KUSP to expand news/talk lineup

Another station is alerting listeners of an upcoming format change: KUSP in Santa Cruz, Calif., the community station whose proposed merger with nearby university-owned KAZU was rejected earlier this year. Although the new weekday schedule has yet to be finalized, on Sept. 1 KUSP plans to replace its midday music programming with news and talk shows, including programs from NPR. Classical and jazz music will air on weekday evenings. General Manager Terry Green explains the thinking behind the format change here, and the Register-Pajaronian reports on local reactions. Yesterday Bay Area Indy Media launched a campaign to preserve "live local" music and news programming and asks supporters to turn out for the Aug. 25 KUSP board meeting.