Delmarva friends radio group submits proposal

At the request of Salisbury University Foundation, Friends of Delmarva Public Radio Inc. have submitted a proposal outlining how the university's two public radio stations might remain on-air keeping formats intact.

Salisbury University Foundation owns Federal Communications licenses for both stations.

The continued existence of Delmarva Public Radio stations WSCL-FM and WSDL-FM has been in doubt since July when a report submitted in by a consulting firm, Public Radio Consulting, indicated the stations are losing money and listeners. Salisbury University Foundation commissioned the report.

The consultant recommended WSCL switch to a 24/7 classical music, live-feed that originates elsewhere, and WSDL’s programming would change to adult-oriented music.

Both stations would continue carrying National Public Radio news, but significantly less than they do now. WSDL's coverage and production of local news would cease.

The friends organization maintains that the consultant’s report is flawed, and the stations are still viable; they say loss of the stations would culturally diminish Delmarva. The friends also say the stations and have lost neither money nor listeners but instead have been poorly managed. Thomas Hehman, chairman of Salisbury-based Friends of Delmarva Public Radio Inc., said the foundation’s Radio Committee at a Nov. 15 meeting asked the group to submit a proposal.

Hehman said he was surprised by the request for a proposal, but the organization submitted its proposal to the foundation Nov. 20.

“We’re trying to come up with a practical and workable approach. The request is in, and we’re trying to make it happen,” Hehman said in a Nov. 29 interview.

Jason Curtin, Salisbury University Foundation interim executive director, acknowledged receiving the proposal. “The proposal is being reviewed; we’re not going to rush to a decision,” Curtin said in a Nov. 29 interview.

He said the six-person Radio Committee comprises foundation board members who have no deadline to comment on the proposal.

However, Caruthers Hall, the building housing the stations, is scheduled for demolition in May to make room for a $90 million library complex.

Hehman said Delmarva Public Radio needs studio and office space and new broadcast equipment, including a transmitter, to continue operating.

He said the organization wants to meet with the foundation behind closed doors to discuss funding the radio stations.

“Anything more than that is where the discussion will go,” Hehman said.

Michael Pretl, a Salisbury-based attorney and Delmarva Public Radio advocate, said the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has given Delmarva Public Radio an annual grant of $115,000 to $127,000. Pretl estimated it would cost about $1 million a year to operate both stations.

But as Salisbury University Foundation ponders the proposal, much needs to be done to keep WSCL and WSDL on-air.

“The clock is ticking, but I’m confident there’s enough time. It’s not too late,” Hehman said.