The following is excerpted from a letter sent from KPFT to KTRU.

Dear KTRU DJs and friends,

It is with great sadness that we observe the fate facing KTRU, a Houston cultural institution that blazed trails. It offered programming commercial radio would never touch or, in rare cases, would only make way for many years later.

We empathize with the financial troubles besetting Rice University. As a nonprofit, KPFT is constantly facing a challenging fiscal outlook and media landscape.

We share your concerns about media consolidation, and we hope this struggle reminds everyone about the need for true media diversity.

KPFT management thinks it would be a shame to lose so many incredible KTRU programs.

…

KPFT’s staff recognize you have unique talents and we genuinely want you to be part of Houston’s first and, possibly, last community radio outlet. Houston’s music and cultural scenes need you.

In solidarity,

Ernesto Aguilar
Program Director, KPFT

Duane Bradley
General Manager, KPFT

Read the full statement at KPFT.org »