Cable controversy hurts student - run ; station \ . WAKE Radio questions lack of . university supjJort

Controversy has recently ariser;t between Wake Forest based radio stations WFDD and WAKE over a prpposal to provide baCkground music for channel2, a cable channel operated by the Forsyth County Board of Education. Although a trouble spot for the fledgling WAKE Radio, it appears to be only a symptom of troubles that have plagued it as it now enters its second year of broadcasting. The misunderstanding concerning the cable channel appears to have been caused by a la'ck of communication between WAKE and WFDD. John· Shore, director _ of the audio-visual department for Forsyth County schools, said WAKE and WFDD approached him about the cable set-up within one week of each other, WAKE calling first. Both stations received the same information: a proposal in writing must be presented to the school board for approval. WFDD turned in such a proposal approximately two days after its talk with Shore. WAKE never submitted a proposal. Shore did, however, apprise WFDD of the fact tbat WAKE had approached him as well. WFDD never mentioned to WAKE that they were going after the same contract, raising. some questions ·in the mind of WAKE-Radio employees that perhaps there was some covert action taking plat:e to undermine WAKE's chances. "When things are done in secrecy," said Bill Crow, general manager of. WAKE Radio, "it has the look and feel of the good ole boy system." Cleve Callison, general manager of WFDD, and Lu Leake, assistant vice president of administration and planning, deny that. there was any underhanded deal whatsoever. . . . "There is no collusion. We did not know that WAKE Radio was planning to turn theirs <proposal) in until we had the conversation-with the man at the school board," Callison said. "I think probably in hindsight that I should have shared that information with thein." Despite the fact that the television hook-up Will provide a poorer sound quality than WFDD's current FM signal, it will pro~ide a source of increased listenership. "This looks like a good way to bring the station to the attention of a lot of people who might not otherwise realize that it's there," Callison said. "Maybe some of thOse people will be intrigued enough to listen to us on FM." Bob Locke, president of the North Carolina Musician's Association, believes the loss of the cable deal will have detrimental ramifications for WAKE. "This occurence is an unfortunate loss to local musicians and recording acts. WAKE Radio supports local talent and the cable channel 2 audio hoOk-up would have increased their audience. WFDD, Wake Forest University and the public in general should take pride in WAKE Radio's positive community efforts." As a means of growth for WAKE Radio, the channel 2 idea has been rejected; however, intertwined with the channel 2 dispute is the survival of