J
Jul
Guest
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012402287.htmlThndrstm said:
-
Get involved.
We want your input!
Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.
After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.
After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/
Thanks in advance and have fun!
RadioDiscussions Administrators
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
WGMS
- Thread starter JakeLongwell
- Start date
Thndrstm said:Maybe WETA can start an a live overnight program, the CLASSICAL/24 produced by MPR isnt too good.
There are others -- CPRN (KVOD/KUSC), BSN; also WCPE permits stations to rebroadcast free of charge.
One would think that a locally-originated, automated overnight format would be easy to set up.
Richard in Allentown, PA
WETA views in the format change
From the WETA web site
Calls and emails are pouring into the station, and this blog has seen a huge amount of activity. Many people are pleased with the change in format, some are disappointed, some have mixed feelings.
As we review the comments (yes, we’re reading them!), a few major themes keep coming up. I’d like to respond to them below.
“Why not a nice mixture of music and the news/talk/entertainment programs?” (Robin, Jan. 25, 4:42 pm)
Many people have asked why we don’t keep a few shows in the lineup outside of classical music. The suggestions for “classical + my favorite other show” are many and varied. We considered several permutations of classical music and other programs, but ultimately concluded – based on past experience, other stations’ experiences, and the changing media landscape – that most listeners and members support a single and consistent format. If classical music is what you love, you’ll find it on Classical WETA 90.9 FM.
“Where will I go for the Writer’s Almanac? Prairie Home Companion? Car Talk?…” (Suzanne, Jan. 22, 8:58 pm)
To help you find the BBC, NPR, and PRI programs that used to be on our radio schedule, go to this page for links and information on how to continue to hear your favorites. Many of the programs – including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Car Talk, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and Prairie Home Companion — are carried by WAMU 88.5.
WAMU is adjusting its radio schedule and has confirmed in the press that they are considering adding the folk music show Traditions with Mary Cliff.
“Giving no notice of the change in format was a huge mistake.” (Jamal, Jan. 25, 12:06 am)
Some people have asked why we didn’t tell listeners the change was coming. The short answer is that we didn’t know. The decision to switch formats was made in response to developments in the Washington radio marketplace over the past month that only got settled this week. We began playing close attention in order to make sure that classical music remained a part of the Washington area’s life
A little over a month ago we had absolutely no intention of changing formats. We, like you, first read that WGMS’s format might change in the newspapers in mid-December. At that point, we consulted our board about the possible shift in the radio marketplace, and they gave management the authority, but not the obligation, to change formats if WGMS discontinued classical music (see the Washington Post, December 16).
We also realized that such a change might not happen, and indeed going into January it looked as though the expected sale of WGMS was off. At that point, we thought the issue was closed.
In mid-January, Bonneville International Corp., the owners of WGMS, expressed interest in changing formats but wanted to ensure that there’d be a home for classical music in this city. We started discussing a transition of the classical format that resulted in our mutual change on January 22, 2007. Was it a fast process? Yes.
“I would like a refund of my membership donation. This is not the station I subscribed to.” (Carter, Jan. 23, 8:52 am)
We can certainly refund your membership – that has always been our policy. Call our audience services line at 703-998-2724, and they’ll take care of your request. If you recently made a philanthropic contribution linked to radio and wish your donation returned, you can call the Leadership Circle at 703-998-2691.
“It is not possible to convey how thrilled we are about the new classical programming. THANK YOU!” (Nancy, Jan. 22, 9:30 pm)
We share your excitement that classical music will have a permanent home on Washington’s airwaves! WETA strives to serve our community and we’re proud that we can fill this need.
We’ve received so many positive comments over the phone, on this blog, and from those who’ve pledged their support. The messages have been strong, numerous, and heartfelt.
As we move forward, we’ll put our full efforts into making Classical WETA 90.9 FM a vibrant community resource dedicated to sharing and celebrating classical music and the arts.
Joe Bruns
Chief Operating Officer
WETA
From the WETA web site
Calls and emails are pouring into the station, and this blog has seen a huge amount of activity. Many people are pleased with the change in format, some are disappointed, some have mixed feelings.
As we review the comments (yes, we’re reading them!), a few major themes keep coming up. I’d like to respond to them below.
“Why not a nice mixture of music and the news/talk/entertainment programs?” (Robin, Jan. 25, 4:42 pm)
Many people have asked why we don’t keep a few shows in the lineup outside of classical music. The suggestions for “classical + my favorite other show” are many and varied. We considered several permutations of classical music and other programs, but ultimately concluded – based on past experience, other stations’ experiences, and the changing media landscape – that most listeners and members support a single and consistent format. If classical music is what you love, you’ll find it on Classical WETA 90.9 FM.
“Where will I go for the Writer’s Almanac? Prairie Home Companion? Car Talk?…” (Suzanne, Jan. 22, 8:58 pm)
To help you find the BBC, NPR, and PRI programs that used to be on our radio schedule, go to this page for links and information on how to continue to hear your favorites. Many of the programs – including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Car Talk, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and Prairie Home Companion — are carried by WAMU 88.5.
WAMU is adjusting its radio schedule and has confirmed in the press that they are considering adding the folk music show Traditions with Mary Cliff.
“Giving no notice of the change in format was a huge mistake.” (Jamal, Jan. 25, 12:06 am)
Some people have asked why we didn’t tell listeners the change was coming. The short answer is that we didn’t know. The decision to switch formats was made in response to developments in the Washington radio marketplace over the past month that only got settled this week. We began playing close attention in order to make sure that classical music remained a part of the Washington area’s life
A little over a month ago we had absolutely no intention of changing formats. We, like you, first read that WGMS’s format might change in the newspapers in mid-December. At that point, we consulted our board about the possible shift in the radio marketplace, and they gave management the authority, but not the obligation, to change formats if WGMS discontinued classical music (see the Washington Post, December 16).
We also realized that such a change might not happen, and indeed going into January it looked as though the expected sale of WGMS was off. At that point, we thought the issue was closed.
In mid-January, Bonneville International Corp., the owners of WGMS, expressed interest in changing formats but wanted to ensure that there’d be a home for classical music in this city. We started discussing a transition of the classical format that resulted in our mutual change on January 22, 2007. Was it a fast process? Yes.
“I would like a refund of my membership donation. This is not the station I subscribed to.” (Carter, Jan. 23, 8:52 am)
We can certainly refund your membership – that has always been our policy. Call our audience services line at 703-998-2724, and they’ll take care of your request. If you recently made a philanthropic contribution linked to radio and wish your donation returned, you can call the Leadership Circle at 703-998-2691.
“It is not possible to convey how thrilled we are about the new classical programming. THANK YOU!” (Nancy, Jan. 22, 9:30 pm)
We share your excitement that classical music will have a permanent home on Washington’s airwaves! WETA strives to serve our community and we’re proud that we can fill this need.
We’ve received so many positive comments over the phone, on this blog, and from those who’ve pledged their support. The messages have been strong, numerous, and heartfelt.
As we move forward, we’ll put our full efforts into making Classical WETA 90.9 FM a vibrant community resource dedicated to sharing and celebrating classical music and the arts.
Joe Bruns
Chief Operating Officer
WETA
It was surprising to see WETA directing listeners to WAMU. I'm sure up until the format flip, WAMU was their arch rival.
radiophiler said:WGMS owner Bonneville has pledged that it will not sell or flip WGMS unless there is another outlet for classical in DC.
The board of WETA has voted to approve going back to a classical format IF WGMS switches.
Speculation is that if WGMS changes, it will sell its music library to WETA.
WETA has been competing with another NPR news/talk station in DC. In some hours during the day, the programming is duplicated on the two stations.
Classical fans in DC may actually be better off after this switch. Classical on WETA means no commercials and more music.
It will be interesting to see if this happens out in the San Francisco Bay area, where Bonneville has sold KDFC. The KDFC management is urging listeners to contact the station & request that they keep the classical format.
KQED dominates Bay Area public radio, and as an early convert to the "think radio" format, I doubt they'd contemplate a format change. However, there are several others public radio stations in the immediate area...this situation will be interesting to watch as it plays out.
Richard in Allentown (ex-Lutherville, MD)
- Status
- This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.