Dave Universal, longtime PD at Entercom's WKSE Buffalo, was let go earlier this month for allegedly accepting gifts and trips from label reps. Entercom VP Programming Pat Paxton later went on the record, saying: "We do have policies in place that prohibit Entercom employees from accepting gifts that exceed $25 in value. Not just from record companies, but from all vendors we work with." Last year, Entercom severed ties with all independent promoters.

The following is a letter Universal made public about his situation this week:

"I wanted to respond to the N.Y. Times piece printed yesterday. Concerning the Miami trip in the article. I hung out with a VP Promotion from Sony (whom I will not name) for most of that weekend. Clubs, the Bills-Dolphins game, etc. Was that a personal trip? Did I fly to NYC several times a year to see Yankee games? Yes, I did! Every rep I went with I consider a friend, and were Yankee fans, too. Rather than do a dinner that might cost a thousand dollars, we'd watch a game and eat chicken fingers. Did I go to other sporting events a few times a year with other reps? Yes, I did! I had great relationships with most of my reps, but even better ones with those who liked sports, like me. NEVER were these trips based on any kind of airplay.

Entercom and my GM knew that I occasionlly went with record reps to various sporting events to build relationships. Never once was I told not to do this. A convention? I went. An artist showcase in a warm city? You bet I was there! At some radio chains, I realize this is not allowed, and if I was ever to work for them, I would follow all their rules and policies. But, in my position, I was told if I was with a rep, it was OK.

Nobody questioned how my relationships were fostered when Entercom was making millions of dollars because of them. How did I spend 60 grand putting together a radio show that would make 500? RELATIONSHIPS. I had them, and was encouraged to keep them. I acted as the "Indy" for WKSE for the last seven years.

Unfortunately for me, I did my job in that area too well. With all that's going on in the state of New York, it was easier for them to get rid of me, than defend how I did business for them. I believe they will come to see this was not the right thing to do.

There are a lot worse things going on in the world right now than me being out of work, and training my one-year-old to be the next great Yankee is really fun. But, I know I'm a very good PD, and I hope to be given a chance to prove that soon."

Dave Universal