Elegy for a Sandbox

As a Fordham student I was intoxicated by the cool of radio.  On the third floor of Keating Hall I made the right turn into the Russian language classrooms, not the left turn into the headquarters of WFUV.  That's where majoring in Communications gave undergrads an instant shot of charisma, especially those who garnered air time.

Ralph Jennings' NY Times Obituary, October 24th print editions lauds him for transforming WFUV from a "sandbox" into a station with "stature, stability, prosperity and broad influence."  To be fair, it is #1 on all my pre-sets and is my favorite popular music station.  On Sunday I ofter tune in to Mass in the University Church and the Irish programming as well.  I also laud Mr. Jennings for providing a home for free-form DJs like Vin Scelsa and Pete Fornatale.

But here I will praise the buried treasure from the sandbox:

• Ozzie Alfonso's Saturday night show for the "happy/blue" hermits and "babysitters."  It was a pleasure to virtually sit in on his conversations with friends and hear their favorite music.  
• For a Lithuanian/American, Jack Stukas' "Memories of Lithuania" was a real find.
• In addition, there was:
• A Box at the Opera with Anthony Coggi
• Echoes of Ukraine
• DeKoven's "Barococo Society"
• Rich Conaty's "Big Broadcast
• Student DJs with shows like "Vahevala" and "Clear White Light"
• Hearing undergrads in the early 80's play their "favorite Donovan song."

I also praise Mr. Jennings for not selling WFUV's soul along the way to "prosperity and influence."  I enjoy its eclectic mix, which still carries a definite whiff of cura personalis.