XCSB, a student and community radio group, has filed a lawsuit against Cleveland State University (CSU). This comes after CSU transferred the radio frequency of WCSB to Ideastream Public Media several months ago.
The lawsuit claims that CSU and President Laura Bloomberg violated the First Amendment rights of the station’s operators. The complaint states that tension grew between the university and WCSB as the station criticized university policies. The suit asserts that the university plotted to take control of the station’s airwaves in response to these protests.
In October, the frequency of WCSB was switched to Ideastream for its JazzNEO program. CSU did not receive any direct payment for this transfer but gained internship opportunities and a position on Ideastream’s Board of Trustees.
CSU has not yet officially received the lawsuit and will provide a response once it does. Similarly, XCSB’s general manager, Alison Bomgardner, chose not to comment on the legal matter.
Looking ahead, XCSB plans to return with a streaming format in the spring through a partnership with Reading Room CLE, a nonprofit bookstore in Cleveland. This initiative aims to revitalize community radio and will also aid in fundraising efforts.
L.S. Quinn, the executive director of Reading Room CLE, emphasized the importance of community radio, especially for marginalized groups. “It’s a loss to everyone if we lose that,” they remarked, highlighting how community voices can often be overlooked.
In recent years, community radio has seen a resurgence. According to a 2021 National Association of Broadcasters report, community radio stations grew by 12% over the last decade, reflecting a rise in local voices and stories. This points to a strong demand for independent media platforms that represent diverse communities.
As XCSB embarks on this new journey, the intersection of media, culture, and community remains vital. The outcome of this lawsuit could shape not only the future of XCSB but also the landscape of community radio in Cleveland and beyond.
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