Paul Gordon Replied to my Letter

Well, I was informed today that Paul Gordon responded to my letter. I am actually pretty impressed that he took the time to do so. It is an interesting response. I am actually glad to see they still have plans on the table to expand student involvement; hopefully "they" deliver on that continued promise. The numbers he provides of 25% increase in student involvement is rather silly: students involved in classes that are required to contribute to the newsroom are not volunteers or student workers. The station is still down from the level of student involvement in the past. That being said, I am also glad to see he responded that they are bringing forward student talk shows...hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

I have copied the letter below:

"Station to increase student staff

This is in response to Frank Bracco’s Nov. 10 letter “WUFT-FM should rethink change in format.”

In his letter, Bracco claims that “more students were cut than added” with the restructuring of the UF College of Journalism and Communications-operated stations. In fact, the number of students working at the stations is up nearly 25 percent over the previous year. We’re creating numerous new volunteer and academic opportunities for all the students in the college and plan to continue expanding this vital aspect of our operation. More than 300 students attended the stations’ first open house earlier this semester.

Bracco suggests some student talk shows air on WUFT-FM. In fact, we’re laying plans for a 7 p.m. weekday, student-produced, live news program. We’re adding weekend and nighttime news programs, and we’re submitting a grant request to fund a daily Spanish-language, student-produced broadcast.

Bracco accurately notes some retraction in membership pledges can be expected due to the recession. However, he neglects to consider the time required to transition to an expanded, enriched format. Our current and new audience will replace and increase previous contributions in coming pledge drives.

The multimedia properties play a major role in fulfilling the educational mission of the College of Journalism and Communications. Our news and public affairs programs embrace that mandate. Our commitment is unwavering."