Proposed Sale of 89.3 to RIPR

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth asked the FCC for permission to sell 89.3 FM WUMD to RIPR. Some applaud this move, while others are unhappy with the proposal. We asked writers on both sides of the issue to weigh in.

Rob Smith says, “This is a win-win situation that will benefit the students at the college radio station and the people of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. This deal will finally gift RIPR with a unified broadcast signal that will cover the entire state, both literally and metaphorically.”

Rob Duguay, on the other side of the issue, responds, “For an independent, up-and-coming band that’s still cutting their teeth, the only legitimate airplay they can get is via college radio. WUMD has consistently spun local music over the airwaves, and without the FM signal it’s going to be more difficult for local bands to get themselves heard. Rhode Island has prided itself on its homegrown art and music. The last thing that should happen is impeding the growth of that by taking away a valuable college radio station’s FM signal.”

Read their entire opinion pieces at motifri.com/wumdpro and motifri.com/wumdcon.