Sale concerns

As longtime members and supporters of WDUQ, we are concerned about the WDUQ sale process. We welcome the change in status for WDUQ from university-owned to independent public radio entity. The station's format, geared to news and jazz and including three high-definition broadcast channels, has produced the largest and most diversified listening audience of all area public radio stations.

The transition to independent status must ensure that the listening public continues to receive this high level of service. WDUQ's record-breaking February fundraiser is a strong indication of the listening public's willingness to support the current format and high level of service.But, it is critical that the transition process be open and transparent. Just as Pittsburgh Public Media, the nonprofit formed to buy the station, has published the names of its advisory board members, the names of all four of the foundations participating in the 60-day delay option accepted by Duquesne University should be public knowledge ("Local Foundations Buy Into WDUQ's Future," May 5). For one foundation to hide behind a veil of anonymity does not serve the public good.In the absence of identifying all four foundations, one must question the motives and intentions associated with the 60-day delay option itself. What possible reason could the fourth foundation have for wanting to stay anonymous?As valuable as the foundation community is to the Pittsburgh region's cultural environment, its members should not be allowed to dictate the future of our premier public radio station. And they certainly shouldn't be allowed to do this under a veil of anonymity.

ENID and ERROL MILLER
Point Breeze