To the editor:

We were dismayed to read and hear about the completely debilitating cuts coming down to Kansas Public Radio. We both started listening to and supporting KPR as undergraduates — now more than 30 years ago.

As avid listeners and members, we see KPR as a vital and integral part of the fabric of Northeast Kansas. From fantastic music to the best and most timely weather reports to news that actually matters, KPR is on in our home for most of our waking hours. The news especially is thoughtful, in-depth and covers topics that are not found in most commercial outlets.

Professionally, KPR is the only media outlet that so regularly lets the world know when and how KU students, faculty and staff excel in science, arts, engineering and many other truly important endeavors. When a violent storm rakes over our town and the cable and power (so frequently) drop out, KPR is there like a rock with minute-by-minute weather updates.

We see the cuts as harming not just one radio station, but degrading the quality of life for our entire community. In the short term, we encourage anyone who enjoys KPR to step up to the plate and help the station in its time of greatest need. In the long run, there’s really only one course of action: Change the composition of the Legislature in Topeka by supporting candidates who value public broadcasting and education in general.