Comments from the petition: Page 4

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.