Although the Student Senate voted to table a bill proposing to cut funding for student radio, the General Assembly plans to make an informed decision Tuesday.
The Assembly Rules Committee of the Associated Students of the University of Utah held a special hearing Monday to discuss funding of K-UTE, the U student radio station. Representatives from K-UTE and ASUU presented their viewpoints, and all Assembly members will have a copy of the transcript before they vote on the bill tonight.
The bill proposes to amend Redbook, the constitution and bylaws of ASUU. Redbook currently guarantees K-UTE 2 percent of ASUU’s budget, which amounts to $24,000 of next year’s $1.2 million ASUU budget.
The Senate voted Thursday to table the same bill because it believed it did not have enough information to make a decision. The Senate also formed a joint committee to research the issue and K-UTE’s options.
Presidential and vice presidential candidates also expressed their opinions of K UTE during a debate sponsored by the Lesbian and Gay Student Union.
“I really hope the publicity will boost K-UTE,” said Bill Edwards, presidential candidate from the Impact Party. “It’s essential K-UTE stays alive.”
“It’s essential that K-UTE keeps the funding ASUU gives them,” said Annie Deprey, the candidate for vice president from the Probable Cause Party. “The U needs its own radio station.”
Representatives from the Elevation Party did not claim the station was essential, but “very valuable.”
“K-UTE should go into collaboration with other groups on campus,” said Colter Hammer, who is running for vice president with the Elevation Party. “It’s important we understand how many people actually listen to this and use this.”
The Apathy Party did not attend the LGSU debate, but expressed support of K-UTE in last Wednesday’s debate.