It has always been my understanding that a station could have both a respected professional staff and a happy, engaged volunteer base. These two realities need not be mutually exclusive; in fact, they need to coexist in order to bring the kind of balanced, eclectic, and informative programs KBBI's listeners and members expect and deserve.

KBBI's goal has always been a realistic one: to please all of the listeners some of the time. And for the most part, this goal has been accomplished. What concerns me now is the use of the term "volunteer" as a euphemism for "community." While the one describes a relatively small contingent who are actively engaged with the station in various capacities, the other represents a much larger, and much more diverse population. There is no doubt that KBBI would benefit by having more of a local voice; nor is there any doubt that within Homer's boundaries there are talented people capable of putting together original and satisfying programs. This can and should be accomplished not in spite of the (former) professional staff, but in collaboration with them. Furthermore, it should not be done at the expense of state and national programs many listeners depend on for news, enlightenment, and entertainment.

Where does the new GM fit in? Ideally, he should be working to pull the different factions together, including all members of his staff. KBBI has had a rough few years. The previous GM was a brilliant strategist and a savvy businesswoman, but in her passion for enriching the station left many of the volunteers out in the cold. The pendulum is now swinging to the other extreme; an equally chilling proposition.

In order for KBBI to survive as the vital entity we all rely on, a middle ground must be reached. Perhaps Mr. Clark will prove to be a GM capable of achieving that balance. Until then, I implore those of you who value your public radio station to stay informed. After all, a station is a terrible thing to waste.

Lauren Scharf is a former KBBI board member.