Sorry Conrad, but you are not understanding what "folk world" really is. You are not "examining" but rather trying to "enforce" your own views.   Folk music is an examination of a culture, not a manipulation such as your suggesting.   A culture does not have a "narrow" view - it has a view, whether you agree with it or not.

A radio show being cancelled is not a barometer of the growth and prosperity that folk music has to offer. What you are describing is a radio show with a specific audience - large or small - and there are many different styles of radio programs and audience to serve. There are programs dedicated to Irish music, Reggae music, big band music, Latin jazz, polka, Hispanic music, rhythm and blues, country, bluegrass, classical and dozens of other styles and offerings.   Right or wrong, a station owner is allowed to make decisions on what they program - that is their right as the holder of the license.

I would certainly hope that the music prospers, and I see more than enough signs that show it is healthy.   Time changes, technology changes.   At the height of the folk revival, there were only a handful of radio stations playing this music with regularity. The music became commercially succesful in spite of radio neglect.   Fast forward to today, there are hundreds of folk-based radio shows, a 24 hour satellite channel, and many more outlets. People enjoy the music. While it may not rival a hip hop audience, it is doing very well and thriving - whether you choose to believe it or not.

You need to expand your own horizons. Old models no longer work. The music is thriving and there are many of us working hard to keep it alive for the future.   Do not insult our intelligence by trying to create a false reality.