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Many thanks to the editorial staff of the Washington City Paper and author Guy Raz for publishing an article about WGTB, a radio station many still remember 20 years after its demise (“Radio Free Georgetown,” 1/29).
I wish to correct two minor errors:
I didn’t make myself clear regarding my comments about towers collapsing (my quote: “I never heard of a tower accidentally blowing down”)it does happen occasionally during severe weather conditions, such as a hurricane, tornado, or ice storm. Towers don’t just fall down, however, the way WGTB’s did in March 1971; the installation was new, and the weather was relatively mild. Even when radio stations lose a major component like a transmitter or tower, they are generally back on the air within hours. I believe that the Georgetown University administration used this “Act of God” as an excuse to keep the station (and its alternative format) off the air for an extended period of time.
You listed my age as 55an egregious error, since I am only 52.
General Manager, WGTB, 1971-1975
Rockville, Md.
via the Internet