I was one who attended the forum regarding the possible sale of valuable assets of WBGU television, which belongs to Bowling Green State University. This would be accomplished by means of a government auction. I must admit I was somewhat surprised and heartened by the size and energy of the crowd that appeared. I believe the representatives of the University and the station received an adequate earful of how we in Lima, and Northwest Ohio feel about the station going dark. Testimonial after testimonial was recited, frankly to the extent that I tired of it. Many thoughts and comments were brought forward, most of them logical and well-crafted. But I felt one huge reason to keep the station was not presented as thoroughly as I would have liked. That evening, I declined to speak, believing more than enough had been said. But this thought sticks with me and will not let loose.
At the outset, I believe WBGU was created to fill a need in the Northwest Ohio region. It was created because BGSU saw both an opportunity, and a duty to its neighbors. And through all its many years of programming, WBGU has fulfilled its responsibility admirably. In return, the community has fulfilled its duty to support an institution it can claim as its own. The relationship is, and has always been, beneficial to both parties.
The situation is now about to be altered. Hoping to garner a large windfall, the University board feels a great responsibility to the institution for its financial security. Perhaps a new wing or building can be built with the millions in government money. Fact is, their reasoning is nearly unassailable.
Only one thing can trump that kind of logic. A promise. The kind of promise, unspoken yet all-present, that Bowling Green State University has made to the community that surrounds it. For, while the maintenance of its station may not make perfect fiscal sense, it makes perfect moral and ethical sense. There is an unwritten contract, forged through the decades, which ties BGSU, WBGU, and the public. This is a longstanding, solemn, and binding contract. So it is not money that ties us. It is responsibility. This is the duty, the call of which we remind you. Embrace this responsibility. Live it. Do the right thing. The responsible thing.
— Perry S. Luhn, Elida
