Guerrilla Radio Revolution

91.7 or bust: KTRU loyalists vow to fight the college radio mega sale

Since the saving part is already simply a dream, why wouldn't the KTRU fightbarrage into the bedroom?
The fight goes on even though the deal is long since done.
Photo by Sarah Rufca
There's still a lot of passion on the KTRU side.
Photo by Sarah Rufca

A previously scheduled KTRU DJ meeting at Rice on Tuesday night swelled to 75 people, as students, alums and fans gathered to find out more about the sale of the station's license and transmitter to the University of Houston, which has already been approved by the boards of both universities and officially announced.

While confusion still reigns about what, if anything, can be done to block or discourage the sale, one thing was clear: KTRU's loyalists are ready to fight.

"Look, this isn't a funeral," KTRU program director Joey Yang said "KTRU does not anticipate being sold for any sum of money."

In a press release, KTRU representatives reiterated their position:

"KTRU is actively opposed to Rice University's attempt to sell its broadcasting license and transmitter to the University of Houston. The organization operates through the will of the student body and does not endorse any plan that changes KTRU's operating abilities."

Yang and other KTRU representatives made the case for keeping KTRU on the Houston airwaves: It's a "vital and thriving" student organization on campus, a reason students attend and alumni donate, a vital media outlet for the community and one of the most visible symbols in Houston of Rice.

Yang said KTRU staff, who were only informed of the sale on Monday night, have spoken to Rice University President David Leebron, but have not been given a chance to offer alternative plans. They are in the process of finding legal counsel, and planning outreach — including a possible concert — as well as protests in the hopes of blocking the sale.

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no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

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Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana