I apologize for using this forum as a "plug", but the recent conversations about WETA prompted me to mention this.

Back in 1980 I started a radio program that I called TRADITIONS on WFDU-FM in Teaneck, NJ. I had not heard of Mary Cliff or her show called Traditions - these were pre-internet days and the folk community did not communicate as well as it does now!   In recent years I met Mary and it seems that we had similar intentions when we chose the name "Traditions".

My goal was to celebrate the world of folk music - it's roots, the artists of the revival, and the ongoing scene. Folk music has always been a living entity in my eyes, not a museum piece.

After 25 years of hosting the program, I am very proud.   I invited Bill Hahn to join me on the journey about 10 years ago, and together I think we have done some good work. I can't believe how lucky we have been to have the opportunity to share our studio with incredible guests - people like Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Odetta, Dave Van Ronk, Ed McCurdy, Tommy Makem, Erik Darling - the legends of folk music. When the show began, the Fast Folk scene was just taking shape and in our early years it would be common to have people like Jack Hardy, Suzanne Vega, Christine Lavin, Rod MacDonald and John Gorka drop by for a visit. Today, we are honored to introduce new names like Antje Duvekot, Joe Jencks and many others.

At the moment, we are in the midst of our annual fund drive. Bill and I have prepared a CD that we are giving as a gift for a $35 donation. Part of the reason that I am writing this is to appeal to those of you who might be listeners to help us out during our fund drive. Our website is www.wfdu.fm.

Even more important, I would like to stress how important it is to support public radio. Situations like what occured at WETA can be very disturbing, and it cause people to hesitate about donating. My answer to that is - the change at WETA may have occured many years ago if it weren't for the fact that people supported the radio station.

My station and many others have not gone down the slippery slope that stations like WETA have found themselves on.   Many stations still react to listener response, and fund drives are the perfect time to "vote".

I urge you to continue to support public radio and YOUR local folk music show/radio station. These are tough times, and the FCC and public opinion make it harder. I would hate see more stations fall by the wayside, but I truly believe with your support public/community radio can survive.   Folk music needs to reach audiences through radio.   Please don't get discouraged - give till it helps!

I hope that our show can continue for many more years. It is refreshing to see that many folk shows have been on the air for many years. We will surive with your help!