FROM:  Dr. James C. King, WVXU founder and former director for broadcasting

RE:  Sale of WVXU and the X-Star Radio Network

DATE:  March 11, 2005

When I first learned of Xavier’s intention to sell the entire X-Star radio network, including WVXU, I was shocked, disturbed, and deeply saddened. The cost of the incredible growth of WVXU, from a small 10 watt station to one of the largest privately-held public radio networks in America has been paid for, almost entirely, by WVXU, its members, and our corporate underwriters.  These radio assets, however, are fully owned by the university and this was a decision only the University could make.

About three years ago, I elected to begin the transition back to full-time teaching at Xavier, my original profession.  My plans called for a full transition back to the faculty at Xavier in late 2005.  Xavier’s interest in selling the radio stations, however, served to accelerate my plans by several months.  It would have been difficult for me to continue as manager under those circumstances.

I express my eternal gratitude to our incredibly dedicated and hard-working staff of professionals.  I am deeply proud of every one of them and my life has been made richer by working with them. My deepest thanks are extended to the thousands of members who have helped create WVXU and maintain its unique brand of radio broadcasting. Finally, my thanks go out to the business community which has stood behind WVXU in good times and bad for these past 29 years.

This is, without a doubt, one of the saddest days of my professional life. I wish the new owners well and would implore them to maintain the integrity of WVXU’s commitment to classic radio, local news, and local talk programs.

Dr. Jim King