Editor's Note: Those interested in joining the struggle to save the KCMU News Hour are encouraged to contact Wayne Roth and Don Yates by mail: KUOW/KCMU, U of W, Box 353750, Seattle, 98195; and/or by e-mail at kuow@u.washington.edu; or contact UW President Richard McCormick at 543-5010.
A public meeting on the situation will be held: University Christian Church, 4731 15th Ave. NE. For more info, call 782-8292. |
C.U.R.S.E. Redux
The sudden move is reminiscent of the crackdown on musical freedom at KCMU three years ago that led to the protracted C.U.R.S.E. flap (which culminated in the UW losing a federal lawsuit filed by several fired volunteer DJs).
Political Downsizing
Yates, who recently added a CD of Chomsky speeches to the station's playlist, explained that giving listeners political information in 2-to-3 minute blurbs was "more effective" than a solid hour's worth of news. In another curious rationalization, Yates said he didn't believe the station had a special responsibility to supply its largely under-30 audience with news and information, even though political apathy among people in that age group is at an all-time high.
Plus: A reader responds to this article.