The DU Lounge

But 24 years ago on August 31, an independent (non-franchised) radio station in NYC, WEVD (named after Eugene Victor Debs) went off the air. WEVD ran progressive talk radio, unlike the other stations at the time. Callers ranged from students to senior citizens. The hosts discussed local issues concerning social justice (or lack thereof). Columnists, writers, government representatives, and more appeared as guests. The questions were probing with follow-ups. There was no other radio station like it on the AM dial.

But the station was owned by The Forward. The ABC Corporation offered them a number and The Forward accepted it. The sale was justified by the money could be used to prop up its publication(s).

And of course, ABC didn't want WEVD in its format when it was purchased. ABC wanted to use the frequency to broadcast ESPN as its flagship station. And it did.

At midnight August 31, 2001, a bunch of dedicated listeners were on the sidewalk below, listening to the hosts wish us well, in tears. We knew what we were losing. And there was nothing we could do to stop it.

Recapitulating: DU will not sell out like The Forward. Your post just rejuvenated an ache in my heart, that's all.