All: In evaluating keeping the radio station, I think there is an assumption that the radio station is worth millions. In theory, it could be sold at a high price to help out on the overall school budget crunch.
But.... There is a hole in that logic. That hole is that the radio station may not be worth all that much on the open market. (I stress "may" -- I have no direct knowledge.) While KBEM is a commercial-frequency radio station, it is also a low power radio station. At present, you can't get its signal much beyond the city limits of Minneapolis. Radio stations all have different allowed power. Thus, you can get WCCO over most of the Midwest. There are a range of authorized power going down to KBEM-type station that is in the lowest licensed power category. (There is another issue on whether it is broadcasting at its full authorized power. That's another question I don't know the answer to.) The authorized power for KBEM is appropriate for a station that has a basic educational mission. And the cost of providing that basic educational mission is probably low as well. So, if the Minneapolis School Board wouldn't get that much for selling the station while at the same time it provides a useful educational mission at low cost, then I'd suggest that those with the bright idea of selling the station don't really have a case. Also, for those who made the cracks about KBEM broadcasting jazz and "who cares about jazz." Well, I care about jazz. There are a lot of people who do. Unfortunately, there are not enough to make a station choose jazz over a top-20 format. But, I'd also remark that jazz is America's signature music. There isn't anywhere in the world (and it is played all over the world) where the locals don't know that the music ultimately comes from America -- even if it's played by their local musicians. I don't think that is a bad lesson for the students at North High. Steve Cross Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
