The uproar over the state of Tennessee’s new marketing logo was the focus of a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Kyle Elliott first aired June 15 on WMOT-FM (89.5 and www.wmot.org ). You can listen to their conversation here.

Kyle Elliott

Elliott, an electronic media communication major from Hermitage, Tennessee, solicited comments on Twitter using the hashtag #SavetheTristar to draw attention to the logo controversy via his Twitter account, @TheKyleElliott.

Gov. Bill Haslam’s administration paid $46,000 for a Nashville-based public relations firm to create the logo, which is a red square emblazoned with the letters “TN” in white and a blue bar underneath.

While the logo does not replace the figure of three stars on a blue field on the predominantly red state flag, statewide and national reaction to the new logo has been overwhelmingly negative and full of ridicule.

“I’ve talked to some friends about it, and they’ve said, ‘You know, that money could have been put toward my college tuition,’” Elliott said. “It’s just government spending that’s not necessary.”

Elliott has discussed the reaction to the logo on WMTS-FM, MTSU’s student radio station. He also promoted a petition on www.change.org calling for the logo to be dumped. Elliott said more than 2,500 people have signed the petition to date.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about “MTSU On the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.

A video clip of the interview is available below.