Councilmembers and community speakers at the Oct. 13 Cleveland City Council meeting urged IdeaStream and Cleveland State University to negotiate with students and restore access to WCSB 89.3 FM, calling the station a cultural and training institution.

“This is a cultural institution. This is about who we are as an identity as a city,” Councilman Chris Harsh said during his remarks, reading a public comment submitted by a listener and arguing that WCSB’s programming supports Cleveland’s music and creative communities. The council adopted Resolution 13 24 20 25 supporting students and station members working to regain access to the 89.3 FM frequency.

Councilwoman Stephanie Welch said she stood “by the students at CSU” and criticized leaders who she said prioritize titles and seats over students’ professional development. “We praise students’ potential, but then we punish their power,” Welch said.

Councilman Michael Polensek said ethnic stations and international representatives had contacted him about the issue and urged the council president to convene a meeting with IdeaStream and CSU leadership. Councilman Kevin Conwell and other council members emphasized the station’s role in cultivating young musicians and local arts.

Public comments read and cited at council included a message from an alumnus and longtime listener, Lianne Pena Garcia, who wrote that WCSB introduced her to Cleveland’s local music scene and provided access to events and concerts during financial hardship. Councilmembers encouraged IdeaStream and CSU administrators to “come to the table” to amend any agreements and restore student participation.

No formal amendments to university contracts or IdeaStream agreements were made at the meeting; council action was limited to adoption of the supportive resolution. Councilmember Harsh announced community events related to WCSB, including the station’s annual Halloween Ball.

Ending: Councilmembers said they will continue engagement with students, IdeaStream and CSU administrators and encouraged a negotiated resolution to restore student access and programming at WCSB.