you wreaking
a good thing?
My husband and I have conributed to WUFT for many years. But you can be sure
that if the FM station is radically changed, those conributions will cease. We
are probably not alone in those feelings and so you may be in the situation of
killing a goose that has laid a golden egg.
Think twice about what you are doing. Annoyed customers and their money may
NEVER come back.

HD radios should be placed in the UF libraries, especially the School of Music
library, so that students without hundreds of dollars could still hear classical
music with good sound quality. Something should be done for jazz listeners. I
suggest eliminating "Caravan" and the second playing of "Prairie Home
Companion."

I realize that this decision to switch from a music based format is due,in part,
to budget restrictions but I think that some compromise can be attained to
insure that all parties will be satisfied.

Why does the format have to change to all talk? Creative programming could
involve both talk shows and music, including a variety of musical programs,
mixing Classic with Afro Pop Worldwide, Thistle and Shamrock, etc.

Access to classical music, blues, latin jazz and similar is (was) one of the
great things about radio in Gainesville and contributed to making our community
a great and fun place to live. Sadly, one aspect of this great lifestyle is no
longer available.

How can subscribing to expensive Talk Radio now be cheaper than playing and
commenting on classical music, especially if the station's budgets in the past
have not permitted subscribing to expensive Talk Radio?

Dear Dean Wright,
I have been a donor to WUFT-FM for the entire 20 years I have lived in
Gainesville, and I and my wife have almost always contributed both to the
station's spring and fall fund drives. I have generally listened to the station
throughout the day, enjoying both the news and classical (and other) music
programming. Beginning today, that mix is gone -- unless I buy several digital
radios to replace the analog radios in my home, office, and car.
I understand that you and your colleagues hired the services of a consultant in
coming to the decision to change the format of WUFT-FM. Unfortunately, you
chose not to consult the donors to the station -- we never received a request
for feedback on this proposed change. We did receive your recent letter, which
was sent well after the decision had been made.
I believe the station's last two fundraising campaigns both set new records
(which raises the question of why you're trying to "fix" something that's not
broken). If your decision was, as you claim, based on economic objectives, I
assume you're expecting donations to increase. Your statements have discussed
presumed increases in listeners, but on what basis do you expect donations to
increase as a result of this change from diverse to more monolithic programming?
I doubt that will be outcome.
I might also point out that if we or others want to listen to news programming
all day, every day we could listen to WJCT-FM, or you could place that
programming on one of the other digital stations, rather than turning our
diverse station, which has been a pleasure to listen to, into something much
more monolithic and far less enjoyable.
I don't know how others will respond. I still strongly support public radio,
but I'm afraid that unless you reverse this decision and return a mix of music
and news/public affairs to WUFT's daytime programming, I and my wife will have
to suspend our donations while we instead purchase four or five digital radios
so that we can have the digital choices you're offering. Once we have several
digital radios, we'll again make donations to the station. But we would
strongly prefer that you return to the previous programming, and then we can
resume our donations for your next fund drives.

The immoderate changes to our public radio station's programming came as an
unwelcome surprise to me. Perhaps the most distressing aspect of the affair was
how the matter was handled by Dean Wright--how the opinions of station members
and longtime listeners were disregarded by the stewards we trusted to manage
WUFT. "If they aren't willing to pay $75.00 [for an HD radio], they must not
want it that badly" is an inappropriate response to the many people who value
classical music programming on their public radio station.
I can't listen to the HD2 classical music stream through the station's website
(streaming audio is only available in WMA format--so it's inaccessible on my
Macintosh computers), and I still have not been able to purchase an HD radio. I
am currently boycotting WUFT and listening to other public stations around the
country that have not bailed on classical music programming through the iTunes
Radio tuner.

A fair hearing should be made available since this is a public radio station
supported by donations.

Why change WUFT? It works and I enjoy it as is. Leave it alone.

It is unconscionable that WUFT would even consider doing this.
It's a very sad commentary on our society. At the same time I feel a great
sorrow for people who don't have the ability to enjoy classical music.

Classical music is very important to me. I listened to Classic 89 often for
the music. There are many sources for news but there is (was) only one for
classical music.

The quality of our lives sadly changed today as the soothing and enriching music
of WUFT-FM was replaced by talk. While we have an HD radio in our home office,
we don't have HD radios throughout my home. We don't have satellite radio in
our cars. My husband and I have supported WUFT-FM substantially since moving to
Gainesville in 2000, both by our financial support and by volunteering during
your fund drive. These will no longer be options we consider in the future.
Your decision has abruptly disrupted one of the finest assets of this
community..

The HD radios I found on Amazon were all well over $100, and there were many
user complaints. I hate to think what it would cost to have one installed in my
car, where I do much of my listening. Now I hear the HD channels are off the
air due to station problems...
Why is it that the third largest university in the country cannot support a
decent college radio station?
Why not replace Rock 104, which is disgusting AND losing money, with a true
college station?

Classical music is an art form that cannot be lost. There are already so few
venues, we cannot afford to lose another. Classical music challenges the
listner, unlike most other music we hear today. I listen to the music portions
of WUFT on a regular basis and would be greatly disappointed if the format was
changed to include any less music. In fact, I we need MORE music!

I am opposed to this change. Most of all I am opposed to the fact that there was
no conversation with the audience or membership prior to taking these actions. I
have supported this station through payroll deduction and additional gifts for
nearly 20 years and I long with thousands of other members have been treated
with no respect or concern. We have not even been shown appreciation for the
many years of dedicated support we have shown. Our loyalty to the station and
its important services have been abused and we have been shown the door. I am
outraged by this and vehemently protest this draconian and autocratic abuse of
power.

I feel that this move was made without any PUBLIC input at all. How incongruous
for Public Broadcasting System!

I've already sent e-mails to Dean Wright and the President of UF. You have just
stripped away from us one of the treasures created by mankind: classical music,
good for the mind, body and soul. You replaced it with a lot of useless talk
which does just the opposite. The LOCAL flavor and information available to us
about the arts in this area is also lost to us now.
I understand the HD2 signal won't even reach Ocala, let alone the Villages and
other places, so what good is that? You never mentioned that. Also go ahead
and find me an HD2 radio receiver that costs only $75. If you can I bet it
doesn't sound like my stereo system which is appropriate for classical
music.
This reminds me of the way a totalitarian state does things.

Local radio is an important resource that we should not relinquish.
The residents of Gainesville pledge their support for classic 89 and
to redirect their support for a different program is dishonest.

In Cincinnati, two separate NPR stations were created (under same management
company), one of which broadcast HD-classical music while the other broadcast
NPR's diversified news, talk shows, jazz and other special features programming.
For those of us that tend to listen to NPR predominantly in the car with an
analog radio, it would be nice to have both major program formats available.

As a community-based resource, you should have polled your supporters and
listeners before making such a drastic change in format. Classical music was
what made WUFT-FM unique. If you needed another format, then you could have
added that one to the HD option.

Before August 3, WUFT-FM had very well-balanced programming, with several hours
each day of news and of a variety of kinds of music (not just classical). I
listened to many of these kinds of programming. Classic 89 also built community
by having interviews with local and visiting arts performers, through
broadcasting local concerts which they had recorded, and through the Giveway and
Request Show on Fridays where listeners could "create" their own program through
their requests. That's why I was a founding member of the station in 1982 and
continued to pledge year after year. But news and talk 24 hours a day? It's
repetitive and boring and unnecessary. Please bring back the balance and the
locally-created programming.

I miss the old format already. I used to listen to music during the day in the
office but now cannot listen to WUFT and concentrate on work as well. The all
talk format is distracting and not conducive to that. I will also miss the
evening jazz programming and will not be inclined to listen to talk yammer in
its stead during those chill-out times. Expecting everyone just to buy an HD
receiver is elitist and not practical. There are all too many for whom even a
$50 cash outlay is cost prohibitive. And it is not just one receiver that's
needed. What about home, and the office, and the car?
So much for listener supported radio. I was a generous contributer in the past
and did so gladly because I thought it was the right thing to do, not only to
pay my own way but for many in the community who enjoyed WUFT as much as I did
but could not afford to donate as much (and certainly now can't afford HD
receivers). That level of support will not continue from me. Word on the
street is there was heavy lobbying by NPR to go to the all-talk format
accompanied by a year's worth of free programming as an inducement (bribe?). As
much as I enjoyed the NPR programming, with Classic 89 the beauty was in the
balance. We were told our $$$ gave us a voice and mattered. Obviously not.
Please don't continue to alienate the community. You have a choice and
opportunity to regain the public trust. Do the right thing.

2nd try--(Your E-mail replies are flakey)--The barbarians are at the gate!

I have seen little discussion of the almost complete loss of jazz programming,
which will not be available on any of the WUFT channels. The local commercial
"smooth jazz" station is no substitute!

Why would anyone want to ruin a perfectly fine radio station that has had a rich
variety of music, news, commentary, and creative programs to have nothing but
"talk". All day. And having listened (for a few moments) to some of the new
offerings I am not at all impressed despite the ads on the radio prior to the
switch that the new programs would be "exciting". I believe I will be playing
my classic, ethnic, and vocal CDs a lot.
Dean Wright has made a poor decision.

I was recently driving near Fort Worth and heard an astonishingly good broadcast
on TCU's Classical Station - a live performance by Amsterdam's Concertgebouw
Orchestra. I couldn't help but think: if a Christian University in Texas has
more culture than us, we ARE in trouble.
To the knuckleheads in charge: just because you are devoid of culture, please
don't assume the rest of us are.

I am totally disappointed, disgusted, dismayed, disgruntled, disconsolate and
downhearted by the disruptive decision made by certain individuals to
discontinue broadcasting classical music, old-time radio, opera, Mary McPartland
and jazz on WUFT-Classic 89. This virtually unilateral decision brings great
discredit to those in charge, and smacks of disloyalty, disregard and dishonor
to the long-faithful supporters and oft-stated tenents of membership-supported
public radio. In my "rules book", something that is "membership supported"
implies that members/general membership should and would be consulted about
substantitive changes in modus operandi BEFORE any decision is made.

I HATE HATE HATE talk radio. There are enough of those stations without adding
another.

As a senior in High School, I am at a time where I have been reflecting upon
positive influences in my life; classical music has been one of them. As a child
I listened to the classical music on this station during naptime; I feel that
this resource contributed greatly to my appreciation of classical music, and
consequentially of music in general. During the school year, I still wake up to
this station via a radio-alarm clock, and thus encounter composers and artists I
might never have heard otherwise. However, more importantly, I would like for
future generations of young people to have this same resource so that they too
can cultivate a knowledge of and appreciation for classical music and its
diversity, which is a part of our human cultural heritage.

As a twenty year supporter of Classic 89 this arbitrary hurtful decision pains
me. Please reverse this and try a different plan to solve this perceived
education or budget situation.

I understand WUFT has made classical music available in HD on station #2, but
that means that only those with HD radios will be able to listen to it. I
suspect there are not as many HD radio owners as there are classical music
lovers in the Gainesville area. This sort of decision-making from on high is
shameful. WUFT's listeners WANT the "eclectic selection of classical, jazz, and
other music" that has distinguished it for so many years. Please bring music
back to the first, most widely available channel.

Moved here from Michigan in April - thrilled that there was a classical station
here similar to WMUK(Western Michigan Univ.approx. 22,000 students?) the station
I had listened to at my former home. Now WUFT music content is gone -
unbelievable. I believe the HD alternative offered is a poor substitute and
costly to boot!

Outrageous.

Please don't restrict classical music in Gainesville to those who can afford to
purchase HD radios for both home and car. Classical music is not just for the
wealthy or the elite. I thoroughly enjoy listening to Bill McGlaughlin, but
would prefer silence to "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me" or "The Diane Rehm Show"
(which I regularly turn off when I happen on it while on the road near
Jacksonville).

Since I moved to Gainesville, I have listened to WUFT-FM all day. Now I find
that I am turning it off after the morning news, and, sometimes, I remember to
turn it on at 4:30 pm. I am getting out my records, and making do.
I tried the talk shows. They just sound like a liberal version of talk radio:
same, same.

It was with great surprise and disappointment to find, when we returned from
vacation, that WJUF-FM had become "talk radio". I have belonged to JUF since its
inception and was always pleased to hear important classical music seemed to be
to you. Evidently that is no longer the case. I miss Richard Drake and
especially Bill McLaughlin. It had to be very difficult to find a replacement
for Carl Haas and throwing away Bill's show is such a loss.
I can get all the "talk" I want on the internet as well as various TV channels -
MSMBC, CNN, etc.
When your fall pledge drive happens in October I will not continue to offer your
station my support.

I am so upset about the change that I am considering, STRONGLY considering, not
supporting WUFT financially any longer. Afterall, I am not listening to it as I
used to. I dearly miss Harmonia and the other late evening music. PLEASE bring
back the music!

I miss the specialty broadcasts-Prairie Home Companion, Thistle and Shamrock,
the am classical music. I just returned from WI-Madison, where they had a nice
balance of talk shows and music, not just one over the other. The way that it
is now it is very unbalanced. Also I can't afford the radio and didn't
appreciate the Dean of Journalism's caustic remarks.

I listen to WUFT radio almost exclusively while driving and while attempting to
go to sleep in the evening. I find the music very soothing in both instances. I
will especially miss Agnes Klauder in the afternoons. Jamming this change down
our throats is almost as bad as government attempting to jam health care reform
down our throats. Both changes are unpalatable and a travesty besides.

I have loved the format at Classic 89 since coming to Gainesville in 1987. The
music kept me company during my graduate studies and eased the stress of school
and multiple jobs. One very memorable occasion was a fall evening stroll with
Classic 89 via headset...the moon was full and you played Respighi's Ancient
Airs and Dances. This piece was unknown to me despite many years of hearing
classical music with my Dad. One of the primary reasons my parents agreed to
move to Gainesville was Classic 89...my Dad listened to no other station. 89.1
has been my preset in the car and on the Bose. The last thing I could wish for
is MORE TALK! Do not let this wonderful station fade away. Listening to the
many offerings is like breathing to so many here in the wider community. Thank
you for this opportunity to make a difference.

We supported public radio, when it first came to Gainesville. We urge the new
format to include music on the analog station. We really dislike talk radio; one
cannot play it on background. Our support of the Gainesville station is gone.

I am sorely disappointed in the new format. I miss classical music in the
morning with my coffee. I miss Marion McPartland and other jazz programs on
Friday night. Local Across the Prairie and Celtic music. I miss night bridge on
Sunday night. Isn't this programming more expensive? Nothing but talk.
Sometimes it is repeated throughout the day. The station is called Classic 89.
A nice mix would be much preferred. I will be spending time looking through the
dial for other stations that will hopefully replace this void.

Public radio and all other forms of communication are loaded with talk shows
that have little meaning and are difficult to listen to when one is. busy with
other items. Clasical music guides me through the day. I can ride my stationary
bicylce, do my laundery, clean my house and remain relaxed and focused until it
is time to sit down and hear the evening news. Grace Wagner

I am dumbfounded! I enjoy some news, talk, as well as good music. Your former
diverse programming format was wonderful. I now feel as if I have no local
public radio station. I have contributed to WUFT since I first arrived in
Gainesville four years ago,but will contribute no more. Instead, I will listen
to other public stations on the internet, such as WUSF in Tampa, and will
pledge to contribute to them, or others, who may choose to install a "repeater"
station in Gainesville such as you have in Inverness. Shame on you! You have
destroyed one of the beautiful things about life in Gainesville.

The public should have a say in what constitutes public radio.

If listener contributions support the programming, I believe that future pledge
drives will reflect that.
Eliminating the music format denies opportunities for listeners (students in
particular) to expand their music education and learn about a variety of music
they might not otherwise have an opportunity to hear.
If you are determined to have talk-only radio, please allow Bill McLaughlin to
continue talking about good music.
By making this change, and not considering any compromises, you have given a
message to your supporters that you may regret.

After reading the article in the NETA Journal, I have feel that the problem
resides in the dean's office and his unilateral decisions to change the format
of Classic 89 FM. By mixing commercial and public radio formats the entire
complexion of the University of Florida radio station and its public radio
mission is being (has already) being changed.
If he feels that economically the station needs to "go commercial" then he
should consider that pledges will fall dramatically and I personally feel that
all current pledges should be refunded as they were made under false assumptions
that classical music would be continuted as before and this has been changed
since the spring pledge drive resulting in only about six months of the expected
programming.
As for the idea that listeners stop listening at 9:00 A.M. when classical music
begins (after NPR news etc.) then he should consider that the vast majority of
these listeners turn off the radio at this time as they work in environments
where their attention is required elsewhere and "any" radio in not
appropriate.
The drop in listeners is the natural baseline and NOT an aberation due to
programing.
Cutting positions at the station while hiring two of his "buddies" to reorganize
is abhorent at best.
Regarding the alternate "stream" with the required new radio unit ($75.00) and
monthly subscriptions service: 1.) The radios do not work in the same
geographic areas as were previously reached. 2.) The cost of the radio itself
goes against the mission of a "public" radio station. 3.) No consideration for
automobile users is made.
If the desire is to set up a radio station only for UF journalism students to
gain experience,then it should be considered that if a radio station does not
respond to the listeners it is due to fail. If the desire is to evolve into a
commercial station, then the "Public Radio" aspect should be completely removed
along with tax ramifications as it is not acceptable for a commecial station to
be accorded the same considerations as a public radio station.
This change has also removed the cultural benefits of promoting local
organizations through broadcasting concerts and special events in our area.
(Another slap in the face to its listeners.)
The University of Florida is an educational institution but evidently in the
College of Journalism it is felt that only students who pay tuition should be
educated. As these same students do not pay nearly the actual cost of their
course work and the remainder is funded through state funds i.e. taxpayer money,
then the dean needs to be called to respond to this distortion of the mission
statement of Classic 89.
Ultimately this whole mess falls on Prsident Machen as he hired an "accountant"
as Dean of the Journalism School. He got lucky with coach Meyer. He should see
what his policies have done in the mainstream of the university, its workers,
students and faculty. He should be more aware of the problems with the medical
school not to mention Shands itself.
Overall, I will not be listening to Classic 89 anymore and will listen only to
cd's and i-pod programming of my own choosing until a future date where the
"public" in public radio is a valued commodity.

The music and news format that you have taken away leaves me, and the many
customers in my store where I always had Classic 89 on, devastated. There was
much to learn about classical music and when the news came on, it was a nice
break. As I recall, after 4:30 there wasn't too much music. This was ok. It
worked. I have CD's to play but they're limited. I can't but
everything.
I truly resent the last fund raiser where we were hookwinked into thinking,
"format as usual." I just came back from a 3 week trip and, when I got in my car
where the radio was always tuned in to classic 89, I ran into something called
Science Friday. Whew. The interviewer made comments to the person in the
space program whom he was interviewing that sounded just like somebody on the
Bob Rose show! Redneck and out of touch. I could go on and on, but I and my
bunch of customers are too sad.

The eclectic mix of classical - blues - jazz - opera - celtic - world was
wonderful. The mixture of music & news was a nice blend.
The talk 24/7 is an awful idea...for your supportors/listeners who can not
afford to buy or put an HD radio in their car - we've lost all that music. If
you feel people want the 24/7 talk - put that on the HD signal 2 and let them
listen to nothing but talk. Put your original programming back onto the main
signal!!

Classic 89 has been a great music resource for our family. My 2 year old
daughter loves it. She doesn't like modern rock, nor do I think modern music is
good for her development. I just feel this is a disservice to the community.
Bring back our classical music! I can hear enough talk polluting our airwaves.
There is no alternative classical music station.
As a graduate of the UF College of Journalism, I am very disappointed in the
current administration.

WUFT has always been an essential part of a relaxing drive to and from school
and all around town for me. The balance that was upheld before this switch was
excellent, NPR in the mornings and early evenings was great, along with shows
like Prairie Home Companion and music in between. Why change what was already
great?

I think we should keep it music-based for the existing primary channel, and only
add NPR talk/news to the HD backup channel. Because we can already get
talk/news from the Jax station. This doesn't mean don't change Classic89 at
all; it could add diverse music during the day, and local arts-related
reporting.
UF really needs to revamp the Rock 104 station instead. It's a disgrace to
higher learning. That station could play alternative rock/pop/electronic/etc
that isn't being played elsewhere in G'ville. It wouldn't take listeners away
from other commercial stations, but complement them. Plus they could include
student reporting pertinent to UF.

I am deeply disappointed by the decision of administrators at UF that they seem
to want to reduce a major university like UF to the status of a podunk college
town. This is a travesty and I will no longer financially support WUFT-FM as
long as this plan is in place.

In the hard economic times it is easy to feel that money is wasted on items of
Fine Arts calibre. These include music, visual arts, literature and drama and
more.
And in terms of only money, this may be correct. But in terms of people, yes, a
civilisation, to get rid of a single element of Fine Arts will in time prove
more expensive. Classical music is one of the few ways to cultivate person's
soul, to give value to something more special than just monetary value. We
humans are much more than that. And classical music is a human
expression.
I strongly urge University of Florida to come back to the old format of Classic
89 radio station. As an important leader of education in our community, it can,t
afford not to.

As a graduate music student and future professor, I am deeply saddened and
enraged by the decision to remove classical and jazz/blues music for the
university radio station. In our small college town, this was one of my main
sources of musical pleasure and inspiration. Most of all I will miss the
opportunity to hear world-class symphonies every weekday evening. As a teacher,
I frequently required my students to listen to and write about these concerts
that they could only hear FOR FREE on the radio. Many of them didn't even know
the station existed, and were surprised by how much they enjoyed listening to
the concerts. As a student myself, it is not feasible in my budget to buy a new
radio. I had previously thought that Gainesville and the University of Florida
prided itself on being a cultural mecca within an otherwise rural region. I
guess this is not so, and I look forward to the day when I move to a city that
truly values the arts and humanities in modern society.

Please bring back the wonderful format that drew me to be a member in the first
place.

I have loved this radio station. It is my primary, default station in my home
and car radios. I love the music, and not only the music, but the comments about
it. Is like taking a free music appreciation course! I want this to be
accessible in regular radio. Not everybody is computer literate enough to be
able to reach digital resources. Not only that, but most of the time, the
software has to be updated to be able to produce sound, etc. The people least
accessible are already the poorer section of our town. Those would be the most
deprived! I have loved Pipedreams, and I planned Sunday around Pipedreams! And
yes, the talk programs were informative, and provided a good variety to the
programming structure. But I'm not sure, when I listen to the radio, especially
when tired, that I'm interested to listen to a talk program then. There are many
other talk stations anyway, but like the UF musical programs, there were none in
town! There's so much football-talk in this town! Where is the culture in this
town university? Well .... I might then resort to listen to my CD player and
CD's from the library! I am just shocked!

I would like to say that I was very disappointed with the sudden change to WUFT.
I jave been in Gainesville since 2003 and have been listening to Classic 89
practically everyday I've been hear. I am a music major and am currently
enrolled in graduate program at the University of Florida, and this was my main
source to hear broadcast from across the nation in the classical world. Being
that it was the only station in Gaineville to play classical music, the loss
saddens me greatly. I understand that there may be some formal circumstances
that have not been brought to the attention of the public as to why the change
occurred, but I would like to see Classic 89 restored to its original state.

Bring back Classical music to 89.1

One of the great losses in education currently is in music education. Public
school programs are in constant jeopardy. Classical music is one of the great
treasures of our culture, and public radio is now one of the few ways that the
general public can come into contact with it. Particularly valuable, in my view,
were the evening concerts, both symphonic and chamber music. These programs
clearly conveyed the living presence of the art for a real audience, extending
into our homes and cars. I have made an effort to listen to the new format, and
I do not find it compelling. The NPR news programs are certainly essential, but
much of what fills the day is repetitious and of little import. We always had
access to this from Jacksonville, on the second stream of WUFT, on the web, and
to similar programs on CNN and PBS. But the daily presence of classical music on
our radios is much, much harder to come by.
The public radio I am willing to support will include classical music.

I am a professional classical musician. WUFT has been my lifeline to the arts
since I arrived 11 years ago. I have been a constant contributor to the
station. I feel totally betrayed and WOULD NOT HAVE MOVED TO GAINESVILLE IF THE
STATION HAD NOT EXISTED! You should have asked US instead of foreign
consultants.

Please retain the predominantly classical music format of WUFT.

My car went silent...I am likely to drive less well. Mozart and Vivaldi do
affect drivers and make the road a safer place.
John Adams, Aaron Copeland and many other cultural pilars of this society will
no longer be heard (other than by those who have time and money to set
themselves up with HD radio?)
Classical music is as deeply rooted in this Society as other music and is of
extreme cultural and health related importance. A society cannot function
without music... the first language between people. Great American composers
will not be heard. I am just starting a cutting edge new violin method of
American Music of all styles. When the book gets to the New World symphony: who
will have heard it?
I MISS the music and absolutely OUTSTANDING programming as I have become used
to. I believe society makes a deep error in judgment by taking away classical
music from the air. And -though I am a great NPR supporter - I will not continue
my funding to WUFT (radio and TV)
I am deeply saddened,
Sincerely,
[name redacted]

The day the music stopped, I became lonely. I tell time by the classic music
programs on NPR. Living alone makes music my best friend. Opera, Samuel
Barber, Vaughn Williams all entered my life when I heard them first on NPR. I
heard the beautiful strains of music wafting through my house and stood
transfixed. I've phoned NPR to find out what is this beautiful sound many
times. Playing my own CDs over and over never compensates for the enrichment
NPR provides to me as an educational opportunity to hear a variety of music I do
not know.
The day the music stopped on NPR, I lost my best friend.
Transfer the talk programs to HD. Let us have free classical music, because no
other station provides it for us. We are an underserved population.

I don't listen to 89.1 now that there is no music. Period. I'm just not
compelled to spend my time in the car listening to the broadcasting that 89.1 is
now airing. I definitely will not be pledging any support to keep the current
line up in play. I am sorry, but I really hate the changes you've made and will
instead listen to CDs and podcasts I've downloaded through Itunes.

We are greatly dismayed by the elimination of classical music from WUFT-FM's
programing and the change at the station to an "all talk" format. One of the
bright threads in the tapestry of cultural offerings in North Central Florida
has been severed.

I am in Western NC and I listen on-line. I liked the classical music that WUFT
provided, and would like it returned.

I have always appreciated and supported Classic 89 but now that I no longer hear
it I realize what a vital part of my life it was. It was the beautiful and
enriching part.

Keep it classic

I am truly disappointed with the unilateral administrative decisions that have
been made with regard to Classic 89 radio. Our classical music community has
thrived on good will and commitment over the past three decades. There is a
pressing need to affirmatively respond to all those who have given of themselves
and their pocketbooks to effect the prior success of our station. May I suggest
including all of the stakeholders in the process of finding a more suitable
direction for Classic 89.

Someone behind a mic to replace the classics??? Cant wait to tune in to see what
that moron has to say. Is there nepotism involved here?

Change classical music back to 89.1 Now! Please

Please keep the classy and the classic in Classic 89.

As a UF alumni, I'm surprised and a bit saddened to hear of the removal of
classical music from the station. Even though I don't live in Gainesville any
more, I do have friends who still live there and I get to visit every once in
awhile.
Please consider reversing this decision.
Thank you for your consideration.

I live way out of state and have tuned in on some Saturday nights to enjoy a
wonderful mix of music.

It is all too rare to have quality music programming broadcasts. Please restore
this enrichment to the community at large.

I have lived in the Gainesville area for the last 13 years, and I been a
constant listener, member of WUFT-FM and contributor. I thought your programming
was a wonderful mix of news and music... a good balance. The new all talk format
is not nearly as pleasing and rewarding, and I find I have to turn off the radio
now. For the last thirteen years my radio has been tuned to WUFT-FM from 6 am
until 11 or 12 pm every day. Please return to the old format on analogue
broadcast and flip all-talk radio to back digital, where it belongs.

I don't know how to start other than to say how depressed I have been with the
new programming. I didn't mind some change....mostly more variation on the
music styles and more jazz. And had called the station to ask for it. I don't
even mind some of the new shows added....like three of them, but no music at all
except for a couple of shows on Saturday and Sunday and no jazz or classical at
all. I don't have the money for the hd radio and plenty of people I know used
the station as their office music or in their art studios during the days and at
nights with the Night Bridge and Bob Parlocha. I miss Frank! I miss the
classical too! I haven't been able to listen to the radio at all except for a
little news in the morning. Come on, the BBC all night long?!!!
PLEASE...is there anyway that the public could get on air to call in and voice
their opinions during the fall fund drive!!!! I for one will not be donating
money.

1. My wife and I have always been in favor of a mixed format - not an
exclusively talk format.
Even worse, is the 9-10 hours of BBC news all night... I have NOT THE SLIGHTEST
INTEREST IN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN COTSWOLD!!! One short broadcast is
enough!!!
2. For many years, we had been dismayed about the lack of variation in Classic
89's format during the day. Recent changes to add Terry Gross were welcomed.
However, the classical music formats were invariable and except for the 11AM
hour were really not in the least enlightening. With respect to those who
programmed the classical music... simply playing classical music was BORING...
That's why the "commentators" (Karl Haas) and our recent 11 AM programming was
interesting. For more than 20 years Canadian CBC Radio 2 had the finest 3 hours
in music I ever heard. Disk Drive with Jurgen Goth. Too bad he's retired...
what a master .. interesting and beautifully paced with many different genres -
rock and rap totally excluded!!!)
3. We are avid jazz fans and were not happy to have it only after 1130 PM
(except on Friday evening) was a bummer. But to see ALL JAZZ vanish is very
distressful. Quincy Jones and other icons have called Jazz America's Classical
Music, and it is an ever evolving genre.
4. Having a few folk music hours in a week is not enough... LISTEN TO YOUR
"FORMER" SUPPORTERS....

WE listen every chance we get! This is GOOD programming!
Ken

I contributed to Classic 89 during its entire life span and listened to it
everyday. At 9AM every weekday morning as I began work, I tuned in classic 89.
Now every morning I go to Pandora for music. I will no longer contribute to the
station unless it returns to its original format.

Very disappointed by the new format, and no longer listen to the radio station
(new subscriber to XM). Sadly, this change will likely drive away many loyal
listeners and funds. WUFT also provides some critical services (recording local
and regional events such as the Florida Free Speech Forum) which will cease
should all of these changes go into effect.

I am not as concerned with the loss of classical, although I did listen to it in
the evenings. I really lament the loss of Nothing But The Blues, and the Friday
night jazz programming. I own 4 radios: one on my kitchen table, one in the
bedroom, one in my car, and one portable at the house I am building. Even if all
the lost programming was put on HD2 I would not buy 4 HD recievers. The blues
and local jazz programs cost the station nothing to provide; why can't we have
them back?

It is nice while working to hear soothing music to help allievate the stress of
the workday. Not endless chatter of talking heads!

Please leave at least part of the programming classical music. How will the
average person have exposure to it if it becomes something you have to purchase
at a dear price to hear. In this time of recession when people can barely put
food on the table, to take away this cultural treasure seems cruel and unusual
punishment.

I frequently have the radio on all day and always tuned to Classic 89 (also in
the car). The Programming serves as a background to my day, I get good in depth
news and I get the mix of music that I love. Some of the music I love more than
others but having a mix is very important to me.
When the format changed, I immediately ordered a radio to get the classic
station but whatever they have done somehow gives it an elevator musax quality
that is unappealing. Also the "all clasic" format omits the jazz programming
and I really miss that. The lack of jazz has driven me to the internet which
actually does have some good stations but many of these stations do not provide
any information about the music (no artist, album, title, and no playlist). You
may as well be listening to the canned music on cable.
Quite frankly I hate the new format. I have listened to it enough to find that
there are a lot of repeats and far too much trivial/repetitious talk. I am at a
loss to understand why anyone would think the supporters of this station would
like it. Hopefully it will be changed back into a station we will feel
represents our community again. Thank you

I have donated annually for over twenty years and it was the music that kept my
wallet open. It was those special shows like On The Bridge and Across The
Prairie that meant so much. The most special program, the one that meant the
most, was Bill Becket's Caravan. Don't take these away

I am/was a long-time, loyal listener (and previous supporter) of Classic89, but
am dumbfounded at the choice to change to all talk radio. My mornings used to
always begin with listening to Classic89, and I would absolutely LOVE to
continue hearing music programming. I have no doubt that those of us asking for
a return to music are a large majority of supporters of the station, whether you
hear from all of us or not.

We would like to have classic music returned to 89.1

I can't imagine Saturday Nights without the Soul Circut!

Classical music has long been acknowledged as contributing to a well-rounded
education as well as an elevating and pleasurable cultural experience.
Depriving the Gainesville audience of such programming seriously reduces both
the benefit and the pleasure many gain from listening. Furthermore, WUFT-FM's
format includes much more in addition to classical music that enriches our
community. The important aspect of supporting our local culture will be lost.
Richard Drake's morning program allows his audience to hear of local
performances as well as interviews with local artists. Replacing items of local
interest with national talk shows is not an improvement. Finally, the claim
that the audience for classical music is not large enough to support the effort
to bring it to us is about as logical as claiming that the number of people
taking a certain type of medicine is not large enough to support the effort to
bring it to the patients.

I'm opposed to losing WUFT-FM's music-based format and I'm angry that the
College of Journalism and Communications has proposed to replace the music-based
format. If the proposed changes are enacted, I will cease to support the radio
station.
The change in format is the worst idea possible for UF and citizens of Florida.
It is short-sighted, unimaginative, uninformed.

Have heard some interesting talk programs but do miss the classical music very
much. Is a compromise possible?

Like many things these days, WUFT is being run like a business. Whether its
money or listenership its allowed its policy to follow the philosophy "the mob
rules."
Public institutions have to represent what is excluded out of "the mob rules."
Public institutions have to look out for the minorities. Unfortunately in a
capital-driven society the arts are in the minority. Its a shame that art,
which has remained throughout history as a force for positive change, peace and
spirituality is in the minority and has to be protected.
Music in particular, without visuals (like radio delivers), is one of the most
powerfully transforming art forms. Its power to transcend words and move the
human spirit is undeniable to those that experience it. Try taking out the music
in the most emotionally-moving scene in any movie or tv show and it instantly
loses its power.
Sure in a perfect world there would be classical music (not just western music)
all up and down the radio band. There would be jazz; folk music from all over
the world; there would be news and opinion representing the whole spectrum of
political philosophies. There might even be a number of local stations
producing real radio shows like WUFT did.
But for now, lets not lose the little bit of arts that we do have. I loved the
jazz all night. Who wants to hear people talking all night, repeating the same
news over and over? I have to confess that I haven't listened to the station
since I discovered all my shows are gone. After hearing news and talk all day,
it was very soothing, healing and refreshing to hear jazz each night.
I worry that a political agenda is under way. News and talk always has a
political slant. I really miss the one place on the dial where I can tune that
stuff out and be moved emotionally and spiritually. There is no where else on
the dial where one can hear classical music, jazz, Afro-pop or any of the other
genres of music represented on WUFT.
Perhaps the biggest shame is that the people of the community weren't included
on this decision. Please at least bring some of the music programming back.

My focus in this communication is primarily 89.1, WUFT-FM, for that outlet was
my place of employment in the 1980's. The trend in the media today is toward a
narrower market focus, at its worst, a "balkanization" of information and
entertainment. It's a sad thing and a shame for an institution of education to
restrict the experience of radio listening, and of training students, to just
one market element. I urge you to continue offering the entire spectrum of
culture that listeners in North Florida have expected for nearly three decades.
Remain the rich cultural and news resource that WUFT-FM was established as in
1981 at its founding. You may not believe you can be all things to all
listeners, but by offering quality and diversity in your on-air product, you
retain the reputation the station had through the years as a quality resource,
rich in diversity.

Keep it the way it has been. I rather listen to a different format as the HD
station.

The music based programming has been a mainstay of my days since retirement in
1996. I feel betrayed and bereft. How could you allow your fund raisers to
promote classic 89 as the only station of its kind in North Florida and then
destroy it? I do not have an HD radio and have been unable to find one locally.
You should restore the analog broadcasting that is so important to your
supportive audience.

Keep the music!!

Classic 89 without the classical music is a barren desert island. Please, oh
please bring back the classical music! All talk and no classical makes 89 a
dull station.

Please do not eliminate culturally-rich music from our wonderful radio station.
It saddens me to know that the higher-ups in the School of
Journalism/Communications have this on their agenda. Classic 89 is one of our
few resources for sophisticated music. As a professional jazz musician, I enjoy
the selections I hear on Classic 89 both at night and during the day. To reduce
this source of art music would be a shame for Gainesville's culturally-rich
community.

Please bring back classical music.

It is so sad that in a multi-cultural, multi-aged community there is now the
loss of the only source of arts programming and classical music we had in
Gainesville. Unless I have a satellite radio or carry my own music with me, I am
forced to listen to music I do not enjoy, each station being more of the same
few types of music on locally received radio stations, or I have to listen to
talk shows which do not interest me. Classical music can be soothing and
uplifting, calming and inspiring, things we so badly need in these times of
rush, stress and economic challenges. Why did you take this away from us? Please
reconsider this decision. I must also say that I fail to understand the amount
of money being paid a consultant to revamp these services. Good grief! In
these times? For what purpose???

When I moved to Gainesville in 1980 and there was no NPR, I was stunned. From
the inception of WUFT-FM I have been a supporter, occasionally volunteering
during fund drives, reading to the blind for a year, but mostly with money,
especially the posters. I miss classical music and jazz. The new format is too
much talk, rehashing the same issues. Keep Terri Gross, lose Diane Reem; keep
AR, limit BBC to 5-6:00 AM. I like the Saturday line-up, but Monday-Friday
needs to be reworked. I'm having to re-think my level of support since I had no
say in these changes and want restoration of what was so enjoyable as well as
sufficiently informative. The HD radio is not a choice I'm interested in.

Dean Wright,
I am deeply disappointed that you and your advisors have made the decision to
drop classical music from the current format on Classic 89. I have been a fan
and supporter of Classic 89 for both its news and music format since its
beginning. In fact, except for occasional AM Gator sports broadcasting, Classic
89 was the only radio station my wife and I listen to. I have frequently pointed
out to friends and business associates that one of the many benefits of living
in Gainesville was the classical music offered conveniently by the public
broadcasting station. Unless there is a change in this recent decision, I sadly
will not be able to say that in the future. Your decision has decreased my
respect for your judgment and understanding of the cultural and educational
value that public broadcasting brings to the Gainesville.
Unfortunately the movement of the music to a HD channel will make this valuable
and enjoyable part of Classic 89 unavailable to me and I believe most of its
past listening audience. I tuned into this station on any one of our three home
radios and two car radios. It is impractical to have only one HD radio for news
and classical music programming and uneconomical to purchase multiple HD radios
to replace our current home and car radios. So your decision to remove classical
music from analog broadcasting will cause UF public broadcasting to lose most of
my radio listening pleasure and I presume most of the other previous listeners
as well.
You claim that education in an important function of the radio communications
provided by the University radio stations. The educational element extended to
the listening audience is, I believe, at least as important as the training
element for the communication students of the University. Chance listeners to
the diverse format of Classic 89 were exposed to many educational as well as
entertaining features in the old format. Wouldn't it have been rewarding and
educational if they liked some of the music and music commentary they heard for
the first time and as a result tuned in again? This is particularly relevant to
the potential audience of 50,000 plus University students (probably without HD
radios). With the move to a HD site the chances of any general audience ever
being exposed to this musical format is lost forever. From what other
broadcasting element are those listeners likely to be offered the opportunity to
expand their view of musical diversity for no cost? Will they boot up their
computers to listen on streaming radio?
Most of the regular donors to Classic 89 accepted the fact that they were
supporting free listening to many others. Will your new listeners to the changed
news and talk show format be likely to donate to a public broadcasting station
when they can get their quick news and talk shows "kick" from commercial
stations?
I hope you will reconsider your decision to move classical music to HD radio. If
you don’t, Classic 89 “prepaid” donors would appreciate a better
explanation of the value to the station in both educational and financial terms
of making this move. The old Classic 89 was a wonderful and valuable PUBLIC
RADIO STATION to the Gainesville community.

An increase in informative talk radio is useful. However to cancel all music is
throwing the baby out with the bath water. No thoughtful person makes such a
move. Don't take the positon taken by the commercial stations " Here it is like
it or not."

How very sad that things have come to this. I received an outstanding education
in the telecommunications department (BS TEL '90). The experience that I gained
working at the various stations was so unique and varied--programming and
hosting jazz and blues shows, hosting classical programs, producing a local arts
program, running the traffic department at Classic 89, assisting with on-air
fundraising at both stations, assisting with the production of the evening
newscast at Channel 5, and being involved in a student-run morning show on Rock
104. Unfortunately, most of these opportunities are no longer available to
current and future students. I wonder what kind of impact this will have on
alumni giving in the future.

I am luckier than most. Most weeks I spend some hours in range of 90.7,
Orlando's proper FM station, with a considerable mix of classical
music.
If classical music is good enough for the land of Mickey Mouse, it's certainly
good enough for the great cultural area surrounding the University of
florida.
Bring back the music!

I think there was room for expansion of news and talk radio, but complete
elimination of the music programming on WUFT is misguided overkill. You dropped
the only jazz programming in this area and the wonderful Sat. night R&B
program for BBC news???? Ugghh. Consider soliciting the input of the listening
community before making such unilateral decisions on a listener-supported radio
station.

You had a great combination before but, many of us don't want talk programs all
day. I did support WUFT-FM financially in the past but, I can't with the
current format. It just isn't worth it to me.

I listen to classic 89 in my car all day (since 1974) as I am an RN for Shands
Home Care
I do not have a radio capable of receiving the satellite broadcast so I will no
longer be listening to WUFT I have also supported you financially in the past
but will no longer do so

I have been listening to public radio's classical programming for several
decades.I would never consider living in an area where I could not hear Public
Radio's classical music. For the past 7 years I have lived in Alachua County and
have immensely enjoyed WUFT's classical music. I was quite distressed to learn
via the Gainesville Sun that the classical music would be dropped so that
listeners can listen to more "talk" radio.
I found it very unfortunate that listeners were given 3 weeks' notice that the
music would be silenced.
And Dean Wright's pompous comment about listeners, if they were serious about
their classical music, would have to pay $70 for an HD radio were equally
distressing and revealing.
Now we find that Dean Wright has hired UF alumna at the tune of $10,000 a month,
and $69,000 a year to consult with on programming and other issues.
Now we have more talking heads with not much vital information to impart. And
sigh, we have more of the unskilled journalism students slaughtering the English
language daily.
This is not what I have contributed money to WUFT to hear. I was told my
contributions were tied into programming but that was a lie.
I will contribute no more money to WUFT until after classical music is
restored.
I live 30 minutes from downtown Gainesvile. HD radio does not work in my home
for picking up WUFT's classical channel. I have talked with neighbors who report
the same blackout of programming. The HD channel is also not received on an HD
radio in my neighborhood or during the commute. And the HD channel is not
available at work either, so I guess I am expected to do without classical
programming if I want to remain in the Gainesville area.
That raises the very serious question; do I want to remain in the
area?
Sigh, maybe not. Enjoying classical music on the radio is a simple but valuable
pleasure to me and I have enjoyed it for decades. To have it vanish overnight
with no notice (I don't think 3 weeks is adequate notice)and for no good reason
is unacceptable.
I will be active within this community to restore classical music programming.
Should that goal fail to materialize, it will be time to move on and leave this
cow town with a University.
Dean Wright should be ashamed to have violated so many listeners' desires.
Instead he seems to express a rather condescending, ignorant and heartless
attitude. Perhaps his fate will be akin to the fate of the former Medical School
Dean.

I have donated money regularly to WUFT and I have volunteered there as well. I
will do so no longer, until the classical music returns and hopefully the
Journalism Dean leaves. I enjoy NPR programming, but not at the expense of
classical music. To give the general public a few weeks' notice that they are
going to lose the classical music is an appalling and callous decision and the
Dean's subsequent statements on this topic are reminiscent of "let them eat
cake".
Where I live (25 minutes from downtown Gainesville) HD radio does not pick up
WUFT's HD2. WUFT HD radio is also unaccessible in a vehicle where I live, and
anywhere near where I live. Beyond that, on different work days I use different
work vehicles depending on the route, and the cost of installing HD radios on
several vehicles is excessive, especially when you consider how ineffective the
radios are if you are more than a few miles from the tower.
So my options of listening to classical music now are limited to listening at
home a couple hours a night on the computer.
Perhaps the lay offs could have been averted if only the Dean had been laid off.

We miss classical music on Classic 89! Less talk, more Bach!

What is happening to Gainesville's cultural diversity? Bring back our music!

Please restore 89.1 to its previous classical music/talk format. The new format
is tiresome and there seems to be a lot repetition of programs.
Gainesville is a cultural community and the new format reduces the radio
programming to a run of the mill endless talk radio show. You have fired most
people. If money is the issue, you are going to lose a lot more since many,
many of your listeners will not support the new format.
Thank you,
P.S. What the hell were your thinking????????

We have listened to this station for years while we work. Now since it is gone
our workshop is much more quiet. Please bring back our music! It has such a
positive power on our lives.

One of my favorite traveling companions is gone. I could often count on Classic
89 to keep me company on the roads around Florida. Those who want SOME
alternative to rock, pop, country or talk radio now have nothing. What a shame
for WUFT that monies that would have been set aside to contribute to Classic 89
will now be directed to padding my classical music and jazz collection.

I no longer have reason to listen to your station. I miss the music, especially
the opera.

We were one of the very first contributors to WUFT FM, when the station first
went on the air. We need daily access to classical music programming and
learning; it forms the background to everything we do. The HD programming lacks
individuality and the HD radio itself is only borderline quality; no way near a
satisfactory substitute. The constant talk radio format adds only frustration,
confusion and irritability. We don't listen to radio anymore, and will not
resume our previous regular, generous financial support until Classic89 is
restored.

I have been a supporter of public radio for thirty years because it provides a
balance of classical and world music and high quality news and information
programming. This new format of talk only is unbalanced and off-putting. I
regret that I will not be continuing as a supporter of Classic 89 if they
continue to follow this new format.

dean wright, you might have considered the opinionsof the subscribers before
changing the stations format...

It's short-sighted in the extreme to outsource our programs. There are some fine
ones, granted, but if I want talk, I'll listen to Jacksonville. I can't express
how much I miss the music nor overstate how eagerly I and many others looked
forward not only to classical music in the morning and after dinner but also to
shows like the Caravan, Nothing but the Blues, Across the Prairie and so on.
The station has lost its soul. It's not too late. Please change your minds.

Many moved to Gainesville because of the cultural benefits and lifestyle of a
college town. The decision to remove Classic 89.1 is a major step in removing
that vital connection.
This cultural debacle will resonate for many years to come;it is a great loss
for U.F. students and the community at large. As educators, President Machen
and, you, Dean Wright should recognize the local commitment displayed by
successful fund drives,etc., and restore a key part of the Gator Nation.

It is sad to think of losing our classical station. Talk radio is annoying and
I always turn that off. Please reconsider.

For more than 60 years, wherever we have lived, I have supported (National)
Public Radio both financially and by answering phones on the 6 o 9 a.m. shift
for the pledge drives. We raised our children on classical music, they have
raised our grandchildren on classical music, and all have supported public
radio. To take one of the few truly irreplaceable cultural gifts from our midst
and substitute monotonous talk shows based on opinions of people not worth
listening to is a huge insult to the intellect of WUFT listeners. Those talk
shows simply add to the dumbing down of the listening audience.
. I question the ability AND the willingness of the targeted young adult
demographic audience to supply much of the needed funding for programming. You
have cut off the slightly more affluent elderly who willingly put their
donations where they do the most good. That donor-site is no longer WUFT.

Please bring the old format back .... I especially loved listening Saturday
nights - as I puttered around or needed some good music to keep me going while
working!

Shame on you. Please reinstate the wonderful culture you have instilled in the
community. I do not appreciate 24 hours of news which I can listen to on
several other stations. Your station HAD class. I do not listen to your
station anymore and do not own the proper equipment to listen to your
"alternative" radio station. I am a Music Teacher with 31 years of experience
and a professional musician and conductor. What you are doing is cutting out
the heart of culture in our area. Please, Please, Please put class and culture
back into YOUR (used to be "OURS") radio station. The "heart" hurts!
[name redacted]
University of Florida
Department of Music
Graduate 1979

WUFT has been a very important part of my life, I listen from my car, in my home
and in my classroom. There is nothing else out there that compares to the music
based format that WUFT has worked with for years. For me it allowed me to learn
more about the music. The disappointment with the full talk radio is great. I
do not listen to talk radio and I do not see that changing. I am not going to
buy special equipment so I can hear classical. I am on a limited income. I was
not able to give during the drives, but I listened and did what I was able to do
in order to help WUFT. Please go back to the format that was working! I loved
the music during the day where you not only heard the music, but were taught
about the song. Then there was Soul Circut...I look forward to that every
Saturday night. Now only great music, but information about the songs being
played. The evenings would often bring different types of music to the night
and I loved the diversity. Please bring WUFT back...
Thank you for listening and I know you will take this seriously.

How sad! I will now have to save my donations to buy a new HD radio. Farewell,
Dean Wright

what a shock; this station and the music format was one of the best things
gainesville had going--bring it back!

Most salient comments have been made. (1) The decision implementation without
membership input; (2) making classical music available solely on a limited range
and quality HD station, thereby forcing interested members to buy a HD radio for
questionable quality classical music broadcasts is not acceptable; (3) As was
suggested, put the "talk" stuff on HD and leave classical music on analog. All
are great suggestions. The loss of classical music from the fabric of the
mainstream Gainesville community constitutes a loss of a community feature which
made us something special. I just don't get it.

What a horrible shame!

For the last 50 years the only button I used on my car radio has been set to PBS
as long as it was mostly classical music. No more contributions from me to WUFT
until that happens.

My wife and I are long-time Classic 89 supporters. We are deeply distressed by
the new format. We would be willing to purchase an HD radio but a)they are hard
to find in town (the stores being sold out) and b) we understand that their
signals are weak thus creating static. It is unlikely we will continue to
contribute to the station during fund-raisers. We can do better, Gainesville!

The purpose of an academic institution is to broaden horizons, not necessarily
appeal to the masses or profit-motives. The elimination of classical music is an
affront to the dignity of this university.

At my age , you have taken one of my favorite pastimes from me. How sad!

I'd like classical music brought back as soon as possible. Until it is, I do
not plan to support UF radio

I welcomed the new format with more talk commentary at all times of day, but I
think SOME music should be retained. Especially local music talent should be
aired (Across the Prairie, as an example) and at holiday times, all programming
that educates and celebrates our multi-cultural diversity is a
treasure!
Let's have a BALANCE of good talk and music.

I am terribly disappointed by the change to everlasting chatter. From what I
have heard one can read these debates in the newspaper, hear it on Morning
Edition, on the Newshour with Jim Lehrer, or Rachel Maddow on MSNBC etc.etc.
Other than the occasional program on Public TV such as the Mostly Mozart program
which was gorgeous there are hardly any programs of classical music. I know
there is the suggestion to buy a HD radio for $75 (which turns out to be
untrue). This is like the outrageous suggestion "let them eat cake". A
university that pretends to be of high quality should air classical music to
aquaint the listeners with one of western high art forms.

Tampa has WMNF, and our University is better! Come on, guys, what are you
thinking!???!

Although I now live in New Orleans, I lived in Gainesville for many years and
maintain a deep interest in the life of the city. I cannnot understand why a
station that is a PUBLIC radio station that is supposed to be supported by
listeners (like you) would not be interested in the concerns of its listeners
and members. It certainly cannot be financial, as the classical music
programming is a money-saver. It's the national programming that the station
must buy that is expensive. Classical music programming is relatively cheap, as
one can play CDs and rebroadcasts of local concerts (with permission, which is
usually given). The public deserves to know what the reasons are.

I enjoy some of the talk shows -- Humankind, Fresh Air, Marketplace, and the
more serious shows. There some that are just frivolous and not interesting at
all. However, the afternoon music shows were dreary -- Agnes ? voice sounds
like she's about to keel over. The evening music broadcasts of famous and
well-known symphonies was wonderful. How about a BALANCE of the best talk
shows, and the best music?? Thanks!

Please consider these requests. There is enough talk and not enough adult
music.

We are away during the summer and, on returning to Gainesville for a few days
last week, were distressed to learn that our highly regarded local NPR station
has decided to join the crowd of on-air babblers who talk all the time and have
very little to say. We have supported WUFT for years (since we first came to
G-ville in 1984) but will no longer do so. I always kept it on when I was in the
house, enjoying and appreciating the classical music format. No more.
Sorry.

I recently moved to Gainesville from Tallahassee and was impressed how much
better UF radio was than FSU radio. Now it isn't anymore. Music is fundamental
to life. Please bring back music to UF radio.

The music is the reason I listen to and contribute to Classic 89. You can get
news and talk anywhere, but for classical music and local arts news I have
always depended on Classic 89. Don't ruin a good thing by becoming like every
other station!

The area needs a classical music presence. Please undo the damage!

Question: What makes America great? Answer: Public education, public libraries
and museums, public television and radio. Without access to knowledge and beauty
by the masses, democracy ceases to exist in a society.
Our family owes much to these institutions. Last year our daughter received a
University of Chicago Fellowship for PhD studies in Art History after receiving
degrees in Political Science and Art History from the University of Florida. Our
son is a 2009 MAA Scholar at Wake Forest School of Medicine after receiving
degrees in Music Performance and Biology from Duke. Arts activities throughout
their youth contributed to these educational opportunities. We have always been
regular listeners of classical music on public radio, notably in the car on the
way to and from school and extracurricular activities.
Many citizens do not have access to satellite radio. The loss of classical music
programming on WUFT is a profound one for the community. Our day and our
collective future is the worse for it.

If it is not possible to return to the former format, is not some compromise
possible that would include additional talk, but also retain things like
Saturday opera and music during some afternoon and evening hours?
The mostly music format is why I have been a member during most of the last 15
years.
Thank you for your consideration.

Classic Music. Why?

people are talking everywhere. i'd rather hear music! good music.

The news of losing our classical music, (opera,etc.) and other programs such as
Caravan is heart-breaking. The news of losing faculty behind these programs is
devastating. How can we boast to be at the vanguard of a classical radio station
with the programming changed to talk radio for a university of this magnitude?

Please, please, let's return to music programming.

I am very disappointed in the changes that have occurred in programming for
WUFT. I was a regular supporter and listened to a wide range of the programs
previously offered. I loved listening to the classics on the great sound system
at my home. Now I am told to listen to a tinny sounding HD radio. No longer can
I relax and enjoy the commute tuned to the radio. Rather, I bring CDs in the car
and leave the radio off. I especially enjoyed ending the week listening to
Theater of the Mind as I prepared for bed. Now it is replaced with a BBC news
loop.My listening has decreased from several hours daily to 1/2 hour in the
morning for the news. I also have concerns about all the staff who were hosts,
what happened to them? I will no longer send WUFT any contributions, as it is
not a station that is meeting my needs.

When Dame Gilian Weir (one of the pre-eminent organists of our time) played at
First Presbyterian Church in 2008, she remarked appreciatively on how the size
of the audience indicated a lively interest in good music. She added that in
order to have good music we have to get rid of the bad music first.
The WUFT change is exactly the opposite of Dame Gilian's insight. Rock 104 was
kept, despite its being indistinguishable from other commercial rock stations
(not to mention vulgar, anti-woman, etc) Classical music was relegated to the
obscurity and inaccessibility of HD radio, thereby giving the back of the hand
to loyal supporters who, supposedly, were "members". If a different audience
wanted NPR talk shows, why not ask them tostep up and buy the HD radios - or put
the NPR talk on 104 - or put it on AM radio (talk doesn't need the fidelity of
FM anyway)? With this decision UF has chosen to follow, not lead, an odd
position for a supposedly flagship university.

Stop the "Talk" schlock, bring back the music.

Please add our voice's requesting WUFT-FM's format be returned to the classical
music style we have enjoyed and supported for so many years.

Way to go! You have destroyed an excellent radio station.

I am terribly disappointed that the station format has been changed. It seems to
me, we have plenty of talk,information and opinions coming at us on a near
constant basis and from many directions. Classic 89 was an oasis of serenity
amid all the hub bub!
I have spent many pleasant hours listsening to the previous music and programs
as I work in my quilting room.My time is now less enriched.
I no longer even turn on your station and I surely will not contribute money to
support the changed format.

Mr. Wright:
Do you know anything about classical music? Could you differentiate a Bach
Contata from a Beethoven Symphony? I doubt if you could. You changed the station
format because talk radio and its impact is what you studied in school. Your
whole career has evolved around your narrow view of the talk radio format, and
once given the chance,you foisted this view on the listeners of Gainesville's
only decent station. I no longer turn on 89.1 since the format change, and do
not expect any funding from me. Moreover, your comment about listener's need to
purchase an HD radio was rude and demonstrates your callous disregard for the
limited technical abilities of some of your older listeners, who are not as
technically savvy as younger ones, or yourself. Please return to the old format
or modify the format to accommodate listners of classical music. Otherwise you
might find yourself isolated by the community that really counts most:
donors.

Dean
Your letter of July 17 informing WUFT supporters of the changes in WUFT format
read like a slick Madison Ave. PR release. You begin by claiming you have
increased "your commitment to classical music programming". It is only at the
end of the second page you tell us that we will have to find a HD radio to enjoy
any classical music at all. You are in error in stating an HD radio can be
easily purchased for $50. Radio Shack had two Jensen HD radios, both clock
radios. One was $130, the other $150. Do you know the difference between the
quality of sound between a HD clock radio (signal interupted frequently) and a
sound system with 16 inch Yamaha speakers?

I am absolutely bereft...there is no more classical music coming from either
home or car radio.
There must be some way to get back our beloved classical music.
News we can get 24 hours a day from many media sources...but good music
?
Let me know what I can do to help .

As a frequent listener of classic 89, I am very saddened by the station's
decision. There was no other similar programming like it and I believe it is a
real detriment to the community to eliminate it. This was such a high quality
station and a real treat to tune into throughout the day. Please bring it back!
- A loyal listener

It is a complete travesty for you to change the format from classical to "talk
radio" without even consulting your audience considering all of the apparent
support that they have given you for so many years. Shame on you!!!!

I wonder whether the switch to "talk" shows is not more expensive
than music ? In addition the students have less opportunity to be an
announcer. The mix before of Jazz, Classical, and Talk Shows seemed
to
be an excellent variety with something for everyone. I hardly ever listen
to
WRUF now while I did before the change.

I am a 1989 graduate of the College of Journalism and I was quite sad to hear
about this unfortunate format change at WUFT.
I have been a WUFT listener since my college days and when I moved back to
Gainesville in the mid 1990s I became a supporter of the station with the
"Theater of the Mind" show being my favorite.
(I recently tuned in to WUFT on a Sunday evening and found that the BBC news was
on instead of "Theater of the Mind" even though it is listed on the schedule
from the station's website.)
I remember when the Jacksonville NPR station did this a number of years ago and
I was happy that we were being different in keeping our unique college station.
I may be off base here but it seems to me that someone there at WUFT wanted to
feel like he or she was with one of the bigger NPR stations and hence pushed
this change through without any consultation or thought to the loyal listening
public.
Additionally, I wondered where the funds were coming from for this change and
then heard last week about some of the station's employees being let go. And
one other note; we were driving in our car last week with our children and
instead of listening to the classical music as we used to do we had to change
the station as the topic of the show was about an individual’s homosexual
experiences as a youth and we did not want our children to hear that.
I request that the individuals responsible for this decision at WUFT reconsider.

It is hard to believe a "university" town could do away with the only classical
programming format available. I will no longer be a financial contributor to
WUFT.

The variety of musical offerings of Classic 89 have not been given due credit.
For a flagship university to abandon these varied musical arts and drop them
from the campus station's broadcasts is beyond belief. No more money for UF from
this household.

I have enjoyed NPR for the last 20 years. I have enjoyed all types of music;
Harrison Keylor; All Things Considered and so many more radio shows that have
informed and given me pleasure.
I wish you to reconsider changing your format and consider all other Gainesville
and neighboring communities that concur with my request.

1. As one of the first group of student announcers when the station opened in
September of 1981, I'm sad to see one of the training grounds for communications
students closed down. Quite apart from acquiring the technical expertise
involved, I think students should be exposed to all kinds of music - the
languages and announcing techniques involved, unfamiliar pronunciations, music
from other cultures, ways in which so-called "serious" music interfaces with
popular culture (Karl Jenkins and de Beers diamonds, for instance)in the same
way that an English student needs to be introduced to a wide variety of
literature.
2. I'm appalled that a university journalism and communications college with any
pretentions to intellectual endeavor would do away with one of the few public
proofs of that endeavor.
3. Classic 89 was a "local" radio station in ways that the university's other
stations are not - broadcasting local concerts, phone-in shows hosted by local
figures, even at one point running a play-writing contest and broadcast the
winning play. This sense of connection with its audience was one of Classic 89's
great strengths.
4. The NPR news and current affairs feed is far more expensive than classical
music, which is largely in the public domain - even given the fact that it takes
fewer staff to run it. Where will the money come from for this extra
expenditure, and what makes the the dean think that disaffected classical music
listeners will contribute?

Culture Counts-.

It's not just classical music that's missing; it's also jazz, blues, folk, world
music, etc.
Please correct this unfortunate situation.
Thanks for your attention.

Driving to other cities in Florida, one is invariably able to pick up classical
music from the local university's radio station for most of the day. It is
embarrassing that the flagship campus has now shown its cultural philistinism by
deleting music from its station. I liked the mix we always had in the past, and
was used to listening to "All Things Considered" when driving home from campus.
But I do not want news all day long. People who want that are likely to look
for their news on the internet anyway. I do want classical music, which is
infinitely more soothing when in traffic than hearing about the latest economic
horrors and human tragedies of the world. And I certainly not going to buy a
special HD receiver for my car or my home. Now I have to listen mainly to CDs
when I drive.
The arguments put forward by the dean and others in support of the new format
were deeply insulting to the intelligence of the university community e.g. that
listener rates drop off at 9 a.m. when news ends and music starts. It is pretty
obvious that this has nothing to do with the music, but everything to do with
the fact that most people are at work at their desks by 9, and not able or
permitted to sit, listening to their radio. All the other evidence seemed
transparently fallacious, too. This policy decision pushes the goal of becoming
a first-rank university further into the distance.

Weeks after the change, I find that I listen to WUFT about 89.1 percent less
often. I was not at all happy with the sound of the HD radio I got, and haven't
turned it on since the first days of the changeover. During the next pledge
drive, I may send the minimum because I think every university town should have
public radio, but I certainly won't support the station at my customary
level.
Can't wait to hear that music has been reintroduced for balance on the
station!

Every pledge drive annually for many years I have contributed to our local NPR
station, WJUF in Inverness. When the letter came from the College of Journalism
at Gainesville, I was shocked. The fallacy of reasoning was their perception
that they lost 70% of their audience once the news/media segments had ended and
musical programs took place. While I was working I was part of that 70% who
tuned out after the morning news because I had to go to work! Then would tune
back in when I returned from work, which had little to do with news and media
programming and more to the fact peiople have lives to lead and cannot always be
part of their listening audience. I actually did go out and buy an HD radio,
and you know what? It is not the same. When Sen. Ted Kennedy died I had no
idea until late that evening when I turned on the TV to check the weather
forecast! How much else would I miss if I stay on HD 2 radio all the time?
Without the interuptions of news, etc. the musical selections seem to drone on
and on and become tiresome. Whether this is because there is nothing else, but
music, or their musical choices is hard to say. But clearly having three HD
options is NOT working very well for me. Family members in central Florida tell
me the kind of programming we had on the FM band is still in effect at their NPR
affiliate, so this was not a state wide change, only we seem to have found
ourselves captive to decisions by our local NPR affiliate, and apparently the
only option left is to discontinue any and all donations supporting them.

The arts are constantly beleagued with a reduction of funding. The change at
WRUF from a wonderful mix of some NPR, classical and eclectic music,and other
variations, is symptomatic of this attitude that the arts are not important in
this scientific age, and that "talk" radio is better than "listening" radio!
There is no other station in the Gainesville area where our children can be
exposed to such music. What a sad commentary on UF that classical music is no
longer "mainstreamed" to influence the next generations.

I need classical music in my live. I learned from listening and enjoying it,
that it not only soothes my soul, it lowers by blood pressure. I relax by
listening to beautiful music. It clears the mind, evens out your breathing and
is pure gold for my soul. When you are running a business that is for the
public, next time, ask the public what they think. You rely on us for money to
run (your/our) program, ask us what we like, what we need. Until you change it
back, I'll never listen to this radio station again, and perhaps, I'll even give
up PBS. I thought P meant Public. I'm the public and so are you!
It's time that the older citizens in the Gainesville area stand up and be
counted. Why do you think we either stay here or come here? It use to have
everything you could want. Now we're missing an important piece. I want it
back.

Please don't change the programming. 89.1 was the only station my sister and I
were allowed to listen to as children. To this day it is the only one my mother
listens too. What makes it special is being able to listen to Chopin then car
talk and other music not just one theme. It is part ofGainesville just as much
as the Gators,please don't take that away from us.
Thank you

I truly miss classic programming and, under present circumstances, will no
longer be a contributor to WUFT-FM. Talk radio in the background while I am
working at my desk is just a distracting noise, but classical music is calming,
a tension reliever.

I can't conceive a college town without a classical radio station -- it's a must
have.
Although I didn't listen to it 24/7, I did listen every day and truly miss it.
I can get talk radio on other stations but I can't get classical. It's ridulous
to be forced to purchase another radio for one station. Had they asked for
listners opinions they would not have changed.

After decades of classical music enriching my life, I was absolutely devastated
to learn Classic 89 would be changed--all classical music would be divorced from
all other programming (and put on a station still inaccessible to me) and talk
shows would highly dominate the station. I reached for the radio several times
the first few weeks, but now turn it on only at noon or at 4:30. I've also
found that I can do without as much TV. There are days when we don't turn it on
at all. I have searched in vain for another station worth listening to, but
found only a very few on occasional trips out of town. I am not opposed to talk
shows, but I don't want an uninterrupted diet of either all talk or all
classical. Classic 89 was workable mix of a variety of interesting, objective
and educational programs. Please return to a more sensible format that includes
a similar variety. As far as support, we have given as much as we could for
decades, but why would we want to now, for a station we rarely listen to any
more?

I can see adding a few more hours of syndicated, quality news programs such as
the Diane Ream show and Fresh Air, but to replace a days worth of good music
with a days worth of repeated news programs mixed with bad talk programs is just
dumb. at least give a fair representation to each side - 50/50. Obviously
there are different people out there, and as an educational institution
presumably based on reason it should be a no brainer to compromise on the
situation.

Taking the unique and highly enjoyable mix of music that had been WUFT Classic
89's forte off of the full bandwidth analog signal is bad enough. But the
flippant and dismissive remarks by the Dean of the College of Journalism ("If
they don't want to spend $75 on a radio, they must not want it that much"), and
others have been insulting to the very listners that have supported the station
since its beginning. Just admit that you have made a mistake and return the
pre-August 3 programming to Classic 89 analog.
Firing Bill Beckett is unforgivable. The mix of music that he developed for the
station was wonderful, the best I have ever heard. And, no, I don't even know
the guy, never met him. Nor do I like everything he plays on Caravan, but only
a self-centered idiot (if the shoe fits, Wright, wear it) could overlook the
beautiful balance and depth of his programming on Classic 89. Not to mention
his recording of the local concerts for broadcast. And the fact that you could
pay his salary for many years for the amount that you are paying your
"consultants."
As for not wanting to spend $75 on a radio: Why should I? I have a component
stereo system, mainly McIntosh Labs components, that is worth over 100 times
that. I did not build such a system to listen to a lousy hybrid digital signal
that is inferior to even an mp3 file. Nor to listen to a bit-streamed signal
that is produced by buggy and imperfect software, that is still short of even an
mp3 file.
There is plenty of bandwidth available on a low bit-rate hd signal for the talk
radio. The mistake was not in bringing the talk shows to Gainesville. They
would have been a nice alternative to have available, but on the HD 2 channel.
It makes much more sense to use the full bandwidth of the analog channel for the
classical/jazz/afro/world/r&b/etc. music that made Classic 89 so enjoyable.
The talk shows would do just fine on the HD channels.
In the future I may be contributing to fund raising - of WUSF in Tampa. They
still broadcast the music on the analog channel. I'll send Dean Wright a copy
of the check when I do. Not a joke. I just ordered an APS-13 antenna from
Antenna Performance Specialties (www.antennaperformance.com) so that I can
easily receive a good signal from the Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee, and other
classical stations. If WUFT does not change back, I will never support them
again, and will encourage others to support other stations, ones that respect
their listeners.

The music program at WUFT-FM and Nature Coast 90 went far beyond "replaying
records," as some have argued. I grew up listening to WQXR in New York City and
then to WBUR and WHRB in Boston. Long considered bastions of classical music
culture, even those stations did not surpass the excellent music programming I
have heard as a Citrus County resident. Nature Coast 90 introduced me to the
works of composers like Michael Torke and Einojuhani Rautavaara and consistently
provided fresh selections across the spectrum. And I had not heard such a rich
selection of jazz since WRVR in New York back in the 70s, whose own demise was
much lamented, to the point where a web page exists dedicated to the station's
memory (http://www.southstation.org/wrvr/index.htm).
I joined Friends of Nature Coast 90 when I first moved here in 2003 and had
maintained my membership until recently. WUFT's music programming has helped me
get through the day more times than I can count. I believe its relief from our
pervasive news cycles provides both a physical and a psychological benefit to
the community. As much as I enjoy the talk shows of NPR and PRI, I believe that
cutting out WUFT's music programming is a tremendous blow to local culture. I
have to ask myself, in the current economy, whether I want to support such a
decision.

I was dumbfounded. This was a treasured resource and something to counter the
commercial radio "choices." I enjoyed and learned from virtually every program.
And no more broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera among other losses? And the
elitist idea proposed by Ralph Lowenstein that "[t]he change to a news-talk
format will call for some sacrifice by classical music lovers. But WUFT-FM will
now broadcast classical music 24 hours a day on a second channel within the 89.1
frequency. It will take a special radio, costing $75 to $100, to pick up this
channel. I already have one in my home and one in my office." Well, bully for
him. I am NOT a retired dean and I don't have that sort of discretionary money.
And what about those who listened to classical music, for free, in their cars?
Do you know what the Met Opera was bumped for? Old Time Radio. My cousin, now in
his eighties, practically invented old time radio, having been a very busy stage
and radio actor in his youth and now directing reenactments of old time radio
scripts at old time radio conventions. What you now offer in place of the Met on
Saturdays is sentimental drivel and totally extraneous to most students, let
alone other listeners. As for the new schedule, you can get virtually the same
programs from JAX public radio, which is what I listen to in my car and will
probably donate to. I consider this a betrayal of your fans. Lowenstein's
argument that listenership dropped off at 9am only indicates that most listeners
were at work. And I considered myself lucky that I could listen to it in my lab.
I am totally unimpressed with local coverage. With 24-hour news cycles and
practically identical broadcasting from Gainesville and Jax, you are now not
only redundant, you're superfluous.

Please! Return the music based station, it is greatly missed.

While I understand that many people like to hear the various news/talk programs
that NPR provides, and indeed I enjoy some when I travel, to completely abandon
the classical music format is incredibly short-sighted in my view. The only
reason that I do not listen on a daily basis to the music programming is that
when I get to work at 8am, I am not in a position to listen to any radio
programs. I would occassionally listen to the evening programming when at home,
but am often out in the evenings as well. The classical and other music
programming on Sundays was especially enjoyable. I confess that the Saturday
opera often conflicts with my favorite sporting events or again, I would be out
of the house and not able to listen to a radio. Another particular favorite of
mine was the overnight classical broadcasts - very pleasant when my radio/alarm
would go off prior to 6am on weekdays and 8am on weekends. I urge the School of
Journalism and WUFT to re-consider the mix of news/talk and classical/other
music programming. Add more news/talk if that is what the listeners want, but
please consider keeping some music programming. Not all of us can afford to have
a special radio to listen to your other streams, and we shouldn't have to do so.

You are showing a callous disregard and disrespect for a community extremely
loyal to WUFT-FM broadcasting as well as for the employees and volunteers who
have built an impressive organization. Gainesville will be poorer for your
cultural insensitivity. Although you no doubt expect to replace listener
funding with corporate sponsorships, that is a fickle path to follow. What a
shame.

It's hard to believe the arrogant, scornful attitude of FM-89's management.
This is a PUBLIC ASSET,NOT A PRIVATE FIEFDOM!

A balance between word and music is needed. WUFT as a station devoted to music
(mostly, but not completely) was a wondrous thing. If we wanted spoken word we
listened to WJCT from Jaxonville. Give us back our serious music, be it Jazz or
art. Let it blend with some serious talk, but not completely. What we have now
is 24 hrs of verbal spew. Why no opera, why no symphonic music, why no Jazz, why
is there no music exploration or education (as in the past with Carl Haas, and
now with Bill McGloghlin). The College of Journalism made a decision with no
consultation, behind everyone's back. SHAME.

A classical music station is absolutely essential to my life and to this town.
I intend to work to have the decision for talk radio overturned.

I cannot imagine living in a university city where there is no classical radio
station. I can only compare what has happened to 88.5, the Flagler College Radio
Station that I often listen to at the beach. That station has a wonderful
combination of different kinds of music, including classical. To eliminate
classical music entirely is a slap in the face to many long time contributors.
We have supported 89.1 for many, many years; but there will be no more
contributions until there is a change.

Please bring back the old format, a mix of music, news and informational
programs.

What a disappointment to turn on WUFT-FM and get nothing but words, words, words
most of the weekday hours and weekends. The mix we used to enjoy is what made
the station special. There will be no more pledges from our household.

The talk format is absolutely horrid. Diane Rhiem's voice makes my dog howl.
Even a carrier signal would be an improvement.

I appreciate the quality of the talk shows you are now airing, but all talk all
day is EXHAUSTING to listen to. I can no longer leave the radio on while I
work. I really miss the Exploring Music program weekday mornings at 11:00. I
am grateful that you left us Prairie Home Companion, and the music programs on
Sunday evenings. I'm a big fan of Bill Beckett, too! Please bring back the
more balanced mix of programming! It doesn't have to be all classical music.

UF should be a school with innovative leaders in each department. Dean Wright,
in making the decision to remove classical music and go to an all-news format,
has simply gone with the laziest, practical, and most unimaginative solution to
cut staff and add generic news feed while disguising that move as a "Benefit" to
our community. It becomes a case of bait and switch for those who supported the
station for the mix of news and music, and this is unbecoming for a department
leader in a school which should be heralded for inventiveness and guile. That
Gainesville, one of the fastest growing Per-capita modern cities in America, has
no representation on the general airwaves for classical music is craptastic!
Please return to a music/news format and re-hire long-time master talent, Bill
Beckett, or resign and leave creative decisions to your betters, Dean
Wright.

I miss Classic 89 and the wonderful classical music programming...not just the
classics, but certain programs like Pipe Dreams on Sunday afternoons not to
mention Richard Drake every morning ...Also I think they have done away with ALL
music...folk, jazz, Marian McPartland at 7pm on Fridays....I have tuned into the
station a few times just for a few seconds...yesterday morning I heard someone
say "If the American people only knew" and I quickly went to CD in my car (who
cares??)....What a tragedy...a day without music is like a day without
sunshine!!! (Or Florida Orange Juice for that matter)...!!!! Who needs all this
talk anyway???

Talk radio can be found everywhere-up and down the radio dial. I am a huge fan
of NPR programs but taking off the outstanding cultural programming of WUFT-FM
for more of the same is ludicrous.

The short-sighted and arbitrary decision by Dean Wright and the UF heirarcy to
pull all music from WUFT FM radio should be reversed. The Dean's public
response of placing the music format on the HD2 channel shows the Dean's
disregard for anyone outside of the ivory tower he inhabits.
Muy reasons for being upset with this decision are many, but I will limit my
response to the two most obvious.
First, the HD signal is short range, at best, and from my limited
experimentation with the radio signal and HD TV signals, more than likely does
not reach to my zip code.
Second, HD radios are not readily available in large numbers, nor are they
affordable to the average person. Of the few HD radios I have found, only one
was under $130 and it is insufficient in its capabilities to use in my home for
the sole purpose of trying to get the WUFT HD2 signal. This makes it completely
unreasonable to invest in an HD radio, if I probably will not be able to use
it.
How is this for an idea? Return Classic 89 to its rightful place on the analog
dial and put the all talk format on the HD2 channel.

I enjoyed not only the classic music on Classic 89 but also some of the various
other types of music as well as Prairie Home Companion, Car Talk and Antique
Attic. However, since it became "Talk/News 89" I no longer have any of my
radios tuned to 89.1. I went on line to radio-locator.com to find out what
stations I could listen to while driving and located a County Music station
(102.3) out of Dunnelon and this is what I now listen to but there are many
choices but, of course, none having classical music. Once I am out of Alachua
County I can get NPR out of Tampa if heading south/west or NPR out of
Jacksonville heading north/east and once out of the State there are many NPR
stations to choose from that are NOT just news/talk stations. I think that all
those who pledged to Classic Music in the last drive should be contacted by UF
and asked if they want their contribution refunded because UF erred in not
advising listeners during the drive that Classic Music would no longer be
available after the drive was over. This is just another reason not to trust
the administrative officials at the University when they make statements about
conditions at UF.

We want OUR radio station back!
I sadly miss waking up to classic radio, hearing opera,
Harmonia (early music)....the great mix of radio that made it unique to our
area.
BRING IT BACK....THE PEOPLE, WHO MATTER, HAVE SPOKEN AND WILL CONTINUE
TO BE HEARD.

Your taking Classic89 away was a terrible idea. Yes, we have one HD radio, but
we can't spend all day listening in the kitchen. Please bring classic music
back!

This week I bought, and had installed in my car, an HD radio. As much of my
driving is in Gainesville, the signal is good and I am happy with the radio.
However, it did cost me quite a lot and I would rather have not had to buy it.
For the first couple of day, the talk NPR was fine, but I soon tired of it.

Since the change in progarmming I have not been able to hear WFTW-FM Music. I
just bought a new car and can't get. I don't want to listen to it on my
computer. I don't want to replace the radios in two cars. I have never seen a
radio that can receive WUFT music. I have been listening since the station came
on the air and have supported it financially ever since -- until they change
their format. I will not contribute again until they return to music & news
even though I never listen to the news.
I hope you change back. As of now, music radio in Gainesville is a
wasteland.
Blessing,
Jon Piper

I miss all the great music.

I am worried that the public service aspects of WUFT will not be continued.
Over the years WUFT has recorded public talks and musical presentations and
broadcast them to a larger local audience. The Florida Free Speech Forum
monthly talks are such an example, reaching a much larger audience than can
attend the luncheon meetings. With the loss of Bill Beckett, will such
essential parts of this local service disappear?

One of the founding principles of all Land Grant Universities is Extension, to
go along with Teaching and Research. A land grant university has the mandate to
extend knowledge and culture to the population served. With the abrupt and
arbitrary deletion of providing classical music as a portion of its programming
WUFT is now reneging on its extension function. In a geographic area that
sometime has the tag "red-neck" affiliated with it it seems that rather than
work to educate those unfamiliar with a broad range of classical music, UF chose
to abandon a balanced format with one that is now often redundant with other
public radio stations and without value added. The decision to abandon classical
music in all ways leaves North Central Florida with a huge void of culture.

Eliminating analog transmission of the wonderful mixture of classical, jazz,
opera, etc. that has served this area for so many years is a disservice to all
of the citizens of the nature coast area who have cherished that music for
decades, as well as to the young people who will live in this area without the
benefit of having such music readily available. I find none of the stated
rationales for this change reasonable, and I strongly urge a serious re-thinking
of this ill-conceived re-programing. I will be making no further contributions
to UF's radio stations until this change is reversed, and instead will be
sending a contribution to FSU in support of WFSQ-FM.

I miss classical music; i live alone and, 'tho I like news, etc., now and then,
I can't listen in my car to classical music nor on my walkman, and I haven't
heard great news about the hd radio's reception. I get news and talk all day
long (TV is full of it). What can I do? I want to be able to listen to some
classical music once in awhile... I tune to the fm station in evening and get
all kinds of OTHER music like country, rock, etc.-- but no classical. It just
doesn't seem quite fair to others. What can I do??

i will no longer be contributing my $$$ to wuft--unless we get our music back!
i miss "the old guys".

I should point out that in the over 12 years I have lived in Gainesville, both
my home and car radios have never been set to any station other than WUFT-FM.
Although my wife and I were very upset with the announced dropping of all
classical music, I felt I had to listen to WUFT-FM for several weeks to really
judge the affect this change would have on me.
I am a lover of classical music and jazz (and I enjoy most other music except
hard rock and rap). I am also a news junkie. I welcomed the earlier addition of
Terry Gross. She is an excellent interviewer and most, but not all, of her
guests are interesting.
I enjoyed all of the music on the old WUFT but I was especially fond of
“Exploring Music with Bill Mclaughlin”. Although I have a large collection
of classical CDs, one of the joys of the old WUFT was being introduced to a
composition or composer that I was not familiar with or being re-introduced to
something I hadn’t played in years.
On a recent trip to South Florida we passed through four different NPR stations.
How Sweet it Was; A sensible mix of news and classical music on each of
them.
I was particularly upset with the cavalier attitude of Prof. Wright of the
Journalism Department in the way he responded to the early complaints. You like
classical music? Go out and buy a couple of HD radios for your car and home. Or,
“we noticed a drop-off of listening after 9:00am” (when the music started).
Did he ever think that the fact that most people had started their jobs by that
time might have been a factor?
At the very least Prof. Wright could have presented a compromise. Instead of an
additional fourth hour of the same news (from 6:00am to10:00am!), why not
continue with the previous three hours of news followed by two hours of
classical music (Do we really need two hours of Diane Rehm?) and a call-in show
leading up to Terry Gross. Then another two hours of classical music followed by
“All Things Considered”. And on Saturday certainly they could have had an
hour of opera arias instead of that dumb “Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me”. And
please don’t insult your audience’s intelligence by trying to appease us
with a “Classics for Insomniacs” after midnight.
I have given WUFT four weeks of listening to the new format and while I may be a
news junkie I really miss my old WUFT-FM.
Our present attitude is “NO MUSIC – NO MONEY”. My wife and I will no
longer provide any financial support for WUFT as long as classical music is
missing from the daytime programming.

I think the one thing about the format change that angers me the most is the
disregard for the station's listeners who, over the life of the station, has
been one of the most SUPPORTIVE, FINANCIALLY AND ACTION ORIENTED, group in the
country!!!! I want my station format back. Along with all of the other
faithful listeners over central Florida I demand action on this problem. Why
can't the all talk be on HD?

I will never pledge again to UF, not because they changed the format so much as
they did not ask us, the pledging public, about what we thought and if we had
any alternatives to their list of changes. I've bought several hd radios
including one for my car and channel 2 and 3 are very dissappointing. HD2 for
the classical station is always being interrupted by dead air when I listen to
any of the classical selections and HD3 is really nice but they have no
background material to go with the old time shows. They also do not run the
serials through each plot but only give one or maybe two episodes of any given
run. If they would run the serials on each night at the same time or even each
week like they did in the originals then I could keep up with them and the plot.
The dean of journalism did not think very hard about this change and his
insufferable way of presenting it to the public who has faithfully listened and
donated for years shows a terrible lack of professionalism and public service
skills. As for keeping up with the times, most companies will not let their
employees stream Pandora or any type of music because it uses so much bandwidth
it slows the system down. (As seen in the rules for county, city and state
offices. Every office I've visited has an office rule about not streaming music
on the companies time and/or computers) I've worked for the state and the county
and that was and is their rules. The employees are allowed to play a cd on the
computer but not stream. If other people want talk so much UF should have put it
on HD2 and then the dead air time would not affect the listening so much. I have
several friends who listen to the Jacksonville station just fine and then they
had the choice to listen to varied classical on the UF station. They liked the
ability to have both. If it is so easy to stream why don't they stream the
Jacksonville station and let classical 98 continue its fine history of bringing
culture to an era of me-ness and shock attitude. Hip-hop, rap , heavy metal rock
and the other modern music has its place in the world, why can't classical
"dead" composers music be allowed its time also? Are we so jaded that we have to
have 24/7 news buffeting us to feel that we are alive? Instant news is not all
that it is cracked up to be.

The wonderful mixed auditory schedule that made up Gaineville's public radio
schedule has been a source of great loss for our family. One of the things that
we miss the most is that it bridged generations. When I would pick up our 10yo
daughter from JJ Finley Elementary School, one important way for us to
communicate without her feeling drilled for information was to discuss what was
on the radio. I would inquire as to what instrument was playing and this would
lead to some very insightful statements on her part. She is a quiet child and I
truly miss this major way for her and I to begin our afternoon communications.
THis week when I experimented with the radio vocal content at the time that I
was to park my car to pick her up, one day the topic was waterboarding, another
day it was the foster care system. Both of these topics are important, but not
as a way to transition a child from school to home.

I purchased one of the "recommended" HD radios when WUFT-FM first started to
broadcast HD signal. The sound from the radio is very poor - suitable "talk
radio" but not for music. Reviews of most of the current HD table radios
available indicate that poor sound quality is standard. Listening to the
WUFT-FM classic music via internet is also compromised since this signal is
sent in a compressed format. Certainly this is not the CD quality sound hyped
by the UF administration during the change over

Please restore WUFT-FM's music-based format. We've listened to Classic 89 since
the very beginning. We no longer wish to support the station as it presently
exists.

I have lived in Gainesville since 1978 and have long considered the public radio
affiliate Classic 89 to be one of our local treasures. I think the funding cuts
and drastic changes in programming at the station have created a blight on our
cultural landscape. I do like to listen to talk radio from time to time and
enjoy informative news analysis as well- but not ALL THE TIME! Let the
programming for OUR public radio station reflect the diversity of this
community. We the people want a station that reflects the variety of tastes
that ARE Gainesville. The University of Florida is making its mark as a major
research institution, but it would do well to remember that the Humanities and
Communications are a significant part of what makes our species unique on the
planet. Bring back the music!!

My house is silent; my car is silent. I don't like the silence, but I refuse to
fill it with conversation 24/7. An hour in the morning and one in the evening
is sufficient. There is no adequate substitute on the AM or the FM dial. My
life is not compatible with sitting at the computer with earphones to hear
classical music. After sending this station my pledge, am I now expected to go
buy CDs?

Though I disagreed with the decision to abandon the classics, I gave $365 during
the pledge drive for the HD radio so I could at least get the classical music I
wanted on the alternate HD channel. Silly me! I'm in Melrose and the signal
doesn't carry this far, so all I have is an expensive extra radio that sits
unused. I won't be supporting WUFT in the future unless the classics return.
(Meanwhile, I've found some classical radio stations and Pandora on the web.)

I regret the loss of classical music, blues and jazz. Sure, I have CD's, but
the radio station's record library has more, and I miss hearing what you guys
mixed up for us on a daily basis. Most of all, though, I mourn the loss of the
familiar and dedicated local presenters!
[name redacted]
Melrose

I could not believe that a university such as UF would drop classical
programming and replace it with another rock station!

Iowa State University solved this problem decades ago with an AM station for NPR
and public affairs and an FM station for music. They served their and grant
mission well.

What a poor decision! Replacing Jazz and Blues Music with a 'Foreign' BBC News
comentary! !:-(

Simply and politely put, it is a shame that as UF strives to be a top 10
university, the first thing that goes - even with our NPR station - is the
arts.... talk radio in lieu of music? Just one more thing that will work
against us competing if that is the desire with other academic and artistic
communities in the US. So much for the Public in National PUBLIC Radio.

Changing the station format was heartbreaking for many of us. Please do not deny
north Florida of music, art, and culture. Replacing a local jazz show, running
since 1981, with BBC world news is mind boggling (The Night Bridge). Not even an
hour per week for blues (Nothin' but the Blues)?
Please, bring back the music; bring back culture.

I listened to and supported the USF station until a few years ago when I moved
to Citrus County then switched to the Gainesville Station...I always thought
there was more "talk" and less music on the Gainesville Station but could no
longer get a good signal from USF so I settled in...this format change stunned
me...I have a Garden Business and had NPR playing all day for my enjoyment and
customers and of course my car radio is always on NPR. I don't know how I
missed knowing that the change was coming with the amount of time I listen to
the station....I just tuned in and the Music had Died. There are many other
options for people to hear "news" and "talk" format but not for Classical Music
which I have always associated with NPR. I have priced changing out to HD in my
car and Garden and Home and Shop...but that really adds up. Then I just get mad
that they made a change like this without any input that I can determine from
the listeners. I am so glad to be a part of a voice to support Classical Music
for the listeners.

I have attended the University of Florida and witnessed first-hand the removal
of the music-based format of WUFT. Also, I would like to listen to classical
music when I visit relatives and friends in Gainesville.

While I understand that many listeners wanted more NPR programming, why does
this require throwing out all classical music as well as many other wonderful
programs like blues and soul? Why for instance, do we have to listen to the BBC
at 10p. on a Saturday night? You play Afro-Pop at 9, why not have Nothing but
the Blues after that? Why keep Across the Praire, but get rid of Bill Becket's
wonderful Caravan? Why play reruns of Praire Home Companion and Car Talk when
you could play classical music or some of the other dropped programs on Sunday
afternoon? I enjoy both but don't need to hear them twice! That makes no sense
at all. I went out and bought an HD radio. The sound quality is horrible. It
is actually painful to the ear, not to mention it cuts out periodically. I can
only listen to it in one room and nothing in the car. I do enjoy some of the
new programing such as Science Friday and the news question comedy show on
Saturday morning. What's wrong with having a mix of all of it? I was sick
recently and had the radio on at home. I was so sick of news that I couldn't
wait to get back to work. Enough is enough. Why not put the BBC on the
alternate band? I remain disgusted and will not contribute any more money to
this station.

Please restore the format and programming you had a few months ago. Give us back
a wonderful station that we can be proud of!

What the powers-that-be have done to our wonderful radio station is a travesty.
How selfish of them! I'm not against talk shows. However, now there is no
balance. I can't tell you how much I miss listening to the beautiful music that
used to come over my airways. I have TURNED OFF my radio and won't turn it back
on again until the FORMAT CHANGE IS REVERSED. I will not hear anything
INCLUDING FUND RAISING PLEAS. As a matter of fact, so have all my friends. We
HATE what you have done and won't take this sitting down.

My husband and I moved here from central NH. The public radio station in Concord
made a format change just as you have done. Our listening habits changed
dramatically. We only listened during the news hour if we happened to be in the
car at the time. The rest of the time we listened to a music station.

Please give us back our music!

My wife and I have listened to your night jazz program on FM since its
inception, it was one of the few places where I could hear good jazz. I am
deeply saddened that somehow you found fit to remove it from the air....I won't
listen to your station again unless you restore the jazz programming...

"Classic 89"----Remember?
Please reconsider. Eliminating the Classical music format denies the stations
very reason for being.
I've been a proud, appreciative, member. I feel violated now.
What were you thinking??
Please think again!

Having more talk radio than the previous format is fine. Eliminating all
classical music is not fine. WUFT is an educational institution and has a
responsibility to present cultural programming as well as current affairs. I
would be better to have classical programming which is better planned than the
previous format.

My wife and I were founding members of WUFT. Most of our children and one
grandchild have attended the university at all levels. Although we live at some
distance I have been a faithful listener- recently fringe reception has
worsened, I think related to the hybrid digital channels. We have contributed
thousands of dollars to the station over the years specifically for the
classical music programming. We protest the unilateral decision to all talk
radio.

I moved from Tampa Bay nearly 3 years ago and was pleasantly surprised to find a
classical/jazz station (*NPR) I consequently became a donor and a daily
listener. I was outraged when all I could get on 89.1 was chit-chat and verbal
clap-trap. I wrote to the station only to find they had gone HD. I was outraged
that no "music" was available in North Central Florida.
I eventually shelled out almost $200 to get an HD radio. Not an easy task in
Lake City. My opinion is that their donated funds will drop so much this year,
that we may loose everything.. Here's hoping they see sense soon.

Please pass along my concerns. I was honestly appalled that no response to my
comments to WUFT were ever received.

Please pass along my concerns. I was honestly appalled that no response to my
comments to WUFT were ever received.

Bring it back, so much culture has been quashed, and it is unfair to the loyal
listeners and contributors.

It is hard to imagine that if this matter is not taken care of that there will
ever be another successful pledge drive. Certainly not with my help!

We all miss the music that the station used to broadcast. The classical music as
well as the variety of programs that were very entertaining and very
educational. Please do something to try to get our music back; the jazz
programs, the international music programs, the African and the folk music
spaces that were highly appreciated by a lot of friends in Gainesville,
etc.
All in all,lets try to get back the great selection that was informative and
enjoyable to listen at the same time. There was always something to learn, some
new piece to research, or some new song to add to favorites and know a little
bit more about. So please, bring back to Gainesville the only radio station that
was above the rest of the noise that today floods the airwaves of this town. The
only radio station that balanced news and music, fun and information. The only
radio station for people that want to go beyond the headlines and beyond the
everyday popular music.

Please my prior dawn to bedtime radio station.

I have a reputation in Gaines. as the Painter/Carpenter with good taste in music
[because I enjoy listening to classical music while working @ my clients
homes.Now I'm known just as a Painter/Carpenter.My favorite show was on Friday
afternoons. The request and giv-a-vay show,been a huge Agnes fan for years,
always hated when she went on vacations .O well hope this works,I'll say a
prayer.Next fund raiser closes the station totally then the dean will see the
door and let Hank run the show. Good-luck

Some months ago when I called in my membership to NPR, I asked about the HD
radio, thinking three streams might be worth the cost, if only for the classical
music. When the music left a state of mourning took over. I turned off
my alarm clock radios ( four in the house) and tried classic music on dish
satellite. Big disappointment. Turned to my CDs, did some research about HD
radios, and gave up. There is nothing that can take the place of our musical
hosts such as Bill McLaghlin, Richard Drake, Peter and Claudia, who brought us
Fanfare, afternoon and evening concerts, who apparently have been
fired.
So now we have only words, words, everywhere, TV, newspapers. Even at midnight
or five a.m. How rude.
Dean Wright has said he is not surprised that people want a classical music
presence in the community. As a loyal member for decades, I regret that I won't
continue to support NPR/UF.

I can listen to classical music on my computer at home, but in my car there is
no station in Gainesville that I listen to very often. Please bring back the
classical music on WUFT. The only WUFT programs I listen to now are Prairie
Home Companion, Car Talk, Sikorski's Attic and occasionally, Fresh Air.

The loss of the music on WUFT-FM has meant the loss of a listener in my case.
The last thing I need in this world is more talk radio. Freah Air and the
evening commentary are fine, I love Click and Clack but where is the MUSIC?
Classical, jazz, folk, all are favorites of mine. The commentaries were
wonderful. Bring back the music, forget the talk, talk, talk. Be unique!

During the next fund drive, I think all of us who are unhappy should call in and
report "what we would have pledged" but no longer will.

In this harried world, we all need a sanctuary to recharge & regroup for the
next battle of life.

"The day the music died". Too sad

Please return the station to its former programming; or a combination of that
format and the current programming. Music is essential to public radio-where is
the opera??

There is now no available classical music on the radio. There is only more
blah,blah talk shows of limited interest to which Uf has joined for whatever
short-sided reason. The UF claim as a cultural center sounds rather false

We have lots of choices in radio listening. We can listen to pop, LOTS of rap,
rock, country, etc. but nowhere in this supposedly forward-thinking town is
there a station to hear classical. We can listen to CNN, FOX and a host of
other news organizations, more than we want actually. I think, Dean Wright,
that you should seriously consider the desires of your listening audience before
arbitrarily making wholesale changes.

I came to Gainesville in 1975 to attend the University of Florida. I became a
faithful listener of Classic 89.1 for over thirty years until the format change.
I knew very little about classical music then. Over the years, listening to the
station became an integral part of my life. I learned so much about classical
music, especially opera, that I considered it an important educational tool for
me. I miss the old format tremendously. And, no opera on Saturdays is
something I am sorely missing. The new talk format is extremely boring. I was
an educator for thirty years and when I heard that it was expected that more
students would tune in to hear the new format, well, I think you are sadly
mistaken
I can't believe that a cultural hub such as Gainesville would not have a single
classical radio station. And I do not plan on buying any special equipment to
listen to another classical source.

My life has been diminished by UF Dean John Wright's decision in favor of talk
radio.

Please bring our station the way it was!

We have stopped listening to the station and will not contribute to this format.

We lived in England before moving here. The BBC has their own Classic Radio
Station transmitted nation wide. I am Russian and loved this and the fact that
we had the same in Gainesville. In my mind, getting rid of the classical music
portion of Classic 89 has taken a great deal of the sophistication away from
this city.

We have retired from UF to Cedar Key and the alternative HD radios do not even
receive in Cedar Key or any area beyond a small radius. A format of some
variation could have been considered, but it apparently was not a alternative
evaluated. We will no longer support WUFT as we have for more than 30 years.

Now there's no radio station, am or fm, to which I listen. No classical, jazz,
blues, opera. I drive my car in silence. My cd collection is no substitute.
We've lost a rare, civilized resource. We've lost dear friends who nurtured us.
It seems like an arbitrary decision made with no sensitivity to the desires of
the loyal listeners of many years. Shame on Dean Wright. Very upsetting!

Station management display the usual arrogance and distain for public opinion
that is typical of bureaucrats slopping at the public trough.

The public radio station at Florida State University operates two (2) FM analog
radio stations: one for "Talk" ((blab) radio; one for classical music. It is
unfortunate that the "Flagship University" for the State of Florida is incapable
of meeting the community interests of Gainesville as have our smaller,
University bretheran in the panhandle. The lack of sensitivity and arrogance
shown by the College of Journalism in its headlong march toward mediocrity by
becoming another talk radio station is unbelievable. It is not a matter of
purchasing HD radios for my car and my wifes car. Both systems are made by Bose,
which does not make HD automobile systems, and I have no desire nor can I afford
to replace these expensive, integrated systems.

We started listening to WUFT at 5 am every morning, then the news and then the
music until noon. In the afternoon in the car I would listen when the music
came on again until 4:30 pm Some evenings we would listen to the concerts. We
feel as if we have lost a very important part of our life here in Gainesville.
We HATE the new programs and hardly every listen to anything other than the news
from 5 to 8 am. Then OFF. Good music is a treasure. These people today have
not been taught what music is, a cultural disaster. And now WUFT is reinforcing
their belief that classical and romantic music from the past is throw-away
music, dead.

The previous format was a good mix of music, news and commentary. I do not like
just talk.

Please bring back the classical music.

I would not have objected to increasing the hours devoted to talk; but to
competely eliminate music in favor of talk shows, many of which are redundant,
is not acceptable! I listened to all kinds of music on Classic 89, including,
along with the classic, the Saturday afternoon opera, the Friday night jazz,
folk music and the celtic music offerings. less frequently, I listened to
Afro-Pop. So it is not that I am a classic music snob, I listened to other types
of music that I could not get on the commercial stations.
I was,I thought,a generous contributor and a seller of tickets to the wine and
cheese function. Please note that the preceeding statement is in the past
tense.
I am speaking entirely for myself and not for any member of my immediate
family.
[name redacted]
P.S. The fact that this decision was taken in camera arouses questions as to the
wisdom of relying on the statements of those, especially the Dean, who clain to
have made the decision; for example, I find it hard to believe that the Dean did
this without approval from higher up, especially when the top administrator has
demonstrated such a strong desire to control the actions of the University
staff.

An important element of the Gainesville community has been eliminated. There
has been no substitute for counting on the healing effect of classical and other
music programs ie Hearts of Space, which served so well after driving home from
a stressful job.
A clock alarm that awakens you to "talk opinions" is a not the same start for
the day as awakening to gentle music. A former sanctuary for those who escaped
from the cares of the world has been stolen!
Please at least consider modifying our local public station to a MIX OF
CLASSICAL/NEW AGE AND THE CURRENT TALK PROGRAMS.
Thank you for at least considering this idea.

I will no longer support WUFT-FM financially, since they have gone to all talk
format. I have gone to XM radio.

The new programming is a total loss to me and I have removed the WUFT from my
vehicle 'clicks'. I especially miss the Saturday night Blues.
I read the Sun, listen to the network news and do not care to have it rehashed
on the radio.
Please figure a means to restore the basic idea of music. By the way , on the
sister station ,that Lex & Terry show is reason that has been also removed
from my support.
Thanks for listening.

Please keep music on WUFT. Your station is one of the main ways I relax.

I could not BELIEVE this station that I loved so much was RUINED with the
deletion of the classical music!! Very much
BIG STEPS BACKWARDS for the University & Gainesville! I NEVER turn it on
now. Such boring, repetitious yak yak!!

I want the music back!!

When searching for a retirement location, my requirements were an Episcopal
Church, Volvo dealer, and Classical Music Station. All that's left is Holy
Trinity. Gainesville was a richer place culturally when we moved here eleven
years ago. Turning WUFT into talk means no opera on Sataurday afternoon, a
tradition as long as I can remember. Piano Jazz was a Friday night treat....
Time to move on, I suppose.

I fail to understand how a radio station that goes by the name of "Classic" 89
could turn into a talk radio station. Yes, we now have "HD 2" for our classical
music, but a) the audio quality is drastically reduced from what it used to be
in analog (doubt it? Talk to your engineers), and b) it now means that classical
programming is only available to those with HD radios or access to streaming
audio. I do not feel that I should be forced to spend hundreds of dollars on
new equipment to continue listening to the "free" programming that I have always
enjoyed (yes, cheap HD tuners are only about $90; now multiply to equip each
room in the house that has an analog system, any iPod compatible radios, and a
car's audio system). When WUFT last conducted a pledge drive, no one said
anything about this change. In fact, listeners were encouraged to donate to
their support to keep the music programming they enjoyed, and the drive's
success was repeatedly praised during it's duration. It seems that the College
of Journalism could learn a thing or two about false advertisement.

I was born and raised here in Gainesville and as far back as I can remember my
mother always had the radio tuned to WUFT. Thanks to the station I was exposed
to all manner of excellent music that neither of us would have found on our own.
Music is a reflection of emotions that we cannot put words to, and having a
station that we can turn on and grow with is remarkably rare. To have it
dismissed is a tragedy.

Please bring back the music content. Your decision did not only affect the
residents of Gainesville and Alachua County, but surrounding counties as well.

I like nothing about the new format. As far as I'm concerned it sounds like an
AM station with the constant drone of people interested in hearing themselves on
the radio.

I have just become aware of this petition and support it whole-heartedly. I
moved from NYC in 1983 and this classical music station has been my spiritual
life line ever since. To disregard the interest of thousands of classical music
lovers and ask us to buy an additional radio whose signals are questionable in
outlying areas was really a low blow. Sorry that I can't come to the meeting to
show my support but I hope you have a strong turn-out. Let's get classical music
back where it belongs!!!

When I lived and worked in Gainesville, Classic 89/Naturecoast 90 always created
a sense of community for me.
As a listener, this special station, with its mix of local talk and locally
produced music shows, allowed me to get a sense of the differing voices and
interests of an international, politically active, musically dynamic and
intellectually vibrant city.
As a producer of late-night music on the station, Classic 89 allowed me the
chance to share blues and jazz with surrounding counties, local musicians,
prisoners in the state system who were starting their own blues bands or wanting
to reach out to family members via dedications, college kids, old
rock-n-rollers, soul enthusiasts, guitarists with a host of obscure facts about
Leadbelly at their fingertips, people ending relationships, people starting them
on a Saturday night with Classic 89 as background music...
People sent music to the station that is still in the WUFT-FM library. People
heard music that they hadn't heard before, and called and made recommendations
and requests.
Now, a lot of the hard-working people I worked with for 7 years are being laid
off. WUFT is not a tool of the university, that the school can unplug or
re-purpose as it sees fit. It is a COMMUNITY SERVICE of the University of
Florida. I remember saying those words again and again as part of the 10-second
station ID.
It helps make a city a city, like a public park or a well-paved street. I love
it and though I always wished there was more attention to modern music than to
classical music, I feel even more strongly that local voices should get to
contribute to the real, 89.1 product, though where they put an hour of string
ensemble I might put an hour of funk.
Thanks for this site. I no longer live in Gainesville but I refuse to give up on
this station.

I lived in Gainesville for nearly 15 years and supported WUFT, constantly
enjoying the classical music. I was shocked to learn this morning, during the
fund drive at my current classical music station (WSFU), that WUFT had
discontinued classical music! It is unimaginable that this could happen in a
university community! This move risks turning Gainesville into a cultural
wasteland. I had been seriously considering returning to Gainesville (to the Oak
Hammock retirement community). This development is a strong negative in my
considerations. A much better move would be to offer two FM stations, as is
done in Tallahassee, where WFSU and WFSQ (music) are both available on FM radio!
Shame on UF School of Journalism!

Please retain WUFT's classical music format/programming!

It's really pathetic that the only really professionally run classical music
station in Central Florida is going down the drain. So now WUFT is like all the
other formal good music station and it will be talk, talk and more talk. So
there is no point in supporting the station anymore.

Such a disappointment that this could happen with zero input from thousands of
loyal listeners and contributors! I rarely listen to WUFT-FM any more. The only
exceptions are Car Talk and Wait!Wait! and Prairie Home Companion on Saturdays.
I especially miss the Giveaway and Request Program on weekday afternoons. I will
not contribute financially to this station under the current format.

I certainly miss the music format of WUFT and the different programs and wish
they would go back to the music format that I have grown to know and love. The
only thing I now listen to is Sunday evening on this station if Theater of the
Mind. Period.

I have been a long-time listener to Classic 89 and support the station through
donations though I no longer live in Gainesville. I had long been impressed by
the high quality of the locally produced programming at Classic 89, and my
support has always gone to local programs. It is this programming that sets
Classic 89 far above the competition, and which provides a distinctive regional
'voice' for the area. Classic 89 represents UF and the surrounding community,
and as a public university station, it truly has reflected and represented the
best in the diversity of north Florida. Please bring back the "Classic" to 89,
and please keep the dedicated station managers and staff who have brought us
this fine programming over the years. They are the foundation that has created
this great station!

The role of a meaningful University is to lead the community in education and
culture. To eliminate the classical music format from the University's station
(the only source of classical music in this cultural wasteland) is to abrogate
this role. Your responsibility is more than a numbers/ratings/income
game......it is to do what's needed for those people who wish to stay in touch
with classical music instead of endless talk shows and mindless music and rap
across the radio spectrum.

Did anybody actually come up to y'all and ask for a bunch of recycled BBC
time-fillers?

Classic 89 was such a wonderful mix of talk and different kinds of music I could
not believe why anyone would want to change it.
This eternal talk drives you crazy and I and all my friends want nothing more
than the old format back, even if the proportion of talk and music would be
changed a little.

Return classical music to the previous format.

Since Dean Wright didn't remove me from WUFT-FM's mailing list when I expressed
my concerns about the format change(I received, not one, but two requests to
contribute during this pledge drive), I guess he still isn't listening. Just so
it's clear, I'm not listening either (to WUFT, that is)!!!!

I had four radios all tuned to Classic 89. I woke up to Classics at Sunrise,
listened to the news programming on the way to and from work, and enjoyed the
Saturday operas and the variety of Sunday afternoon programming of kinds of
music genres, from organ recitals to Across the Prairie and On the Bridge. I
enjoyed the sense that some of these programs were hosted by local experts, and
I always found Agnes Klauder's strange pronunciations of titles and composers
both entertaining and educational. I felt that this was a local station in which
I participated.
I usually sent in my pledge without calling it in because there were so many
programs I enjoyed and which I wanted to support. Of course, I have no intention
of contributing to a radio station which now has left a big gap in my life. Like
so many others, I am both sad and angry.
Now I am rediscovering my CD collection, which has many memories attached. My
husband and I have started going to the Met Live HD broadcasts at the Regal
Cinema, which seemed an extravagance when I could enjoy the music for free on
the radio. I even figured out how to get my old radio to wake me up to a
cassette tape (it is pre-CD) and found some good ones at the Friends of the
Library sale.
I still miss the stimulation of Classic 89, the sense that there would always be
something new to discover or some surprise in hearing an old favorite. It would
be nice if you could bring it back, but I understand that it is necessary to
break any business that works in order to pay management its retention bonuses.

I am a retired legal secretary. Still spend a great deal of time on my computer
and it was always such a pleasure to listen to classical music, along with a bit
of news, etc., while sending messages to friends and relatives.
Now, the same "news" is on quite a bit of the time - nothing "new" about it,
except that I thoroughly miss my music!!!

I can just imagine what my friend, Doris Bardon, a founder of WUFT-FM, would say
if she was still alive. Doris was appalled when she moved to Gainesville to find
that there was no local classical music station and she did something about it.
I am proud to join the campaign to restore this cultural treasure to our
community.

There are many news/talk radio stations.
This was the only station in Gainesville that gave us wonderful classical and
jazz music to enjoy. Bring it back.

It is unbelievable to me that a prestigious institution of higher learning like
the U.of Florida would not have a public radio channel that offered a well
rounded format of classical and other music as well as high quality news/talk
information segments. I have always thought universities were places for
students and the community to come so one's outlook and scope of knowledge could
be broaden - to have a chance to be exposed to a wide range of thoughts, ideas,
and art forms perhaps never before considered. I recently moved here from
Salisbury, Maryland and for years financially supported the U. of Salisbury's
diverse public radio station. I had hoped to do that for the U.of Florida also.
I can not in all good conscience support a station that offers only news/talk
any more than I would consider donating to cable television news channels where
the daily news is repeated over and over ad nauseum. I know I read that
donations are not needed by the University to support the radio channel, but
please reconsider your decision to eliminate classical music on a channel that
is at least available to the majority of Gainesville residents. While I know
this may sound very grandiose, having a diverse radio station that includes
classical music does far more to advance ideas, society, civilization, and our
understanding of others than constant talking could ever hope to do. I first
learned of this concept in the book "Civilisation" by Kenneth Clark which was
reviewed on a public radio station long after the PBS television channel
broadcast the series. This conflict in Gainesville made me read the book again
and reflect on how important works of genius are to all of us. Again, please
reconsider.

We have some further questions about the format change. The "Powers that B"
rationalized that up to 70% of listeners would turn off their radios when the
classical music programs started. This is a meaningless statistic, without
knowing the statistical range of listeners?, age group?, sample size?.Was this a
National Survey? Local Survey?
During the previous membership drive one of the KEY selling points was that we
had the only station that aired classical music part of each day. What
happened?
When was the CLOSED DOOR decision made? Was it a year ago? Longer?
Finally, it seems that your decision does not follow guidelines of the Sunshine
State Laws.

The decision to switch formats deprives our community from radio exposure to
classical music. It should be reconsidered. There are many opportunities for our
citizens to become better informed on most issues, and for that reason it seems
to me that the greater loss is the lack of any over-air source of classical
music.

How I miss Bill McGlauphlin's Exploring Music!

Classical music provides a wonderful calming effect in this hectic world. Talk
radio simply makes tensions worse. I have lived in Gainesville for 8 years and
have sent in my financial support for public radio and television yearly.
Sadly, however, this year I am not renewing my support in protest to the loss of
classical music (and jazz too). You decided our views were not worth listening
to and now your station isn't worth listening to.

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.

bring back classical music.SOON

We have listened to WUFT since 1997 and was dismayed at the recent changes that
dropped all classical music for all talk radio. While we enjoy many of the
programs--Prairie Home Companion, Car Talk, Fresh Air, Diane Reams and others,
it is just too much to have all talk shows and interviews and no classical music
for all of Gainesville area. We will not renew my pledge this year and will
probably buy a Sirius radio for our automobile instead. If you change format
back to some classical music and other mixed venues of music, we will return as
a listener and a financial supporter.

To Whom It May Concern:
I am 44 years old and have lived in the listening area since I was five years
old. I have been a life long listener of Gainesville's public radio station --
first, when it occupied the 103.7 FM spot, then, when it moved down the dial to
89.1 and became "Classic 89." My parents were regular contributors to the
station (until the program change occurred in August of 2009). I have been a
contributor to this station as an adult as regularly as I have been able to
afford. As a contributor, I always felt I had a "voice" in what was chosen for
the programming on Classic 89 -- I felt as though I had part "ownership" in this
"public" radio station. I have been so very proud of "my" radio station for so
long -- I have invited so many people to listen to the interesting and varied
programming. I have loved this station for its eclectic mix of music genres,
news shows, forums, old time radio programs, and quirky shows such as "Car
Talk." I cannot express the depth of sadness I have experienced at the loss of
my beloved station and its fantastic format since August, this year. I feel as
though a part of my soul has been removed -- I considered listening to this
station my refuge from the everyday hectic existence that we all have to face.
It was this station and its unusual programming that took me to so many places
I'd never been, allowed me to hear music I'd never heard before. This station
helped me cement friendships with other listeners with whom I could discuss
programming that we enjoyed so much. I feel as though the powers that be at UF
or at WUFT ignored my wishes and the wishes of an entire community when they
decided to forever change the format and destroy what I and so many others have
felt was a significant part of what it meant to live and work in Gainesville and
the entire listening area. If it were strictly a matter of moving ahead with the
HD radio technology, I would have gladly purchased an HD radio for my car and
every room of my home, but that is not the case. I refuse to buy an HD radio to
listen to ONLY classical music (which, by the way, I love dearly) or ONLY talk
radio (which, I also enjoy, but not to the exclusion of the other varied
programming that used to be on Classic 89). I would hope that those who have the
power to rectify this great wrong would find it reasonable to do so. You have
done a great disservice to the Gainesville community and the surrounding
listening areas. I have not listened to your station since shortly after the
change and will not do so because I absolutely and completely dislike what you
have done to "my" Classic 89 -- "my" radio station is dead. I will never again
contribute to Gainesville public radio until the old format is reinstated, I can
promise you that.

Classic FM was the only local station that broadcast classic music. Having been
away from Gainesville for a time this summer, I was looking forward to enjoying
WUFT-FM Classic 89 when I returned. However, I returned to another talk radio
station much to my dislike. I implore you to please return the station to what
it was before. The change cannot be an economic one.

Keep the Caravan and other great music shows. With all your pledges and funding
gone, you will find who really supported you: Classic Music.

The loss of the music format on "Classic 89" has removed the "class" from
WUFT-FM's offerings. I've visited several big cities in the past several
months, cities with major universities. ALL have a classical music station
coming from their university connection. Gainesville has gone down a notch by
allowing this non-stop, talk show format. If we want to be in the top ranking
among universities and respected as a quality smaller city, we need a return to
the music format that Gainesville has enjoyed for decades with WUFT-FM.

I have been tuned in to Classic 89 for every waking hour since it came on the
air in 1981. I have supported the station financially as I have been able to. I
am bereft. I am angry. I cannot believe you, as dean, would not understand the
many values of the music programming to the students and the community.
Listeners far and wide have supported the choice of the programming. It's
removal is a breach of trust as well as cop out to blather in large and
repetitive doses. The station is no longer an exceptionally creative model. It
is now just another spot on the dial.