WVFI policy change will take time
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I am writing this letter in response to one of our "fans" that was writing to criticize the Administration for "pulling the plug" on WVFI. After broadcasting on 640 AM, not 660 AM, for over 20 years the station along with the transmitters that were necessary to broadcast our signal over carrier current became completely run down. Carrier current is a form of AM broadcasting that sends a broadcasting signal through cables and transmitters that would run from LaFortune to the dorms and through their electrical outlets. While this system worked 15 years ago, once students began bringing TV's, VCR's, computers or anything else that needed an outlet, the signal became distorted and the quality of the broadcast deteriorated.
When WVFI closed down last year, only four dorms on campus were able to pick up the signal. After shutting down, the executive board decided to invest in the Internet, rather than putting more money into an ancient and outdated form of broadcasting — carrier current.
However, there was a catch when we asked the University if it would be okay to use the funds provided for us to pursue this new endeavor. Obviously, they agreed to let us broadcast over the Internet. However, they also stated that we would only be allowed to broadcast to "students" since that was our audience with the former carrier current. In other words, this agreement would confine our audience to campus wide access with the possibility of 99 off-campus students being able to also listen.
When we began to broadcast throughout cyberspace in September, for some reason or another the program that was to block any listeners outside of the Notre Dame system was not implemented. Therefore, for over a month and a half, WVFI was broadcasting globally to anyone on the Internet.
When this was finally realized by the administration two weeks ago, they immediately implemented the program as mentioned in the original agreement. While the University does acknowledge the capabilities Internet broadcasting can provide (WVFI producing Notre Dame's largest broadcast ever each weekend as students call every football game) they do feel that the station should represent the image of the University, which WVFI has had a problem doing in the past.
However, with an invigorated, dedicated and professional staff that the station now operates with, problems usually associated with "shock programming" that often include swearing and inappropriate dialogue by DJ's has been left behind to concentrate on spinning the latest college music and updating students of local upcoming events.
The main reason why the station has been confined to students is because that was what had been previously discussed and not for reasons such as inappropriate material. The staff does not really see this as a step back but as something that was inevitable. While, yes, we were broadcasting globally for a month and a half, we believe that WVFI generated a substantial amount of credibility during this time. You could say that we were tested by this global experience and by the University and finished the final with an A.
Instead of complaints, letters of encouragement and disbelief of the transformation of the station were sent to the studio. We also received an incredible amount of press from The Observer to the Scholastic to Fox News who talked about our new capabilities and quality programming.
While WVFI still has a long hill to climb, the foundation has been set to become a real force on the college radio scene. The purpose of this letter is not to suggest that the station is content about the situation, however, there is a professional and correct way to deal with the University's administration. You just cannot walk into Father [Mark] Poorman's office and demand that things get changed pronto.
If you want something to change at this University it takes time. Take for example how this University used to be all-male or how there existed mandatory study periods at night along with curfews. Do you honestly believe that these decisions which would in turn effect the image of the school were changed overnight? The answer is no.
Currently, a proposal to Student Affairs is being put together by the entire staff of WVFI. It will include reasons and evidence such as letters from alumni and students describing why WVFI should once again broadcast globally.
As stated above, WVFI, or the Voice of the Fighting Irish, is a radio station run for and by Notre Dame students. If you want an opportunity to become involved in one of the University's fastest changing organizations now is your chance. We are located in 200 LaFortune and all are welcome to stop by.
John Forgash
Senior
WVFI Station Manager
November 3, 1999
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, November 5, 1999
