What Don Benson Told Me

[WhitneyBroach]

I was one of the VSC alums who attended Reunion last weekend,
including the Hall of Fame ceremony. Somehow I missed Mikil after the
ceremony and I regret that.

I don’t regret asking Don Benson the following question: “If you were
advising the VSC Board today about the license-sale idea, what would
you say?”

In addition to what Mikil mentioned about the current vs. future
market value of spectrum, I recall Don’s insights as follows. These
are my imperfect recollections, not quotations of Don:

• A strategic planning horizon of 10 years makes no sense now. (I had
heard this horizon mentioned by a current VSC board member as I was
touring Sarratt, which looks terrific.)

• Internet-only distribution isn’t taken seriously. (By anyone, I'll
add, whether rooted in print or broadcast.)

• The value of “local radio” depends on local investment. (This
insight reminds me of the Local Heroes collection that WRVU produced
as a fundraiser when I worked at the station.)

I have no idea if Don has been approached by the Board for his advice,
or if he even has time to consider providing any.

I’ll follow up in some forum, maybe this one, about the issues in the
swirl that started with the Board’s announcement. Upon a first read of
both alumni letters I am inclined to concur with the other alumni,
especially about VSC's governance structure and helicoptered
infantilization. As near as I can tell, "Save VSC" is also a theme
that is worth considering and that might command even broader alumni
support.

Best regards,
Whitney Broach
WRVU DJ 81-84, Business Manager, 83-84
Commodore, 82-83
Versus, 84-85