The dismantling of Humboldt State University’s public radio station was sudden and swift. Less than 48 hours after the administration announced sweeping changes at KHSU — including the “indefinite suspension” of community-based shows and the elimination of most staff — those who were left behind to run the station had resigned in protest. With no […]
Peter Fretwell
Posted inLetters + Opinion
Good Night and Good Luck
It’s no secret that KHSU had been in some state of turmoil since the seemingly abrupt firing of longtime operations and program director Katie Whiteside last May, and more changes have long been rumored and feared. But nobody expected what came April 11, when Humboldt State University administrators went with what can only be described […]
Posted inNews
HSU Announces Staff Eliminations, Major Changes at KHSU
Humboldt State University today announced major changes and the elimination of seven positions at its public radio station KHSU, including General Manager Peter Fretwell, whose tenure was fraught with controversy after the sudden firing of longtime program and operations director Katie Whiteside in May. Along with the staff reductions, which the university release states will […]
Posted inNews
Amid Controversy Over New Policy, KHSU Volunteer Tried to Thwart Studio Move
Humboldt State University is on alert after a KHSU volunteer apparently tried unsuccessfully to convince the station’s engineer to sabotage its looming move to a new studio location on campus in order to “stick it to” the station’s general manager and a university vice president. In an email sent shortly after 9 p.m. on Sept. […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
Why I’m Pulling My Support from KHSU After 25 Years
I first heard of Katie Whiteside’s firing from my dear old Mom and thought to myself, “You must have heard it wrong. No, that just can’t be.” After a few phone calls, I felt that I had to repeat that sentence in a more imperative way: No. That just can’t be. After (in order of […]
Posted inNews
KHSU Pledge Drive Postponed Amid Community Concerns
A KHSU pledge drive scheduled to take place next week has been postponed in the wake of community concerns about the recent firing of a longtime program and operations manager Katie Whiteside. About 150 community members upset about her departure attended a KHSU Community Advisory Board meeting in May, with several saying they had rescinded […]
Posted inNews
Concerned Community Members Flood Meeting to Discuss Firing of Woman who ‘Put the K in KHSU’
The KHSU Community Advisory Board held its monthly open meeting Wednesday evening in Humboldt State University’s Gist Hall to address community concerns over the handling of issues regarding staffing and station procedures — specifically, the sudden firing of longtime program and operations director Katie Whiteside by KHSU General Manager Peter Fretwell. Fretwell, who was brought […]