NEWS RELEASE about Direct ActionEducationMedia posted on February 8, 2012 by Tim McSorley

CKUT's Press Release regarding the current occupation of the James Administration Building on McGill Campus

by CKUT

For Immediate Release
Montreal, 8 February 2012 –

Radio CKUT 90.3 FM, a campus-community radio station that has broadcast from the McGill campus since the 1960s, is grateful for the support McGill students have shown for the continued viability of independent media on campus, including those students currently engaged in protest action at the James Administration Building, and their supporters.

CKUT did not participate in the organization of this action and was not aware of any plans to occupy the James Building. As an independent, campus-community media organization, CKUT affirms the right of McGill students to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, both on campus and beyond. CKUT also supports the demand
that the McGill Administration recognize the validity of the processes of McGill student governance.

In a Fall 2011 referendum of McGill students conducted by the Elections McGill (an independent and impartial agency of the Students’ Society of McGill University), 72% voted in favour of continuing to support CKUT Radio by paying a fee of $4.00 per semester. The referendum vote also authorized removal of a controversial online
opt-out system that has threatened the viability of the station for the past several years. The McGill Administration refused to recognize and implement the outcome of the referendum.

CKUT continues to affirm the validity of the Fall 2011 referendum result. Discussions between the McGill Administration and CKUT concerning this dispute have been ongoing for several weeks. Radio CKUT will not comment on the status of these negotiations until the peaceful occupation of the James Building by McGill Students is
resolved.

CKUT applauds the efforts of McGill students striving to ensure that their representative institutions are respected by the McGill Administration. A university where diversity of opinion is materially encouraged, and where the duly expressed preferences of students concerning their own resources are taken seriously, is a better university.

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