R.I.P. KTXT (1961 - 2008) Options

[blaarg]

KTXT is no more. Student Media Department didn't inform anyone on staff and changed the locks during the "final" broadcast before pulling the plug on the last day of finals.

http://www.kcbd.com/global/story.asp?s=9502063

[Epic]

Honestly, I have absolutely no idea. I'm certain the numbers are low; however, I think we should keep in mind that popularity isn't necessarily indicative of quality.



Contrary to your request, I must clue you in on one more thing about art. It doesnt need to be popular. College radio is supposed to be different. This is true of all colleges. Mainstream media even issue a completely separate top 10 list for college radio each month. Alternative media is the point. It provides a unique alternative from Clear-channel's obedience.

Different perspectives are important. This is especially true in here. I love Lubbock, but this isn't exactly a cultural utopia. That is why we should save this radio station. Because it's worth saving, and because some things should be more important than money.

Yes, but it isn't your money. Please show me another venture supported by Tech that sucks up so much money without providing much money back that is there to support the institutional values and goals. In the most recent data that I read on the Save KTXT facebook group, it just cost too much money to operate for the low number of listeners that you catered to. I am willing to bet that Tech would be more keen to "meet in the middle" given commitment by the current and future KTXT staff to underwrite shows and host fundraisers.

And yes, it is an educational experience, but I don't know many other programs that cost so much money to give a select number of students real world experience. Education is subsidized throughout all the students enrolled, but I disagree that the University as a whole should be responsible for funding an elitist attitude that employees a handful of individuals who want radio experience.

Again, I do think this was handled very poorly, and it is a loss of a valuable campus experience for some. It does not sit completely well with me, but I support Tech and after seeing the numbers available, I feel that they had to make a business decision. If the choices are 1) shut down the station or 2) pass the additional cost on to the student, I'm going to choose option two. We're in a recession, and a college experience is a privilege, not a right. Having this experience was a luxury that Tech can't afford right now. The moment that KTXT accepts responsibility to take on some of the funding issues themselves in a real way will be a great sign. I know there are plans now, and I think Tech will listen to them and accept them with conditions, so best of luck to all you.

But I want to reiterate, it is always very easy to say "money isn't everything" when it isn't your cash.

[SaveKTXT!]

Yes, but it isn't your money. Please show me another venture supported by Tech that sucks up so much money without providing much money back that is there to support the institutional values and goals. In the most recent data that I read on the Save KTXT facebook group, it just cost too much money to operate for the low number of listeners that you catered to. I am willing to bet that Tech would be more keen to "meet in the middle" given commitment by the current and future KTXT staff to underwrite shows and host fundraisers.

And yes, it is an educational experience, but I don't know many other programs that cost so much money to give a select number of students real world experience. Education is subsidized throughout all the students enrolled, but I disagree that the University as a whole should be responsible for funding an elitist attitude that employees a handful of individuals who want radio experience.

Again, I do think this was handled very poorly, and it is a loss of a valuable campus experience for some. It does not sit completely well with me, but I support Tech and after seeing the numbers available, I feel that they had to make a business decision. If the choices are 1) shut down the station or 2) pass the additional cost on to the student, I'm going to choose option two. We're in a recession, and a college experience is a privilege, not a right. Having this experience was a luxury that Tech can't afford right now. The moment that KTXT accepts responsibility to take on some of the funding issues themselves in a real way will be a great sign. I know there are plans now, and I think Tech will listen to them and accept them with conditions, so best of luck to all you.

But I want to reiterate, it is always very easy to say "money isn't everything" when it isn't your cash.

Absolutely true. It is easy to dismiss money when it isn't yours, but that doesn't make the point that some things SHOULD be more important than money, incorrect. Culture, education, hands on experience, art, and originality all transcend money. This is especially true on a college campus where individual thinking and creativity should be nurtured. KTXT presents these things to an area that is lacking in each.

The flip side of your statement should also be mentioned. It's easy to cite financial reasons for shutting the station down when you give the students no notice that money is an issue. No one is suggesting a college radio station is a right. However, it is inexcusable students were given no opportunity to argue their case, examine alternatives, or propose solutions for the continuation of this privilege. The station has been around since 1961. It deserves better than that.