Chicagoist: WLUW: WTF?

msheahan

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:03:13 -0600

I worked at WLUW as a LUC student right after it made its transition from High Energy dance music to an Independent format. I fail to see what the big issue here is. Loyola is not seizing the station from BEZ, it is simply reclaiming the station as allowed by the contractual agreement signed by the two interested parties five years ago. There seems to be a misconception that WLUW only became what it is today because of BEZ. Certainly from an active fund raising standpoint, that is accurate , but WLUW was unapologetically invested in independent/small label/local artist music and community programming well before BEZ was ever involved. The piece about this being the first year WLUW has had a balanced budget is less relevant when one realizes that it never needed one before as it was completely supported by the university. There used to be no fundraising, and I assume that will be what it will return to as it reassumes its full place at the university. I do not, nor does it seem that anyone else does, know if the format will change. I personally think a move away from the greater community with a greater focus on the Loyola community makes a lot of sense. As a graduate of the communication department I don’t understand why it would not be used as an excellent resource for those students. The sad truth is WLUW has never been embraced by all but a very small percentage of the 15,000 + students, staff and faculty that make up the Loyola community. I would argue that Loyola has a greater responsibility to serve their needs (particularly with tuition alone in the $30,000 range) than the greater Chicago Area. If they can do that in a manner that makes WLUW a greter centerpiece of campus life for the average student by changing the format, than I am all for it. Shawn Campbell already has a position. I don’t understand the piece about Craig, and I feel bad for him. I also, like almost every one else, don’t have all the information. He is a WBEZ employee and has been for the last 5 years. They suggest it was their mutually agreed upon choice to not have Craig work there in the interim. It sounds from thr Chicagoist article that he was not on board for the change so it is not shocking to me that Loyola would not extend itself to bring him back to the University full time. My guess is that there is some bad blood from both the recent decisions as well as the funding issue that necessitated BEZ’s involvement 5 years ago. I can say this, Craig is a very nice man and John Pelissero is not. The bottom line for me is this, Loyola made a very bad choice five years ago to stop funding the Radio Station. It was made by an interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences as a cost cutting measure. It did not make sense at the time. At the end of 2002 Loyola was in the midst of record enrollment and was starting an ambitious new construction campaign. It was on the other side of the financial issues that plagued the university in the late 90s. The move to cut loose the station was political and probably had more to do with a fractured and dysfunctional communication department than anything else. I believe the decision to legally reclaim the station as their mutually agreed upon contract allows is simply righting a past wrong. I can understand why other people may have feelings about it, but they have to appreciate that WLUW has always been part of Loyola University Chicago ans should be used in the manner that best serves its students and constituents.

wnurnewsweb

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:32:25 -0600

"WLUW has the most students working at it of any station in a unversity setting, save from WNUR -- their students from the Medill School of Journalism were required to work at the station as part of their coursework." As a Medill student and four-year executive board member at WNUR/WNUR News, I'd like to clarify/correct the above statement from the article. WNUR is not affiliated with Medill in any way - it is actually part of the School of Communication. Also, I am not aware of any Medill class that has anything to do with WNUR, much less requires students to take part in it. I have run through Medill's main broadcast coursework and can assure you that I am not aware of any Medill class that utilizes WNUR. That said, Medill students can of course take part in WNUR, but it is on a strictly volunteer basis.

tg92

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:38:31 -0600

Nonsense? That's laughable. Shawn's post above smacks of arrogance. There is a successful WLUW history pre-1997 or whenever Craig over took the station, Shawn. I'll tell you from personal experience, Loyola University certainly did a great job of running the radio station before C & S ever stepped foot in the door. So many alumni (yes---actual students who attended Loyola) had the opportunity to work with wonderful Loyola Univ staff members who produced a terrific radio product (High Energy, Energy, Hitline, etc) giving STUDENTS terrific experience. Great People like Jym G. & Wayne M., all under the direction of Prof - Dr. S. Danna who founded WLUW to begin with---developed great talent that you see and hear across Chicago and the entire U.S today. Turn on Ch.2 and Ch.7 to see Lou C. and Susan C. ----both are terrific & both products of Loyola faculty run WLUW. I'm sure they would agree that the faculty run WLUW was I worked in commercial radio "after" WLUW and also benefited from the Loyola Degree that came along with the WLUW experience. It sure seems to me Loyola has the right to use the radio station that it holds license to for its students like it did pre-1997, I can't believe that someone would call that "nonsense"---it must be political and from what I have read---WLUW has turned into a back biting political operation under the C&S regime, what a shame---that never was the case pre C&S. Shawn shouldn't speak about something she never experienced----Oh wait, I take that back---that would be arrogant of me if I said that.

shawn

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:00:59 -0600

TG's post above is nonsense. There is nothing about "the community radio format" (which is not a format at all -- it's a philosophy of managing and programming a station to ensure diversity and the inclusion of voices that often go underrepresented) that precludes anyone from getting the experience and training they need to get a job in commercial radio. In fact, a number of those who came through WLUW during the past decade have done just that. I worked in commercial radio for years before I came to WLUW (including WBBM 780 immediately prior), and worked with everyone who had an interest in getting a job in commercial media to help ensure they were successful. The fact is, everyone who has come through WLUW over the past eight years has been able to tailor their participation to what they want it to be. Some people asked for lots of feedback, help in getting a tape together, assistance in choosing internships, etc. Others just wanted to come in and play some cool records. One thing we did ask of everyone who came to WLUW, though, was to treat their shows respectfully and professionally, and to always work to improve their performance. The fact is, the only way to get good at being on the radio is to be on the radio, so you certainly heard people who were just starting out on the air. I will defend this philosophy to the mat, and I really resent the ignorant notion that inclusiveness and an openness to lesser-heard viewpoints somehow equals a lack of professionalism or of interest in helping people achieve the goals they wanted to achieve. And yes, WLUW management was "outsourced" over the past five years...outsourced to Chicago Public Radio (yes, public radio, which actually has seen growth in job opportunities over the past decade, unlike commercial radio, where jobs continue to decline at an alarming pace). Is TG insinuating that the Loyola University faculty somehow has more experience in running a "real world" radio station than WBEZ? TG shouldn't speak about something he never experienced.

guest

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 23:03:21 -0600

This article is completely one sided. As a Loyola grad and WLUW alum from the early 90's, WLUW was an invaluable "student learning lab" that launched many professional careers (Susan Carlson from Ch.2, Lou Canelis from CLTV/Ch.7, etc. etc. etc). Students who pay upwards of $20,000+ per year who are majoring in "Communication" expect hands on/real world experience at Loyola's radio station. The whole independent community radio format DOES NOT serve the tuition paying students who intend to work in the real world media and need real life experience. The whole idea that the University decided to stop funding the station in the first place is mind blowing.... How many tuition paying communication students did they lose while they "outsourced WLUW".... Loyola has the opportunity to correct a wrong and bring the station back the way it was supposed to be used...for the students to learn real world radio.... TG Class of 92

Jocelyn Geboy

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:57:50 -0600

you used to have to have a license (i think it was only $10), and i still have mine. but you don't have to have one now. i love that i have one, though.

guest

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:16:36 -0600

WNUR was behind this! I'm calling Joey Greco of "Cheaters!"

guest

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:18:07 -0600

And, as far as the cost of a transmitter? You can build a transmitter out of an old coffee can. Commander Todd did it with WTPS (look 'em up). Or are you referring to the FCC license fees, which I thought were finally suspended for low-watt, community/college, non-commercial radio stations? Or did they just suspend the need for individuals to have a FCC broadcasting license? I readily admit I could have all this wrong, here - except for the coffee can transmitter. Them's for reals.

guest

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 18:06:23 -0600

The equipment WLUW used already had been purchased. Any new equipment needed over the past five years was purchased by WLUW itself, not Loyola. The space already existed in Damen Hall, which was being emptied out in preparation for getting torn down. WLUW paid phone and other bills. Yes, Loyola provided the space, but they certainly didn't support the station's operation. Listeners did that.

guest

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:30:24 -0600

i would say supplying offices, the space, the transmitter, the license and the equipment is pretty big support. wbez didn't pack up a truck and move the 'luw studios to navy pier - they remain in rogers park on the loyola campus in loyola buildings.

Jocelyn Geboy

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:49:08 -0600

for the record, for the last five years, they have NOT supported the station. that's why WBEZ came on board and helped with fundraising and were on the hook for any deficit between budget and fundraising. they came in and decided to reclaim something that had prospered and flourished in their absence. also, the quotes from the scott smith article in TOC indicate that they are very interested in using this as a learning tool, which makes me wonder just what they have in mind.

guest

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:34:42 -0600

don't forget loyola owns the signal, houses and supports the station, its offices and equipment and supplies the license, etc. there would't be a radio station without them. i'm a gigantic fan of WLUW - it's the best station in the city, but demonizing a university for its decisions regarding a station that it has always owned and operated is a bit much. let's hope loyola follows the path that the wluw staff has created the last few years and we all continue to have one heck of a good station to which to listen.

Jocelyn Geboy

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:59:37 -0600

commercial stations usually "serve the public interest" with those late sunday night programs. if you've ever tuned in at 3 in the morning and found your fave station running some weird ass talk show, that's why. it's also why NBC and those guys have those weird public interest shows on sunday mornings. serving the public interest.

guest

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:12:50 -0600

“At the very least, we can at least hope this means a drastic reduction in the amount of time devoted to pledge drives. (hopefully that's something we can all agree on)” With the termination of WBEZ's stake in the operating agreement, it is now illegal for WLUW to fundraise. Loyola will now cover all expenses. This means that the volunteer staff, paid management and programming of WLUW will no longer be accountable to listeners, donors or the community. They will be accountable exclusively to Loyola. All radio broadcasters, be they to the right or the left of the dial, are mandated by law to serve “in the public interest.” Commercial radio stations interpret the law very broadly. WLUP, for example, feels it is in the public interest to play an AC/DC song every 20 minutes. Loyola University, as the sole fiscal contributor to WLUW, will be accountable only to themselves for WLUW’s content. They are free to serve the public interest as they see fit. How they will do so remains to be seen, and we are all hoping for the best. But without fundraising, there is only token accountability to the listeners or volunteers. Without fundraising, there are no real consequences for failing to serve the public, or for serving less of the public, or for serving the public less well.

guest

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:18:10 -0600

forgive me for harping on such a trivial detail, but as a medill student, i can assure you that there is no stipulation on the behalf of medill for students to be invovled with NUR. everyone from engineers and math to theater and voice majors take part at the station. the adviser, is misinformed.

guest

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:52:29 -0600

Typical arrogant behavior on the part of Loyola University. They have always had a paternalistic attitude toward their students, and I see nothing has changed. Sure, they'll make sure you feel "listened to" but in the end they will do exactly what they had planned to do from the beginning.

guest

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:46:30 -0600

The faculty adviser of WNUR says Medill students are required to participate in WNUR news.

guest

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:10:05 -0600

while the news of WLUW's transformation is so shocking, i feel that jabs and mentions of WNUR are insignificant. the medill school of journalism does in fact NOT require its students to partake in WNUR, it is entirely a volunteer-based organization, the largest student-run college radio station in the country. i encourage chicagoist writers to research their facts thoroughly so as to not misconstrue the inner-workings of WNUR. cheers

guest

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 23:23:48 -0600

The Milwaukee School of Engineering's radio station, WMSE, is /the/ absolute best example of what can happen to a college radio station when the clever deviants who love the station wrestle control of it back from the school. http://www.wmse.org Not only is the station entirely self-sufficent, but they've survived for decades, and have actually managed to create an amicable relationship with the campus that they operate out of. /These/ are the guys that WNUR envy. Even if they are from Milwaukee. I know it's a stretch, requesting that the hipster-that-are in Chicago to actually check into something north of the border that isn't, y'know, Summerfest, Sprecher or Lake Geneva...but 'MSE is /the/ best college/community radio station in the nation, bar none. Malatia, et al, would be well-advised to speak to Tom Crawford, the current General Manager of WMSE.

guest

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:21:36 -0600

This is a great article and puts a solid recap on a lot of what has been said and thought about this transition. however, i dont think that a lot of it has been fair to Loyola, especially since everyone comes mostly from the radio station's point of view. even considering that loyola is looking to "cash in" on the hard work of the staff and volunteers at WLUW by taking back the station once its financialy independent is very one-sided. i imagine that loyola sees this radio station as an asset to themselves and the community, and always has. it could even be argued that, while in their own financial problems 5 years ago, loyola needed to hand the reigns of control to a better suited radio leader precisely because it was an important community outlet. if the whole school was having financial troubles, how could they serve the community with their radio station? on the other hand, i dont think that the financial state of the radio station made much of an impact on their decision at all. the truth is, the school is expanding, for their own good and the good of the students and community. they are creating new schools and majors to complement the changing times. inevitably, these majors include journalism, media, and public relations, all of which are heavily aided by having their own radio station. i think its important also to realize that when loyola and wbez came to this agreement originally, this clause was put there for a reason. loyola knew that the station was an asset, and knew they would need it again. i do not want to belittle the work that everyone has put into making this station amazing, but i think it was forgotten that the whole time, this station was borrowed from loyola. that said, loyola is full of intelligent, caring people, especially the faculty. if the opinions of the staff and volunteers at wluw are expressed to them in a manner of cooperation and concern for the community, there is no way they will be ignored. change is scary because it could go either way: bad or good. change was fought 5 years ago because of fears that proved to be unfounded. i think if the cumulative energy is put into ensuring that the station remains a beacon to the community and the music lovers it caters to rather than fighting inevitable change, then in time, this change too will be for the best.

guest

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:12:38 -0600

"to me professionally it never made sense for a fledging volunteer-powered 100-watt station to be burdened financially by the salaries of two highly experienced full-time employees. I'm sorry, I just don't see how that ever could work out in the long term." Well, you're wrong. It was working. WLUW had it's first balanced budget in 2006 and only looked to be doing better in 2007. Listenership was growing and the quality and professionalism of the station has definitely improved in the last five years. If you think Shawn and Craig were pulling in huge salaries with these jobs, seriously, you're living in some fantasy land. Anyway... in case anyone missed it, there was a Timeout Chicago article about this today: http://www.timeout.com/chicago/outandabout/?p=2548

guest

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:42:59 -0600

Wow, this is deja vu from when the Loyola/BEZ fiasco first started. With all due respect to Shawn and Craig personally, to me professionally it never made sense for a fledging volunteer-powered 100-watt station to be burdened financially by the salaries of two highly experienced full-time employees. I'm sorry, I just don't see how that ever could work out in the long term. No one wants to see their friend lose a job, but in the end you've got to look at the big picture and ask what's best for the organization as a whole. Saying WLUW will "no longer exist in its current form" is a bit overly dramatic at this point. There's no reason that the station still can't thrive in its current format with a mix of talented students and highly educated communications professors at the helm. That being said, I do think we all should make our voice known to Loyola that WLUW is an invaluable resource and a change in format would be a huge loss to the community. As sad as I'm sure a lot of people are to see Shawn and Craig go, at the same time this also could be a really great opportunity for the station if everyone (students, volunteers and university staff) works together on a focused commitment to education and service to the community. At the very least, we can at least hope this means a drastic reduction in the amount of time devoted to pledge drives. (hopefully that's something we can all agree on) -brad knutson former WLUW volunteer

shawn

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:17:59 -0600

Thanks so much to everyone for the kind words. It's an extremely hard time for us, and all the great things people have to say about the station really do let me know we've made a difference. We love you guys, and we're going to look into some other possibilities (be sure to call your Congress members and ask them to support HR 2808 and SR 1675, the Local Community Radio Act, which would allow new low power FM licenses in urban areas like Chicago). You've not heard the last of us. Stop in, and I'll be happy to give you a goodbye t-shirt.

guest

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:03:30 -0600

I was a Loyola student and (crappy) on-air DJ during the WBEZ transition and was glad when things continued basically as-is. I even thought the fund-raising sort of united everyone and made them really care about what WLUW offered. Hopefully things won't change too much for the listeners, but I'm sad to hear Shawn and Craig are leaving. Craig was a great teacher and I really enjoyed the classes I took with him, and no one cared as much about WLUW as Shawn. Now I wish I'd bought a T-shirt at Pitchfork!

Stephen

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:51:11 -0600

Great piece, Jocelyn. I'm hesitant to bash Loyola and assume the worst... yet. Hopefully they can be as transparent about their motivations as Malatia et al. have been about the future of their involvement with WLUW. Hopefully that transparency will come soon.

HeaveMediaLisa

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:33:59 -0600

This is really freaking sad. I saw that comment and googled it, and couldn't find any information, so I went back to having fun during Pitchfork. Thank you so much for writing this really detailed and awesome post that explained a lot. I'll be linking it, Thanks Jocelyn.

skaterina

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:02:45 -0600

I have followed the unfolding WLUW - Loyola - WBEZ saga for years now and it has always been difficult to understand Loyola's motivations in all of it. If they want to take the credit for running a great independent radio station, why dismantle a great station and start over? If Loyola has some other big plan for what they want to do with the frequency and license, they should make it known soon because this is a bad public relations move. It just makes Loyola look like a nasty bully, bent on getting the final say. They have put all kinds of banners up and down Sheridan, and billboards elsewhere, trying to sell the quality of student life there, and yet they are going to destroy of the best assets the campus has. This is really sad.

Paul Coady

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:01:39 -0600

As a supporter of WLUW and a regular listener to The Razor & Di Show (the best independent rock show on the air), I am disheartened by the decision of Loyola to re-take the station. It begs the question, what happens if they run the station down to the point where they don't want it again? Will another group of committed individuals have to roll up their sleeves and resurect it all over again? I hope WLUW remains to be an independent voice on the radio spectrum, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Tankboy

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:55:56 -0600

Unbelievably great piece Jocelyn!