Mike, I do not know the facts to comment on whether the decision was made "in a hurry". If you have information indicating that, or a statement from WAMU, please share.   I honestly do know know their reasoning.

What I do see is that they added CAR TALK and A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION. PHC is the most expensive show to carry of all public radio shows.   CAR TALK is also very expensive.   Was WAMU in a position to carry all three, plus other shows? Was their budget large enough to justify?

Again, I have no idea of how much money AMERICAN ROUTES raised for WAMU.   It would be interesting to see what their budget is.

Please do not think I am arguing with you.   I admire your decision to e-mail them, and encourage other to do so. Listeners will help determine the program schedule - especially when they donate.   Just keep in mind, there is only so many hours in the day. Mary lost two hours of weekly programming, but it appears that was all that was available.

Something tells me that there was a great deal of thought that there was a great deal of thought that went into creating this schedule - and a few gambles.