BlogWood: MT Archives

WMNF's new building not for everyone

From the SP Times, we’re reminded that today marks the official start of broadcasting from WMNF’s new building.

Starting today, WMNF officially switches its signal - not to mention its studios, news center and nearly 50,000 CDs and 20,000 LPs - to a brand new, $2.2-million building next door.

And from my inbox, an email from Connie Burton, which reminds us that some longtime volunteers will never see the inside of the new broadcast studios.

To: Whom It May Concern From: Connie Burton

Monday night I went before the Personnel Committee to
appeal the cancellation of Straight Talk. First I was
told I must appear alone. Then Sandy Thompson received
an email from Personnel Committee chair David Roosa
that she could stand with me as she has been producer
of the show for the last 3-4 years. When we arrived at
the station, she was not allowed into the meeting.

At the start of the meeting, Roosa announced that they
wanted to record the meeting. I agreed on the
stipulation that I receive a copy of the recording. On
the following day I received a signed letter via fax
from Roosa stating that the Personnel Committee
upholds the station's cancellation of Straight Talk
and again promising me an audio copy of the
proceedings of the meeting. Along with that letter
were approximately 20 pages of email correspondences
amongst station management and between Lorie and
Sandy. These documents were presented after I left, so
I was not allowed to respond to them.

Today, I was told by Roosa that he was instructed by
"HR" (whoever that is) that he cannot give me the copy
of the recording of the meeting as promised. This is
absolutely treacherous and despicable. What are they
trying to hide? Their McCarthyite tactics? Rather than
hearing my grievance, the Committee grilled me on my
political views. "Are you paid by the African People's
Socialist Party?" "Do you adhere to the philosophy of
Yeshitelism?" "Are you a centralist?" I kept replying
"I'm here to talk about Straight Talk". No wonder they
didn't want any witnesses.

Also on today, I went into WMNF and requested several
items from the public file, which all radio stations
are required to maintain. According to FCC rules, "The
station must make its public inspection file available
at its main studio at any time during regular business
hours. You may request copies of materials in the file
by visiting the station in person." Several of the
items I requested are specifically mentioned in the
FCC rules as mandatory items in the public file. Vicki
refused to give me access or copies of any of the
items requested.

The behavior of WMNF in these matters is shameful and
criminal.

Connie Burton

White
Men
Nepotism
Favoritism