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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Devilmaster Date: 14 Dec 05 - 11:39 AM And after 15 months, the phoenix shall rise from the ashes.... |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,john in avoca Date: 28 Nov 04 - 12:35 AM Larry will surely be missed, I started listening to him back in 1982 I think,it was after another bluegrass program by carl vanover was cancelled on WCXI am Just another of the long line of "different" programs that have fallen by the wayside like WJR's Night Flight 76 or WRIF's wrif rock cafe. WJR's patterns in music and wdet's dropping of a prairie home companion to make room for more of the same cookie cutter programming with no originality, personality or ambiance of those fantastic radio programs of days gone by. good luck Larry, and thank you for the great memories and music of days gone by |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,Karen M. (incredulous) Date: 16 Nov 04 - 06:40 PM Matt just sent this out: ... When I was forced out of WDET, I lost about one third of my CD library. For the first 14 years or so of my run at WDET I checked EVERYTHING into their library...even stuff I purchased or was sent directly to me. WDET was kind enough to give me some of it back, but they held on to most of it. ... and he's asking for donations. (He says he doesn't even own any Stan Rogers. Still downtown on Cass Ave.) WEMU used to have a folk library, but they unloaded it during a big sale during a Heritage Festival some years back. (Lots of LPs, remember those?) Of course I sent it to wdetfm@wdetfm.org. Fulfilling my "pledge" was enormously satisfying. I took markers and wrote "Folks Like Us" and "Arkansas Traveler" on the $1.00 bill. Hope they spend it well. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,former DET fan Date: 16 Nov 04 - 12:23 PM Great that Matt W will be on WEMU. What about Larry McDaniel? Will he keep doing his great show? |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: IvanB Date: 08 Nov 04 - 11:58 PM denise, WCAR should be WKAR, Michigan State University's FM station. Their folk programming runs mainly from 6:00-10:00 pm on Sunday evenings. It's at 90.5 on the dial if you're within reach of the signal, also webcast at http://wkar.org/. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,Karen M. (former Ypsi resident) Date: 08 Nov 04 - 06:55 PM CB wrote: WEMU comes in all static-y on my car radio in and around Detroit. Anyone have advice on improving my reception? Get yourself west of Telegraph and south of about 14 Mile. (When I drive in from GR I start getting clear reception about Howell, and once I'm past I-275 things go downhill fast.) When I moved back to the metro (Dearborn) I'd go sit in the car in order to hear "Wait Wait" at 11 am. Car had much better reception than home. Westland picks up the dulcet tones of Linda, Art, Joe, Michael x 2 et al much better. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Cool Beans Date: 08 Nov 04 - 05:23 PM WEMU comes in all static-y on my car radio in and around Detroit. Anyone have advice on improving my reception? |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,Karen M. Date: 08 Nov 04 - 04:50 PM http://www.wemu.org/hosts_watroba.html FLU is not yet in the program schedule, but it's only a matter of time before the on-air promos hit. As it happens, I have a Civil War ball event (I call dances) on the other side of the EMU campus that evening. So before the final lilting strains of Stan Rogers and "Ashokan Farewell" and the "Bunkhouse song" fade away, I will be on the steps of King Hall with my re-doubled pledge. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,Karen M. Date: 08 Nov 04 - 04:41 PM Denise wrote: Nope. Too many "big sticks" in Southfield. You might be able to get it bouncing, on your car radior. <(Will you be able to get it in GR, Karen?) Can't even get it much past Fowlerville, let alone Lansing. Going south, it fades somewhere near Milan. ('EMU was my forst choice radio station for years. Listen to them on the day before Ash Wednesday to truly appreciate them.) Webcast is your friend! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Big Mick Date: 08 Nov 04 - 08:28 AM Denise, if you go back to my post, you will find a link to the station. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: denise:^) Date: 08 Nov 04 - 02:41 AM WCAR? Where is WCAR? Did a Google search, and all I could find was "Michigan Catholic Radio, WCAR, 1090 AM, Detroit..." That can't be it, can it? (They sure don't list any folk programming!) Hmmmmmmmm........... denise :^) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: denise:^) Date: 08 Nov 04 - 02:25 AM I should have known that the news had already reached Mudcat, but I thought I'd check, anyway! Now I have to see if Ypsilanti radio can reach all the way to St. Clair Shores. (Will you be able to get it in GR, Karen?) denise :^) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Big Mick Date: 07 Nov 04 - 09:28 PM Karen M, where are you at in Grand Rapids? I am from the area and involved in the folk community there. Drop me a line at micklane@charter.net. I received this back already from WEMU: Hello Mick, Thanks for writing! Welcome to WEMU. We're welcoming Matt with open arms (and ears!) and all of the wonderful people who listen to his show. We know it's going to be great for Matt, WEMU and for you. Again, thanks for writing. Linda Linda Yohn WEMU Music Director lyohn@emich.edu 734.487.2229 www.emich.edu If you good folks would, drop them a line and let them know how much you appreciate what they have done. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,Karen M. Date: 07 Nov 04 - 09:09 PM Gosh, you folks are fast! WEMU's fund drive was during the same time frame as WDET and WUOM and all the rest. (Some years ago NPR figured out that we *really* don't like to listen to pledge periods, and if they all run the beg-a-thon simulataneously there's no escape.) After I threw $1 at WDET, I rang up WEMU. (I no longer live in metro Detroit, and was driving home to Grand Rapids at the time.) While WDET did not read a thank-you on air (probably because the phone answerers were in West Bombay), their friends down the street milked this for all it was worth. "If someone from **Grand Rapids** can pledge, you can too!!" Interestingly, WEMU deleted a popular progam a couple of years ago, and that host found a local commercial station willing to pick him up. www.thayrone.com. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,Karen M. Date: 07 Nov 04 - 08:59 PM Good news stumbled across while surfing: WEMU, in Ypsilanti (the "Y" is silent) has picked up Matt's program. 2-5 pm on Saturdays, says the Detroit Free Press. I've e-mailed the music director (a long-time buddy) for verification, since it's not on their website yet. www.wemu.org. http://www.wemu.org/listen.html --Karen Missavage who pledged one dollar to WDET; it'll cost them more than that to process it |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Big Mick Date: 06 Nov 04 - 10:32 AM CB, and others. Linda Yohn is the name from the WEMU website that one directs comments to. I have just sent her and email indicating how grateful I am that they picked up this fine show. I also asked that they add me to the list of folks to contact for future fundraising drives. Her email addy is: linda.yohn@emich.edu for those of you who would like to do the same. They do live streaming. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Big Mick Date: 06 Nov 04 - 10:09 AM Cool Beans, let us know when they have their fundraising drive. I want to make sure I support this station. Do they stream on the web? Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Cool Beans Date: 06 Nov 04 - 10:05 AM Good news. We have our program back!! WEMU-FM, 89.1, the public station in Ypsilanti, will begin airing Matt Watroba's "Folks Like Us" 2:00-5:00 Saturday afternoons, beginning Dec. 4. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Big Mick Date: 01 Nov 04 - 07:32 AM Marty, this is a trend. It has nothing to do with liking or not liking the underlying themes. It has everything to do with them abandoning the basic philosophy upon which Public Radio was created. They have gone for a more commercial direction, and it is one more nail in the coffin of outlets for folks to hear traditional works. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,Marty Dorough Date: 31 Oct 04 - 08:37 PM Maybe. . . . Just maybe. . . WDET didn't like the underlying christian gospel bluegrass & folk music that was mixed into Larry and Matts shows. Just maybe. . . it didn't line up with their open gay love and their support of abortion. Just maybe? Don't know? Naw, that wouldn't explain Car Talk though. Gonna' miss Matt and Larry badly, they were the very best thing about WDET. I'll watch for both of them to resurface. I'll pray for Matt & Larry's quick return. Life's too short to live without good folk and bluegrass. Until then I'll have to get my fix with the "Folk Tradition & Folk Sampler" on WCAR. Not the same though. Hang in there Matt & Larry, help is on the way. Pal Marty |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Cool Beans Date: 16 Oct 04 - 12:12 PM Matt Watroba's coming in loud and clear on the computer from WJFF. He says he'll be on again next week (Oct. 23) 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanks, Denise, for the heads-up. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: YorkshireYankee Date: 11 Oct 04 - 08:46 PM Andy – BRILLIANT letter! Well done! And SO well written! Hope you've been sharing it with other Paint Creekers, like maybe in Keepin' Tabs? May borrow bits of it myself... Cheers, YY (Please give my best to Caylynn!) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Cool Beans Date: 11 Oct 04 - 04:52 PM I see by my newspaper that WDET won't be using volunteers to answer its pledge drive telephones this year. Instead they've contracted with a company in Utah. They knew it'd be an uphill struggle to recruit folks from the community, seeing as how they've antagonized so many of us. Interesting, no? |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: denise:^) Date: 10 Oct 04 - 03:43 AM Next week, too? Glad I saw your post...he must have mentioned it while I was in one of my "your connection has timed out" phases... (that's the only pain about listening to a radio show with a dial-up connection; I may have to invest in better service if all of our folk music is going to be online from now on!) denise:^) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Big Mick Date: 09 Oct 04 - 02:06 PM It was great to hear Matt. He did a great job! I happened to find it while I was surfing to find a "folk fix". I logged on to 'Cat to tell everyone, and lo and behold, denise:^) beat me to it. Great stuff. And I understand he is going to substitute next week as well. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: denise:^) Date: 09 Oct 04 - 01:06 PM Great letter, Andy-- I'm sure you won't mind if I 'borrow' bits and pieces to send to a few other such underwriters? denise :^) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: denise:^) Date: 09 Oct 04 - 11:22 AM Matt Watroba is substituting as folk DJ at http://www.wjffradio.org/ It's a station out of New York, and is available as a webcast... It's from 11:00-1:00 today; I just found out about it. denise :^) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,andymather Date: 07 Oct 04 - 04:23 PM Thanks for the list, marie-aine. Here's a sample letter (I've sent out a few) Sheila Vanfield Corporate Contributions Bank One of Michigan 611 Woodward Avenue MI1-8038 Detroit, MI 48226 5 October, 2004 Ms. Vanfield, I read that your organization is a sponsor of WDET FM, Wayne State University's public radio station. I want to thank you for that support, as WDET has been a great champion of American music, especially local folk, bluegrass, and acoustic varieties not widely represented on the airwaves. As an organization we have also given generously to the radio station, in addition to our individual memberships and gifts. Our mutual support has also funded great programming like "Fresh Air," "This American Life," and the hilarious "Car Talk" show. The station has rightfully been proud of its award-winning line-up, made possible by members, organizations like Paint Creek, and by major sponsors like Bank One. Unfortunately, WDET management has suddenly cancelled all of this programming. Yes, really. Shows that played for over 15 years were eliminated with less than 48 hours notice to hosts, and none to listeners. Do not be misled by the station's rosy press releases – they have drastically reduced the value of their product, and done so in a most embarrassing manner. We are withdrawing our support for the station, and encourage others to do so. As a Bank One account holder and active community member, I urge you, too, to reexamine the value of any continued investment in WDET, and disassociate your fine company from this fiasco. Sincerely, Andrew Mather President Emeritus Paint Creek Folklore Society 46020 Spring Lane #204 Shelby Twp., Michigan 48317 |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,saulgoldie Date: 07 Oct 04 - 01:14 PM I am no Howard Stern fan, but...I was encouraged by his announcement that he is leaving "old" radio for the new technology. His move carries considerable weight (given his loyal fan base of scatologically impared adolescent men, ages 18 - 34), and could help propel the new medium--satellite radio--into widespread use. I don't need another monthly payment, but if his move emboldens others and there is a critical mass, I would get the special receiver and pay the money so I could hear Matt and some of the other voices that are currently being blocked outright or severely limited by the broadcast industry and its regulatory handmaiden, the FCC. After witnessing the sad decline of NPR and its utter disregard for its PAYING, LOYAL listeners for going on 20 years, now, I sincerely hope they are quaking in their boots, notwithstanding the few remaining folk shows that have not yet been given the heave-ho. In fact, I am going to send (yet another) letter to them pointing out that they need to shape up in light of this. Yeah, that's what I'll do, for all the good it'll do. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: maire-aine Date: 26 Sep 04 - 11:35 PM will do |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: denise:^) Date: 26 Sep 04 - 12:43 AM Hopefully, an actual human will *read* Larry's letter, so that they CAN be worried! Since all of us who wrote, initially, got the same verbatim form letter as a response, I have my suspicions about what they do with e-mail. I do think that Larry's move was a good one--every bit helps, I think! ...and I plan to print out my original e-mail letter, and stick it in an envelope and mail it to them. I think it might have a better chance of actually being noticed, that way... denise :^) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: YorkshireYankee Date: 25 Sep 04 - 01:17 PM Larry – well done! As has been said, no doubt they are expecting letters of protest and a big fuss... at first, but that doesn't hit 'em where it hurts (like the joke about the guy hitting the donkey with a 2-by-4: "First, you have to get its attention...) The other thing that occurs to me is that if enough others follow suit – enough to actually get 'DET worried, that it may well prove a precedent and might even be something that other Public Radio stations keep in mind if they are considering similar changes in the future. So... even if 'DET doesn't bring back these shows – out of pride (or whatever), you can bet that these stations all network with one another and take notes on what works & what doesn't; if they see a station actually lose serious money due to dropping folk shows, they may think twice if they are contemplating such a decision themselves. It could also inspire other folkies in the same situation to do more than just protest – however vehemently – in a manner that Public Radio stations seem more than happy to ignore. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Devilmaster Date: 25 Sep 04 - 12:39 AM Maire-aine, I noticed that the Capitol is on the list also. I sent them a letter, and I'm asking if you could also. I don't know if Cas McGeown knows yet, but he could be a good ally in this. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: maire-aine Date: 24 Sep 04 - 05:17 PM Great idea, Larry. Here's a link to station underwriters . The company I work for isn't on this list, but my bank is, so I'll write to them. M |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 24 Sep 04 - 03:37 PM That is a brilliant move Larry! I would say that everyone should continue to send letters and withold pledges as a protest, but Larry's tact is a PERFECT way of really sending the message home. It will take more than just Larry's e-mail to do that, and a few angry letters to the right person will send up the alarm. Good luck!!! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: GUEST,Larry K Date: 24 Sep 04 - 02:52 PM I soon realized that Ron and others are right. After the intial outcry, people will get discouraged and the letters and comments will die down. The only way to get them was in the pocketbook. I also realized that a few letters from folkies and folk music organization would do little good. Not enough money to worry about. So I took a different tact. I work for a 7 billion dollar corporation which is a large contributor to WDET. I also know the person in charge of the foundation which distributes the money to non profit groups. I sent her an e-mail with my concerns and asked her to consider dropping WDET from their funding. I copied WDET on this correspondance. If WDET felt their corporate funding was at jeopardy, they may think differently. I am working with my company. I know several other folkies in the Detroit area who work for Ford, GM, Daimler Chrysler, and other large companies. I would urge any other person who has any connections to go that route and urge them to discontinue funding as they are not supporting the local community. As they said in the movies- "follow the money" |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 23 Sep 04 - 10:35 PM I'm with you Denise. I personally would not support WDET if they cancelled shows like this. Even if the management doesn't care, principle counts. Personally, if ANY public radio station makes a decision that rankles you and the public, I would suggest finding out who the underwriters are. You can find this on most stations webpage or by listening (if you can stand it). Write to the underwriters. Write to the university president if it is a college. If they are a public station, they might have a community board of volunteers that make their voices heard to the management. Also, keep an ear out for license renewal. People can complain to the FCC during that time period. These are avenues where you can make your voice heard to people other than the evil cabal that made the decision. Organized protests in the form of pickets can also scare the pants off of some of these empty suits. Be a watchdog. Even in this age of corporate radio, voices still can make a difference - even if the odds are hugely against them. Some managers can't take the heat. You never know! Admitedly, I have a stake in public radio. I am blessed to work for a station with university and management that realizes what a gem they have. We may not have the largest audience in NYC, but we have a very loyal and supportive one. It is humbling. Even before I joined nearly 30 years ago, I realized what treasures could be heard on the radio dial. Those treasures may have been buried over the years, but if you search hard enough - you will be much richer! Ron |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: denise:^) Date: 23 Sep 04 - 09:46 PM I don't think it was really drift, Ron--and your "insider" explanations helped us (as Vikki said) "mere listeners" understand the inner workings a bit better. It doesn't make me any happier about the state of affairs at WDET, and I think they're wrong for doing it, but I can at least fathom some sort of reasoning here. (As you said, they may be stupid, but they aren't dumb.) Still working on a plan of action for my pledge form, which is sitting on the dining room table--- denise :^) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 23 Sep 04 - 08:28 PM We are "up there" with the other non-coms in the NYC area. WNYC, WBGO and WFUV are in a different league. There are a number of other college and public stations in the NYC market. It ain't the meat, it's the motion! I do apologize for discussing WFDU and the NYC market so much in this thread. Bill and I were using examples that we are familiar with to discuss the general state of public radio in this country. We did not mean to let it drift from the serious subject at hand - WDET, Matt Watroba and Larry McDaniel. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 23 Sep 04 - 08:00 PM Looks like we are back to WFDU then. Let us hope it stays where it is--the GM stays where he is and Presidents do not come and go. And---we are doing some "ink" now for FDU ----not the aforementioned for once. Though, Ron, I am not a statistician, they did tell us at a meeting recently that our numbers (the station's) were up there with some of the competition---no names(call letters) this time. Hence no more "ink" for them. Bill Hahn |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 23 Sep 04 - 07:49 PM Yes, you stand corrected Bill and yes, you are a Luddite!! :) Arbitron does supply numbers for public radio. Because they are non-commercial, the Arbitron books do not include public radio since the books are meant to set ad dollars. Arbitron releases reports through the Radio Research Consortium. Seriously, Bill is correct that WNYC-FM (total market cume of 708,400 in Spring 04 Arbitron) as well as WNYC-AM (total market cume of 501,500 in Spring 04 Arbitron)have more listeners than WFUV (total market cume of 311,200 in Spring 05 Arbitron). In the national Arbitron rankings of public radio stations, WFUV comes in at 21. Not that I enjoy defending our "competition", but FUV also has had transmitter issues in the past few years which has cut its range. As for the internet, Arbitron dropped internet ratings in March because of issues tracking, but in the last rating, WFUV was #15. That was a rating of all markets obviously. I think Bill misinterprets what I said. I am not encouraging anyone to listen or support WDET or any of these stations. What they did is wrong. They fall into the same trap as the commercial radio stations - trying to reach most ears possible. That does not help those that enjoy specialty radio programs. For that the future, the near future, will mean satellite and internet and the handful of non-coms that do not cave in. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 23 Sep 04 - 05:36 PM Ron is more objective than I. His description of the situation is quite accurate---as are his comments about a new GM or Univ. Pres. I am more emotional about it and surely urge people not to support those kind of stations. I know I stopped supporting WNYC when they changed their format just like that. I still listen to the programs there that I always did---but the ones I supported are gone and so am I. I would, however, disagree with Ron about "FUV is now one of the most listened to Public radio Stations in the country". From my understanding---I stand to be corrected---they do not show up on any ratings service in any signifigant position. Did they get more underwriters---probably. Did they get "names" as hosts---sure. Did that help ratings---doubtful. Probably a trade off with what they cancelled. Now, WNYC has, from what I hear when tuned in, gotten a slew of underwriters that take up plenty of time now during a broadcast hour---almost like commercial radio with a softer sell. Like the "Swift Boat" business we are probably giving FUV more "ink" than this is worth since it is really just a local station---and WNYC probably has 10 times (for want of a large number) than they do in this area. In short---if one feels strongly --make sure you support the programs that you like and support them at whatever place they move to. Ron may well be correct about Internet programming---perhaps I am a Luddite and feel that if it ever happens in any great numbers it is ages away---people still like to listen in a car and get local news and programming. Speak for yourself, Bill---yep that I am Bill Hahn |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: frogprince Date: 23 Sep 04 - 01:22 PM 'scuse me guys...Vikki, I tried to drop a personal rather than break up the thread more, but didn't get a connection for you. My wife Judy and I have been attending most of the comfy concerts, with some playdays and occasional meetings, for some years now, but distance and other commitments have made Paint Creek membership impractical so far. As it happens, I think we were at the meeting the night you said you were bound for that side of the pond. Dean. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Cool Beans Date: 23 Sep 04 - 08:59 AM For what it's worth, my WDET pledge renewal form arrived in the mail and I've had the pleasure of returning it with suitable, albeit decorous, comments. Hi back atcha, Vikki. Marty |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: YorkshireYankee Date: 23 Sep 04 - 08:51 AM Ron, just wanted to thank you for your explanations. They help me (and, I'm sure, many others) at least understand the "why" a bit better in a situation that otherwise seems to make no (or very little) sense. And if we understand why, we are better equipped to try to change things – otherwise we waste time and energy on things that have little or no impact. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 22 Sep 04 - 11:26 PM Believe me, I do hope that WDET takes a huge hit and realizes the huge error they made. Unfortunately, the reality is that WDET made a move that many other non-com radio stations across the country have already made and proved successful. They take the momentary hit of bad press, but in the long run they gain new listeners and new underwriters. They would not drop a program unless they were SURE they could cover the loss. They may be stupid, but they aren't dumb. Unfortunately, it really doesn't matter how well a show does in terms of fundraising. If the station is looking to go in another direction they will do so. Going back to the FUV story, when they dropped the polka show it was one of the highest fundraisers on the station. It didn't matter. They did get the underwriting and the recognition. EVEN if the new show has less pledges, they still make more money. FUV went from just another college radio station to one of the most listened to public radio stations in the country. They outdraw commercial stations in the New York market, the #1 radio market in the world. Does it matter to them if they lost a few thousand devoted polka fans who only tuned into that one show? No. WDET is probably feeling the same thing about Matt and Larry. ANY university or public radio can EASILY change. All it takes is a new university president or a new general manager with what they think are good ideas. It ends up with listners losing a huge outlet. The internet, the handful of non-coms that won't cave in and satellite radio WILL be the future for creative programming. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: denise:^) Date: 22 Sep 04 - 10:04 PM Oh, hi, Vikki!! ;^) I, too, am hoping that WDET suffers a *noticeable* drop in pledges. (I'm sure their Saturday pledge drive won't be the same...) And, Ron, I know you weren't saying that specialty listeners do not donate--I guess I was just thinking that I know for a fact that Matt's show was in 2nd place (just behind 'Morning Edition') in pledge drive revenues--and, answering the phones during his show, I personally knew many of the callers I spoke with. I think that we have a small, vocal "specialty" group who are very generous at pledge time. I hope we can make them feel the pinch! Folk/acoustic music is a pretty big deal around here--there are a lot of venues, a lot of musicians, a lot of organizations...but maybe not enough to make a big difference. denise :^) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: YorkshireYankee Date: 22 Sep 04 - 09:14 PM Although I live in the UK now, so I rarely 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 |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Bill Hahn//\\ Date: 22 Sep 04 - 08:47 PM I can tell you it will be in February of 2005. But, I am sure you can check the WFDU website (www.wfdu.fm) and pledge at anytime and say to whom you are pledging Thanks so much for you kind support and note. Bill Hahn |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Folk, bluegrass radio in Detroit From: Big Mick Date: 22 Sep 04 - 08:43 PM Bill & Ron, would you please let me know when you do your next drive? I would like to contribute. All the best, Mick Lane |
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