Nat Hentoff

Here's an excellent article with a man that I greatly admire, Nat Hentoff.  Well worth a read.

8 Track Mix June 2010

WITT - Community Radio?

For years and years a dream of an Indianapolis community radio station lingered in the ethos. Finally it became a reality when WITT went on the air. Since that day, not a lot has happened. There have been power struggles, there is not a permanent studio and office and the programming is very thin. I understand that much of the day to day programming is a rehash of old recorded programs that were originally broadcast on another local station. Live programming essentially does not exist.

I had kept my eye on what was happening as I was considering the possibility of approaching WITT about doing a classic jazz show. But before I made any commitment I had to be comfortable about the direction of the station. The more I heard, the less comfortable I became. This morning I thought that I would check out the station and their website to see if anything was new. Well, there's not. I did go to the FAQ to check to see if there was any new information about doing a show. I was more than surprised to see that to do a show on the community radio station, WITT, that payment would have to be made and an underwriter for the show would have to be provided! Not to mention that all programs must be recorded. Apparently no live programming is allowed. Is this community radio?

A great example of a community radio station is in Three Oaks Michigan, Radio Harbor Country.  They engage and embrace the community with their outreach and volunteer programming.  A friend does a great live show (Rare Grooves) on Tuesday's from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.  RHC is a great source for community information and supports and promotes the local cultural scene.

Here's hoping that WITT can get its act together.