The funky beats of jazz are in trouble in the Home of theBlues.
The $7 million budget cut that hit The University of Memphisaffected all departments at all levels, and the campus jazzstation, one of a handful of continuous jazz stations in thecountry, WUMR FM-92, was not spared.
While the station is in no major danger of powering down, thethreat of stagnation is looming and is the driving force behindthis week's "Radiothon" to raise $30,000 in donations.
The money will go to the upkeep of the station as well as to thesalary of a much-needed director of programming currently beingfiled by student volunteers, said Malvin Massey, WUMR musicdirector.
The budget cuts come at a crucial time for the 25-year-oldstation. As the only classic jazz station in Memphis, it hasexpanded since it's fledging days when it only broadcast at 250watts. Today, the station reaches a 60-mile radius with 25,000watts of power.
"It's especially hard now, especially at this time of the year,"because money that had already been allocated for music and newequipment has been spent, said Jeff Collier, on-air volunteer. "Idon't cost money, but this (equipment) stuff does."
WUMR serves as a launching pad and hands on experience forcommunications, broadcasting and journalism students who are goinginto radio. The station currently employs 12 student on-airpersonalities and 18 student staff volunteers.
The jazz station has been the launching pad for various radioand TV personalities in Memphis, including Ron Olson of FM 100 andClaudia Barr of UPN Channel 30.
"The voice of The University of Memphis," as the stationproclaims itself also broadcasts and employs student volunteers whobroadcast U of M sports, and Friday high school football games.
The Radiothon will run through the end of the week and, as ofWednesday, the station had raised nearly $6,000 in donations.
