As protesters held signs outside Weimer Hall reading "Public Radio for the Public," and "You did it great for decades. Please bring it back," Thursday night, the College of Journalism and Communications Dean John Wright was inside the building speaking to advertising and telecommunication students.
About two dozen musicians and music lovers held up signs, passed around a petition and applauded a cellist for an hour and a half with hopes to gain Wright's attention and return classical music to WUFT 89.1.
On Aug. 3 the station eliminated its classical music segment and now plays National Public Radio to make room for more student participation in the future.
"I was encouraged to move here because of the culture of this city," said retired professor Gwendoline Fortune. "Now, one of the main cultural offerings has been stolen from us and nothing has been given in return."
Wright was made well-aware of what was happening outside the doors when some of the protesters stepped inside Weimer to confront him.
"The decision was best for this college," Wright said, adding he wants the station to be represented as a beacon of news.
Junior telecommunication major Guyana Hand said she considers the radio an important part of the school's education.
"A variety of experience is important to have," she said. "It's better here. They let you do more here, writing stories, going on the air…and you get lots of feedback."
Although students at the event Thursday said they have not yet seen an increase in student participation, Wright said this is simply because it is a transitional period.
Wright said the protesting would not have an effect upon the future of the radio station.
But, this did not detour Susan Yellton, chairwoman of the committee created to restore the music.
"As long as people are telling me they really want and value this, I will continue to work,"she said.
