As a friend of Mary's, I am deeply saddened by this development. I've spent many hours at festivals and conferences and have seen how committed Mary is to this music. Washington does not realize how good of a friend they have in Mary. All the wonderful things said about her really are just the tip of the iceberg. This is an enormous loss to radio and folk music.

One thing to keep in mind, when WETA dropped classical music there was an uproar. Classical fans are just as vocal as folk fans, perhaps even more so. They are probably represented in greater numbers, which is what radio stations seem to be looking at these days. Numbers. The days when public radio offered diverse offerings that served the various consituents seems to be dead.   A few years ago, WFUV dropped a long running, and very successful, polka program because the show no longer fit their image.    Radio stations are becoming more dependent on grant money and less dependent on actual listener dollars.

The notes above will help, but I strongly suggest that copies go to whoever is underwriting WETA programs. THOSE are the people who will make the difference, not some empty suit who makes decision by commitee.

We do have to face the fact that we live in a different age and tastes are not the same as they were 34 years ago when Mary started the show. IF enough people can raise a stink with the RIGHT people, Mary will return to the airwaves. From what I heard when I was able to listen to Mary, she had a good mix. She honored the traditions but also explored new trends. That makes for good radio.

This isn't Mary's obit.   She is a fighter and I will bet her voice and the music that she plays will return.   We need more people like Mary Cliff.