Don makes multiple mentions of “BSU Radio.” It’s been years (8 or 9, as a matter of fact) since they used that branding. They’ve been “Boise State Radio” since before W moved into the White House. Notice how, on the right side of this page, the logo says Boise State Radio but your tag says BSU Radio?

Don’t worry, Don. You have lots of company. Bad branding is hard to shake.

IMHO, there are people still bitter over the format change at KBSU in 1987, when “local programming” such as the Lost Dog Report and the Daily School Lunch Menu were dropped in favor of Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

Also IMHO, much of the programming that surfaces on community stations and public-access cable is done for the gratification of the producer, not the needs of the public.

I wish BCRP well. I just think their mission is different from public radio, and they don’t have to bash public radio to make their case for a spot on the dial.

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS, APPROVING
Re: In the Matter of Creation of a Low Power Radio Service, MM Docket No. 99-25

“It often seems like those of us troubled by media consolidation are relegated to playing defense. The big media companies are nothing if not persistent: lobbying for the elimination or relaxation of ownership limits, seeking waivers of existing rules, proposing merger upon merger and daring regulators to draw the line. In radio, the results have been particularly distressing. Runaway consolidation since the 1996 Act has left us with homogenized content, national play lists, outsourced news, a dumbed-down civic dialogue, and shameful levels of minority and female ownership.

“That’s why low power radio is such a breath of fresh air. It is a positive response to what ails us. These are truly local stations run by local organizations. They provide an outlet for local voices and local talent. They cover issues of importance to local and very often under-served communities. Low power is truly radio of the people, by the people, and for the people. We cannot let it perish from the earth.

“As important as LPFM is, however, let’s never allow ourselves to see it as a complete substitute for full power service. Nor should we ever be lulled into a mind-set that says, “Well, let low power cover that stuff and let the full power stations continue on their happy way.” The American people still rely on full power stations for much of their news, information and entertainment. And those full power stations are on the air because they pledged to serve the public interest in return for being allowed to make what is still a very good living. The emergence and strengthening of LPFM does not affect our duty, in any shape, manner or form, to ensure that all broadcasters serve the core public interest goals of localism, competition and diversity.

“I am pleased to support this as a good step forward, I thank my colleagues and the Bureau for their work. And I want to commend all those many dedicated members of the low power community who have worked so hard and accomplished so much in an environment that has been far less friendly towards them than it should have been.