Purdue News

July 26, 2002 WBAA Town Forum features 'Fahrenheit 451' WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The science fiction classic "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury will be the focus of discussion when WBAA resumes its broadcasting of the "WBAA Town Forum" at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5. The show will be broadcast live from Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Lafayette. Panelists include retired Harrison High School English teacher Doris Thompson, West Lafayette public library director Nick Schenkel, Will Miller, a psychotherapist, cultural analyst and standup comedian, and Tim Burchill, pastor of St. Andrew United Methodist Church. WBAA manager Dan Skinner will serve as a facilitator, while WBAA-FM program director Brandi Parisi will moderate the discussion. Parisi says the novel on the perils of censorship has been a popular summertime read in Greater Lafayette. It is the first book selected by the Journal and Courier for its "One Great Read, One Greater Lafayette" reading initiative. Book clubs, church groups and avid readers of many generations have met to discuss the book. Parisi says the panelists for the "WBAA Town Forum" should add a new spark to the community dialogue. "I'm excited about the variety of panelists and the diverse backgrounds they each bring to the forum," she says. Parisi says Burchill brings a unique outlook, since his sermons throughout July centered on "Fahrenheit 451." "He posed the question to his congregation: 'If the Bible were censored, what verses would you commit to memory and why?'" Parisi says. "I'm hoping his perspective will add some color to the panel discussion." Listeners can phone in comments and questions at (765) 496-1999 or toll-free at (866) 922-2101 if they live outside the local calling area. The program can be heard at 101.3 FM and on AM 920. WBAA also can be heard on the Web. CONTACT: Brandi Parisi, (765) 496-3037, bparisi@purdue.edu. NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: The media is invited to cover the forum. Call WBAA at (765) 494-5920 to make arrangements. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page