From Alum Daniel Pond
Here’s my letter to the administrators:
I am extremely upset by the news I received this morning regarding the sale of KTRU’s radio tower. As a native Houstonian and KTRU DJ / volunteer, I was very proud to be part of KTRU and I had tangible evidence every day that I was participating in something that benefitted the city where I grew up. The availability of adventurous, free-form programming on FM radio was something that made Houston unique and put it in very elite company. I have lived in cities all across the country since graduating in 1993, continuing to develop my love for music of all varieties, and I can say that most places have nothing on the FM dial that will open your mind to new possibilities the way that KTRU has done consistently for 40 years. I’ve also listened to thousands of hours of online radio programs and I know that an online stream without an FM component cannot speak to and support its community the way that KTRU does. Please, please reconsider this uninformed decision and keep KTRU on the radio. If this cannot be done, I will consider it an act of contempt against me and the city whose reputation I have always defended. I will be finished forever with making contributions to Rice.
Daniel L. Pond, ’93
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“I know that an online stream without an FM component cannot speak to and support its community the way that KTRU does”
So true! Moving to online only will kill most of the audience. Frankly, there are hundreds of competitors to KTRU online. There are NO competitors to KTRU on the radio. So for Houston radio listeners whether you’re in the car, at home, in the garage, etc., prepare for the corporate onslaught!
I’ll go on the record and state that if Rice reverses its decision within a month, I will give $1,000 (not including my company’s matching funds) to Rice. If not, you can call, but don’t expect a friendly response.
Daniel Swint
Will Rice ’93
“I’ll go on the record and state that if Rice reverses its decision within a month, I will give $1,000 (not including my company’s matching funds) to Rice. If not, you can call, but don’t expect a friendly response.”
I’ll join you, Daniel. I’ve already cancelled the remaining $1000 of my multi-year pledge, but I’ll gladly give it all at once if they come to their senses and don’t go through with this deal.
JJ Heldmann
Wiess/KTRU 1993
well said!
i particularly enjoy the summary
If this cannot be done, I will consider it an act of contempt against me and the city whose reputation I have always defended. I will be finished forever with making contributions to Rice.