I suspect,from a conversation I had with Mary Cliff a year or so ago, that when Mary retires, they will simply not try to replace her. They already use that time slot to run any 'special' program they want, so as not to disturb the 'good stuff' (classical). But you sure never see a classical program pre-empted to feature a FOLK artist!

WAMU is a bit different, since they have a LOT of income from Bluegrass fans (DC being one of the biggest Bluegrass venues in the country). They are already using online programs to reduce the 'need' for *real* airtime......plus, Dick Spottswood is no spring chicken, and has moved, and is now doing his program remotely.

It looks bad....It may not happen instantly, but if Spottswood 'retires' that would leave only Eddie Stubbs, the country music guru, who is also not 'here' anymore, and gradually, they just let any mention of folk-like stuff go by way of attrition....and I'm not sure we can do anything but fight a delaying action.