An arrest has been made in the investigation of the most recent KOOP Radio fire: Paul Feinstein, a former volunteer who left the station on seemingly good terms in December. Feinstein surrendered himself to arson investigators on Monday morning.

In a press release, KOOP management said, “The KOOP community feels great shock and confusion” over the arrest. They suggested that a disagreement between Feinstein and other staff over what music should be loaded on to their digital library could have played a role in the Jan. 5 arson. “The idea that something as minor as a
dispute over what music to put in our digital library could possibly trigger someone to set fire to our radio station is unfathomable,” said KOOP president Andrew Dickens.

Although their studios are still being repaired, KOOP is back on the air as of last Friday, after Entercom Communications (the broadcasters behind Majic 95, Mix 94.7, and Talk Radio 1370 AM) offered them studio space. There will also be a series of fundraising benefits over the next three months.

This article appears in January 25 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.