Although I live in the UK now, so I rarely get got to listen to Folks Like Us (a.k.a. FLU) lately, I was a bit stunned (as well as dismayed) to learn that 'DET has discontinued all its folk programming (although I'm sure I wasn't nearly as stunned as the presenters of the various programs). Anybody else remember their pledge drive slogan about "putting the 'you' in Public Radio"? It seems to me that – for far too many of us – they have just put the 'you' in F*CK...

I've put in my fair share of time (not to mention money) helping out at pledge drives, so I've met Caryn Mathes, Judy Adams, Martin Bandyke etc, and I have to confess that I'd thought better of them. What I find particularly disturbing is the shabby way they have treated their presenters and volunteers, many of whom have donated their services for decades. People like Judy (Dyki) Weatherford (who co-produces Matt's show – and helped produce the folk show for quite a few years before Matt came on board) were not even given the courtesy of being personally informed by someone at the station; they simply (and abruptly) stopped receiving 'DET staff e-mails. And Gods forbid anyone should take the drastic step of saying "thank you" to any of them for the years (and years and years) of time (unpaid for the most part) they have given the station! Or letting them say a proper good-bye to their listeners (although I imagine they were too scared of what might happen if they allowed that).

Of course this isn't the first time 'DET has done such a thing; I remember the outcry when the Hispanic community's "El Grito de mi Rasa" (amongst other programs) was discontinued 9-10 (ish) years ago...

It seems to me this is just the latest stage in the gradual, nationwide transformation of "Public" Radio from something that was truly independent-minded and community-oriented, and had a bit of an edge to it (although struggling by on a shoestring budget) to a complacent, commercial, establishment entity which is more concerned with money, "success" and corporate sponsorship than with serving its community. It has replaced actual responsiveness to its audience/community with lip service and spin, trumpeting its "dedication" to its listeners while pulling the rug out from underneath a great many of its most loyal supporters.

Sad as it may be, if we want honest-to-gosh listener-responsive, not-afraid-to-be-too-different, "fringe"-friendly radio, Public Radio is no longer the place to turn. It's still got some good stuff, and it's not (yet) as mediocre as mainstream radio, but that's definitely where it's heading – more's the pity! It seems to be part of that cycle where things first challenge the establishment, then become establishment themselves – becoming (to a large extent) that which they thenselves originally critcised and challenged. So... it's obviously time to look someplace else for upstart, "fringe"-friendly, non corporate-oriented radio. There's the web, though as others have said, that's pretty limiting – doesn't help when you're in the car or a non-computerized area of the house. There *are* smaller, more community-oriented stations, and I'm all for supporting them. However, if FLU gets picked up by a tiny station – even though that's certainly better than nothing – there are still going to be a bunch of disappointed fans who the broadcast won't reach. It's definitely a real bugger.

I plan to send 'DET my 2p worth of deep disappointment, for all the good it will do, but I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that Cool Beans and Ron O are right that it prolly won't make much difference to them financially in the long run. Even so, I can't help hoping 'DET will notice a significant – and lasting – drop in their pledge amounts... enough to make them at least wonder if this wasn't such a great idea after all.

One last thought... I have heard of someone who intends to contact 'DET and let them know that not only will she no longer pledge, but she wants her money back... I love it! I would guess Ron's comment [The only way listeners can make a difference is a challenge to the license renewal. IF it can be shown that a station is not acting in the public interest, they CAN and HAVE lost their license. This takes a real organized effort and it is not easy to accomplish. However, radio stations with limited budgets can't afford the court costs and they will respond to any threat.] is likely to be the most productive avenue to pursue, particularly as I've heard rumors that Wayne State's prez is not too happy with 'DET's management decisions and direction lately.

(By the way, HELLO! to Cool Beans, Denise, Larry K & Matt – from former Paint Creeker Vikki A [frogprince, don't think I know you; you must've joined after I moved].)

Cheers,

YY