Though it’s a prickly issue for those involved, K-UTE’s funding is under the Associated Students of the University of Utah microscope.

The problem?

ASUU awarded K-UTE $20,200 this year. Though it is chunk of change compared to other ASUU-funded endeavors?the Presenter’s Office receives $400,000?ASUU’s concerns about K-UTE funding are legitimate.

Out of the $20,200 K-UTE gets, $7,600 of that goes to a teaching fellow?a graduate student who serves as an advisor to those working at the student radio station and as the teacher of a student radio class.

The situation is a difficult one. The Board of Trustees requires that in order to broadcast, students must have some form of guidance, and the $7,600 unfortunately comes from students’ pocketbooks.

When the ASUU funds should go to student groups, it’s not fair to pay for a teacher’s salary. ASUU does not pay for any other graduate students’ salaries, and they cannot?for the sake of the entire student population?continue to take exception with the K-UTE staff.

But it’s not as simple as just pulling those funds. If ASUU cuts the advisor’s salary, K UTE will not survive. As the only student radio station?and as a vital part of the university community?K UTE is worth saving.

This is the point where either the communication department or the publication council can step in and take charge.

As part of a mission to increase the educational value of student radio, as well as provide financial support, the communication department can perform an important role in the life of K-UTE.

By bringing the student radio station under its wing, the communication department can provide the funding K-UTE needs to sustain an advisor, as well as provide the educational context in which the radio station can improve and endure. Additionally, K-UTE can approach the publication council and request that student radio be under the council’s jurisdiction.

Whatever the answer is to K UTE’s financial woes, one thing is clear?K-UTE must stay, but should not be funded by ASUU.