2008 Woodie Awards
WMUB committee offers common sense solutions
Issue date: 10/30/07 Section: Editorials
Last Friday the findings of the WMUB review committee were released, laying out several possible options for the future of the Oxford-based and university-supported FM radio station. The committee was originally created by Miami University President David Hodge in response to the station's objections over sweeping budget cuts. While it is understandable that budgetary accommodations must be made, WMUB has filled an important niche on campus and in the surrounding communities for more than 50 years. Because of this, The Miami Student editorial board urges the university to pursue option four of the committee's recommendations and seek a partnership solution in which WMUB will be preserved as an independent university supported station, while also teaming it with other area stations in an effort to save money.
After the future of the station was called into question last year because of the university's administrative and budgetary changes, it is commendable that the committee did not let WMUB go by the wayside, and instead made an effort to seek ways in which the station can be maintained. Because it seems clear that Miami can no longer continue to subsidize 62 percent of the station's budget, selling the station's license was a real possibility. However, while this is an option that has been pursued by a number of other universities and colleges, Miami might not have full control over who would purchase the station. Thus, a license sale would introduce the risk of degrading the station's programming and the possibility of turning WMUB into another corporate clone.
For a station of its size, WMUB has a loyal listening group that it composed not only of Oxford residents, but also by listeners as far away as Dayton. For many people, WMUB serves as their only connection to Miami. By bringing the thought and insight of the station's programming to the surrounding region, WMUB serves to further Miami's goals and image of developing a more thoughtful and knowledgeable citizenry. In light of this, it is important that students who are currently not aware of WMUB are informed of the station's opportunities and services. In addition, option four could allow students to further professional contacts and opportunities, through partnerships with potential employers.
Ultimately, realizing that a compromise must be made, the committee's suggestion of seeking a partnership appears to be the best. Hopefully, allowing the station to team with partners in the area will allow for more efficient business practices, such as the joint underwriting of the station with partnered networks, while allowing WMUB to maintain control over what goes out over its airwaves. WMUB has made valuable contributions to the university's intellectual climate for decades by carrying NPR and PRI programming, local shows and by allowing students and faculty to become involved. This tradition should be maintained in Oxford, and it is important that any final decision on the station's future reflect this.
After the future of the station was called into question last year because of the university's administrative and budgetary changes, it is commendable that the committee did not let WMUB go by the wayside, and instead made an effort to seek ways in which the station can be maintained. Because it seems clear that Miami can no longer continue to subsidize 62 percent of the station's budget, selling the station's license was a real possibility. However, while this is an option that has been pursued by a number of other universities and colleges, Miami might not have full control over who would purchase the station. Thus, a license sale would introduce the risk of degrading the station's programming and the possibility of turning WMUB into another corporate clone.
For a station of its size, WMUB has a loyal listening group that it composed not only of Oxford residents, but also by listeners as far away as Dayton. For many people, WMUB serves as their only connection to Miami. By bringing the thought and insight of the station's programming to the surrounding region, WMUB serves to further Miami's goals and image of developing a more thoughtful and knowledgeable citizenry. In light of this, it is important that students who are currently not aware of WMUB are informed of the station's opportunities and services. In addition, option four could allow students to further professional contacts and opportunities, through partnerships with potential employers.
Ultimately, realizing that a compromise must be made, the committee's suggestion of seeking a partnership appears to be the best. Hopefully, allowing the station to team with partners in the area will allow for more efficient business practices, such as the joint underwriting of the station with partnered networks, while allowing WMUB to maintain control over what goes out over its airwaves. WMUB has made valuable contributions to the university's intellectual climate for decades by carrying NPR and PRI programming, local shows and by allowing students and faculty to become involved. This tradition should be maintained in Oxford, and it is important that any final decision on the station's future reflect this.
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M Aaron
posted 10/30/07 @ 9:22 AM EST
I agree with the comments provided in this editorial. I currently live in Greenville, Ohio, an hour and 10 minutes North of Oxford. I often listen to WMUB on my rides to work as this is a way I can stay connected to Miami as well as be informed about the world around me. (Continued…)
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