Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM

Subject: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired
From: Ron Davies
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 09:44 PM

Dear Friends in Folk,

Please pardon my not using the "bc" function on this mailing... But after you read this, you may feel the need to contact one other.

This afternoon I heard the sad news that Mary Cliff has been asked to collect her things and leave WETA FM Radio this Friday, and that this Saturday night will be the last broadcast of her show, "Traditions." As the WETA FM website describes it, "Traditions, [Mary's] four-hour Saturday night folk music program, is known for its breadth: a mix of traditional, revival, singer-songwriter, ethnic, world and kitchen music, with a strong emphasis on artists and performances in the greater Washington area." It is notable that Traditions is Washington D.C.'s longest-running radio show devoted to folk music. The Institute of Musical Traditions celebrated the show's 30th anniversary with a special concert in January of 2004.

I called Mary and she verified the bad news, reading me excerpts of the official dismissal letter that began, "After careful consideration*" She is shocked, but taking it rather well, considering how sudden this is. She told me that only last week, she was assured that the station would keep airing "Traditions" until she retired. She is trying to remain hopeful, and says she is keeping her ear to the ground for other stations that might pick up her show (and Prairie Home Companion, which is also homeless!).
Word is spreading like wildfire on the internet. Washingtonpost.com already has an article in today's Metro section entitled "WETA to Resume Classical Music Broadcast: Move Comes as WGMS Changes Programming." Print media will not be far behind*Mary says she has already talked to columnist Mark Fisher of the Post's Metro section, as well as someone from Washington CityPaper.

This is a terrible day for the folk community -- for folk music fans; for folk musicians who depend on Mary to help fill the venues where they make their livings as performers; for the venues that book folk and traditional music; for small indie labels that publish this music; and for all who love the thriving Washington, D.C. folk music scene that Mary has nurtured all these years.

I'm sure that as word spreads, there will be organized protests with strategies that encourage us to pull together in a certain direction. Until then, we can express our thoughts about the dismissal of Mary Cliff and the loss of the "Traditions" show by phone or email to WETA's Director of Audience Services, Sheryl Lahti. (Do remember, though, that Sheryl had nothing to do with this decision).

Sheryl Lahti's email address is: [e-mail]

The telephone number for WETA Audience Services is [phone]. Someone will answer between 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, and can transfer your call to Sheryl.   

To leave a message after hours, wait until the pre-recorded message finishes, and you hear the beep. Make sure to spell your name, and leave your daytime phone number. Mary says that they will tally and catalog the comments they receive; the recording says they will make an effort to respond.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of this bad news, but I wanted you to know as soon as I did.

With appreciation for Mary Cliff and all they years we've enjoyed Traditions,



This e-mail was sent to me by a folkie friend in the DC area.   It would be very good if all folkies in the DC area--in fact anybody who's ever heard Mary's show--would register their views with WETA. I've already done so.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Peace
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:01 PM

Ron,

I sent you a copy of the e-mail I just sent to Sheryl Lahti at

[e-mail]

I hope folks who love folk get on this one. Take ya five minutes and like chicken soup, it can't hurt.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM
From: Peace
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:04 PM

BTW, let's do our best to keep this thread above the line, OK?

---

It's certainly an "above the line" topic.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Ron Davies
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:10 PM

Thanks, Peace. I was just passing the bad news on--as it was passed to me. I have no idea if anything can be done to stop this, but it's worth a try.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Peace
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:18 PM

You betcha it's worth a try. It's one thing to be beaten; it's a whole other thing to go without a fight.

Mary has helped many musicians, writers and singers with her show to say nothing of helping keep the music alive for all of us. She more than deserves our support.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:34 PM

I am sad for Mary, who has contributed hugely to the folk community in the DC area. I am sad that WETA will apparently carry no more folk music. I began listening in the late 70s, when Traditions was on twice a week -- Weds. afternoon and Saturday night, I think it was.

But -- and I say this with relucance -- her program long ago lost me as a regular listener.

Once, the service she provided by reading long lists of "who's wheres" was vital.Now, in the internet age, it is a waste of bandwidth. I long for a folk music show that plays music, doesn't talk about it.

I appreciate Mary's decades of dedication to our community. I think it's a travesty that WETA has abandoned the folk music community. But I won't miss Traditions, since I rarely listened to it.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 08:33 AM

I am saddened to hear that Mary is not going to be on the air.

I suspect that her "who's where" will be missed. The information may be on the Internet, but not everyone uses the internet, and Mary's show was a central respository. I worked actively with the Folkal Point, a small once a week folk club in Columbia, Maryland. When WAMU dropped Lee Dempseys lunchtime folk program, it was felt in attendance at the club. I am sure the small, volunteer operated clubs will feel Mary's absence.

Mary also did much to promote local artists as well. They will also feel the effects. If you heard "Joe Doe" on her show, you might be more likely to show up at the next club hosting "Joe Doe". If you have never heard of "Joe Doe" and he shows up on the club's website for next week, are you going to want to go hear him?

When you love something it is difficult to see it harmed and weakened. That is the source of my sorrow. Washington, D.C. once had a vibrant folk scene. It's shine has diminished over the years and it will be dimmer still with Mary's absence.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Skivee
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 09:54 AM

Mary was the last on-air source of information about folk music in DC and a great way to hear the new stuff on the horizon.
With her dismissal it's likely that many of the folk venues in DC will lose enough patrons to close.
This is action is unjust for a woman who worked so hard for WETA and it's listeners for decades.
The experience that we had with the Lee Michael Dempsey/ WAMU dismissal leads me to think that WETA will also not give a hoot about the reaction of Mary's loyal listeners and friends. They probably factored in all the letters we could write and the money we would not sent before they decided to act.
IMHO Public Broadcasting is pissing away the reason it was founded.
I actually like that the self important talk radio shows will be going and thatclassical music is returning. But I suspect that it will have a heavy scent of WGMS on it.
As Beethovan might say,"Dieses Kampf zwischen unterschiedlich Musik Stile ist unwürdig und sollte nicht bekommen geschah."
Mary deserves better treatment.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 09:57 AM

It is worth it to e-mail them.

Sheryl Lahti at

[e-mail]

Note that she was not responsible for the termination.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 10:00 AM

The e-mail I sent yesterday:

'Regarding Mary Cliff's "Traditions":

Dear Sheryl Lahti,

It is with great sadness that I learn the show will be cancelled. Certainly a show that has been broadcast for over 30 years deserves better treatment than this. I realize you are not responsible for the show being cancelled, but I would guess you have some input with those who are. It is a devastating blow to folk music and a slap in the face to Mary. Please pass on to your management that there is a fellow living in Alberta who thinks it is just not right.'

(With that I included my name and address.)

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 10:28 AM

As a friend of Mary's, I am deeply saddened by this development. I've spent many hours at festivals and conferences and have seen how committed Mary is to this music. Washington does not realize how good of a friend they have in Mary. All the wonderful things said about her really are just the tip of the iceberg. This is an enormous loss to radio and folk music.

One thing to keep in mind, when WETA dropped classical music there was an uproar. Classical fans are just as vocal as folk fans, perhaps even more so. They are probably represented in greater numbers, which is what radio stations seem to be looking at these days. Numbers. The days when public radio offered diverse offerings that served the various consituents seems to be dead.   A few years ago, WFUV dropped a long running, and very successful, polka program because the show no longer fit their image.    Radio stations are becoming more dependent on grant money and less dependent on actual listener dollars.

The notes above will help, but I strongly suggest that copies go to whoever is underwriting WETA programs. THOSE are the people who will make the difference, not some empty suit who makes decision by commitee.

We do have to face the fact that we live in a different age and tastes are not the same as they were 34 years ago when Mary started the show. IF enough people can raise a stink with the RIGHT people, Mary will return to the airwaves. From what I heard when I was able to listen to Mary, she had a good mix. She honored the traditions but also explored new trends. That makes for good radio.

This isn't Mary's obit.   She is a fighter and I will bet her voice and the music that she plays will return.   We need more people like Mary Cliff.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: jeffp
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 10:29 AM

WETA is switching to all-classical to step into the gap left by WGMS, which is switching from classical to rock. WGMS, a commercial station, is actually working with WETA to facilitate the transition. This is according to an article in today's Washington Post. This is actually not unexpected if you have been following the machinations of David Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins football team, as he has been attempting to expand his local sports radio network. He made a lucrative offer for WGMS, which sparked a great deal of controversy among classical radio fans.

Maybe there will be room found at WAMU for Mary. It would be nice to see that happen.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Nancy King
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 10:52 AM

Thanks for the heads up on this. I'll send off an email pronto. Mary has served the folk music scene in this area well for many years, and this is really a shocking development. In addition to her wide knowledge and eclectic approach to the genre, Mary has a wonderful radio voice that will be greatly missed.

Just for the record, the owner of the Redskins is DAN Snyder, not David.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:03 AM

WAMU at least kept Lee Michael Dempsey on the payroll..."pack up & leave by Friday" is one hell of a good-bye after 35 years! Especially since she was/is knowlegable and perfectly capable of announcing and shepherding CLASSICAL music programming!

It is obvious by the tone of it all that they consider the decision final, and they make mo mention of her OR her program on the website...not even a 'regretfully'.

I never expected they would 'replace' the program when Mary retired, but this is tacky business.

I do hope Mary finds a niche to continue the insight, taste and support she has provided to the community for all these years.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:15 AM

Unbelievable!

I was listening to WETA on Sunday, but didn't fully grasp the implications of switching to all clasical.

I am a subscriber and will not be renewing.

JAB

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: jeffp
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:23 AM

Oops! Of course it's Dan. Sorry about that. The other facts stand.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:25 AM

GutBucketeer (JAB), ya gotta let them know that, buddy.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:38 AM

Didn't WETA cut its classical content and get rid of its classical library less than two years ago? What a show of committment to the format.

Here is what I sent Ms. Lahti.

I have heard that the recent format change to classical music includes the cancellation of Saturday Night's Traditions, hosted by Mary Cliff and the weekly airing of Prairie Home Companion. Classical music is important and needs a home in the DC area. However, I am confused since these shows have many aspects in common with classical music in maintaining history and tradition of music in general. They are unique, represent a fraction of your overall programming time, and have loyal fan bases. If you are going to cut anything please cut the duplicative an parallel broadcasting of the NPR shows that are aired at exactly the same time as WAMU.



As a contributor to WETA I am deeply saddened by this decision and if it remains in effect will not be contributing to your station in the future.



Jim Bunch

Silver Spring, MD

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:46 AM

Good one, Jim. It may not help, but for sure NOT sending an e-mail won't help.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:50 AM

WFMU might be another shop she could try. Free-form-- DJs can send their show in on CD.

~S~

Subject: WETA CANCELS TRADITIONS FOLK RADIO SHOW
From: Fortunato
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 12:20 PM

WETA in Washington DC has canceled Traditions, Mary Cliff's folk radio show of over 30 years running. I have written to WETA at http://www.weta.org/contact.php
"WETA,
Surely this is not correct. As a DC native, a member and contributor to WETA for MANY YEARS, AND A DEDICATED LISTENER to Traditions, I urge you to rethink this tragic mistake.
    Mary Cliff and her weekly show are an intrinsic thread of musical continuity in our city and region. Her show supports the fabric of folk and roots music in our area. AND THERE IS NO OTHER, NO SUBSTITUTE!
    DC area Folk music dies here, today if you go through with this. Literally. Mary's show is the underpinning of all the folk and traditional music and dance in this region. It is the main artery of communication for the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, and has been for over thirty years. The Washington Folk Festival depends on the communication venue that Mary's show provides.
    The folk and roots performers who travel to the DC area depend on her show to communicate their concerts.
    Traditions is a critical part of the community and social fabric. Cancelling her show will do irreparable harm to the community.

I respectfully request a public meeting and a dialogue on this matter.

Chance Shiver

If you agree with my response please contact WETA at the URL http://www.weta.org/contact.php


I was so angry I forgot to search for other threads and started a new one. I'll copy my email here, and if Joe Offer combines the two that'll be fine.

---

Duplicate deleted.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 12:52 PM

I wonder if any collusion laws were violated in the agreements between the private sector Bonneville conglomorate and WETA? With the change it seems that All local content that promotes local artists, venues, what's happening in the DC area, etc. has disappeared. Isn't this what a public broadcast station is supposed to be about? It certainly doesn't seem to be in the public interest.

Is their anything that the FCC or license renewal review can do?

JAB

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM "Traditions"
From: jeffp
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 01:11 PM

Can't see any problems that the FCC would be interested in. WGMS is giving their call letters and 18,000 CDs to WETA. The Hagerstown booster station, now called WETH, will become WGMS. There will be cross-promotion for 6 months or so. No money is changing hands.

I don't see what sort of "collusion" you could be talking about, Jim. It's not like a realtor steering a customer to a lender. It's a radio station changing formats and giving away their inventory to a public station. Taking care of the listeners.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 01:14 PM

Oh, the classical fans will be VERY happy! They always hated the Sat. evening 'interruption' of their stuff for that silly 'folk program'.....and they DO spend money.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: GUEST,Tidewater Musician
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 01:57 PM

It would be wonderful if, given the size of the audience in the Washington metro area, there could be two public radio stations, just as we have in the Hampton Roads area, with much success. One is focused on classical music, while the other broadcasts folk, jazz, news programs, and other programs like Fresh Air, This American Life, etc. As a former D.C. area resident, I am so sad to learn that folk is disappearing from the D.C. airwaves. I hope all of these efforts to sway the underwriters and others will make a differene.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 02:01 PM

How many folks have sent e-mails so far?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 02:20 PM

The e-mails are important, but don't put all your hope in them.

The underwriters of WETA program are the ones to reach.   

Trust me, station management is prepared for a deluge of e-mails from listeners, and I am sure they have calculated how much it would cost them if they had to return the donor dollars.

It is less likely that they have prepared themselves from organized boycotts of the underwriters. As soon as the first underwriter cancels their support, changes will be made. Loosing that support will scare the hell out of them. That suppport is how they base their programming, not on the number of listeners to specific shows.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 02:48 PM

OK. Is there anyone in the show's area who could give us the names of the underwriters? Then we could send e-mails to where they will do the most good.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 02:52 PM

I also noticed that the WETA website (www.weta.org)has a schedule of board meetings and a long list of trustees. Those are certainly target areas for protests.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: jeffp
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 03:00 PM

There is another public radio station in Washington - WAMU. They run a mix of programming: local affairs, bluegrass, old radio shows, and on Sundays at 5 - Thistle and Shamrock, my personal favorite.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Elettra
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 03:09 PM

Our local PBS station elected to drop Thistle and Shamrock in favor of classical programming. Sure, I can still listen online, but I live in an area where Top 40 and oldies are all you get on local radio, and Thistle was the one breath of radio fresh air I got each week. Complaints to the station did no good but made me feel better! Fight on for Mary, this is wrong.
E.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Elettra
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 03:11 PM

Oops, meant to say NPR, not PBS.
E.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 03:16 PM

Thistle and Shamrock is an NPR show that costs individual stations a lot of money to carry. Prairie Home Companion is the same way and it is probably the most expensive show offered on public radio - but it can pay for itself. While both shows are expensive, they usually draw a great deal of support for the station - both from undewriters who know what they are backing and from pledge drives.

Mary's show was produced by WETA and Mary was an employee at the station, who had other functions besides this show.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 04:44 PM

This is what I sent them:

Hello,
When I first heard the news that WETA was reinstating classical music, I was ecstatic! Then I found out that part of the package was the cancellation of the Mary Cliff show and her dismissal. Then my ecstacy turned to rage.

How raw can someone be! Her show is the last folk music show in the DC metro area, and she has been on the air for 30 some years. She is an essential part of the folk community, and she was close to retirement, anyway. I cannot think of a worse disservice to the community or to an employee than what you did.

Furthermore, I must protest the cancellation of Prairie Home Companion, Cartalk,and Sunday Morning Edition.

From your decision-making process, I can only conclude that the "public" in public radio is just a ruse, and that you expect us to accept whatever programming whim crosses your mind without so much as a whimper.

I am here to tell you that the audience you have dissed is a MAJOR contribution source, and that we will not take this lying down. And if you think the folk community should be dismissed so casually, just look at what shows PBS runs when THEY are asking for money. One of their big producers is the long show featuring all the folk music icons that we know and love. Ask them if they bring in the bacon, if
you think we don't matter!

I would like to reward you for reinstating classical music. But I cannot, since you also cancelled Traditions, and of course, the other three shows, too. No donations from me, and I will spread the word as far and wide as I can with my keyboard and computer. Phooey on you for making these decisions without input from your funders!

Please respond to this email with a non-form letter. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Saul Goldberg

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 04:50 PM

Well, some good news, at least. I just heard that WAMU will carry Prairie Home Companion.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 04:51 PM

Good for you, Saul. BTW, I have had no response to my e-mail, but I will post it if and when.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Peace
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 05:03 PM

Would you kind people who are trying to get the decision reversed please keep the thread alive? I have to be gone for a while and so won't be able to. I think Mary deserves better from her employer, and the more support she gets the better, IMO. Thanks, y'all.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 05:04 PM

I have not had a chance to speak directly with Mary, and I do not know what her plans are - but I just checked WAMU's website after reading Sauls note and found this message -

"A Message to Our Listeners
As you might imagine, we're receiving lots of questions right now from many of you -- public radio listeners who are wondering what WAMU 88.5 will be changing, if anything, in light of current changes in the Washington, D.C., area radio landscape.

I'm happy to be able to answer one question right now: Starting Saturday, Jan. 27, we'll begin airing A Prairie Home Companion from 6-8 p.m. Hot Jazz Saturday Night will follow from 8-11 p.m.

I'm hoping to have answers to all your questions soon -- questions about different shows that you would like us to carry. We're already evaluating our recent programming changes, because the format changes in our area obviously provide some additional opportunities and options for our station. We'll release any information about additional changes to our own schedule when we have them.

I wish our colleagues at WETA-FM great success with their return to classical music. WAMU 88.5's focus will not change -- to be the public radio listener's source for news and information in the Washington, D.C., metro area, and to showcase the best of traditional American music.

Sincerely,
Caryn G. Mathes
WAMU 88.5 General Manager"


Perhaps another lobbying effort should be directed at WAMU to pick up Mary??

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 07:51 PM

Both public and private radio stations operate over the public airwaves and are granted the rights to use the public airwaves (a scarce resource) in return for providing something back to the community. I believe this is especially true of public not-for-profit stations. They operate within the bounds of their stated mission and have either explicit or implicit agreements to serve their listeners. WETA broke their agreement with their classical audience two years ago, when they abandoned the format. This is an indication of their "committment" to their public and their requirement to serve.

Anytime a private for profit corporation goes out of its way conduct conversations behind the scenes with a public entity it is suspect. Bonneville Corporation showed its colors and committment to its Classical listeners already by switching WGMS from a strong signal to a weaker signal location (104.?) on the dial, and now is eliminating classical programming entirely. Clearly Bonneville gained by shedding its classical audience at virtually no cost in order to seek what it thinks will be more profitable markets. They hoped to avoid a backlash by initiating their negotiations with WETA.

I don't know what the exact laws and requirements are, but I do know each station has to live up to their stated committments, and that these are periodically reviewed by the FCC. IMHO there is cause for concern because local programming and community content has now been sigficantly reduced, and unique "Traditions" have been cancelled through smoke filled back room negotiations.

JAB

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 08:25 PM

Gutbucketeer, what you described certainly sounds ominious and I do not want to sound like like I am defending the idiots that run WETA, but what you described is certainly not illegal or against any FCC or CPB rules.

One item that you have not included is that the FCC deregulation changed many of the rules.   The deregulation abolished the Fairness Doctrine rules, stations no longer required to present public affairs programs, etc.   It is now much harder to challenge a radio stations license - especially when they make a case that classic music has a larger audience that needs to be served.

The FCC and CPB do not tell stations how operate or what kind of programs to present. I could make a case that polka music is not being served and demand a public station broadcast several hours a week - but they can tell me to go fly a kite.

While us "folkies" see the loss of Mary's show as a loss, none of us can tell a radio station how to operate. What we can do is what has been suggested - write letters to not only the management (who are excpecting it and can deal with volumes of hate mail) but more importantly to the underwriters and I would also suggest the board of trustees. WETA has public meetings. Groups of folkies should show up as a group and make your voice heard. The folk music community of Washington DC should have a MANDATORY committment to help Mary after everything she has done for them.   Show up to the public meeting and raise some hell.

As for fighting this on a legal issue, you do not have a case. You can only hit them in the pocketbook to have a slim chance of making it work.   Go for it.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: lamarca
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 08:37 PM

I can't help but wonder if this action is, in part, because of Mary's years of dedicated activity as Shop Steward for the union employees at WETA. Dismissing her before she can retire and collect whatever pension she has coming seems like a possibly actionable offense - but I'm not a lawyer...

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 09:09 PM

DARN! Ain't deregulation wonderful

Ron, We will do what we can.

JAB

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,Ref
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 09:54 PM

Not being from the area, I'm unsure. Is WETA a public station? If they are, they must have a board. You should demand to be heard and make a major effort to get every folk supporter out for it. We had a situation like this in NH about fifteen years ago. A consultant had sold the board on the advisability of going all classical (COINCIDENTALLY (?), the consultant had a friend selling an all classical package!) The NH folk (and other programming) community demanded and got a hearing that brought in 250+ angry subscribers on a Sunday night. After getting their ears filled with "No more of my money nor that of anyone else I can persuade", the board wised up and reconsidered. We're now getting a mix of news, entertainment, and music (mostly folk and jazz.) It ain't perfect, but it works. Don't give up!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 10:37 PM

WETA is a "public station"

Community Advisory Council
Meetings of the advisory council are also open to the public. The council will meet on Friday, February 2 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. in room 625. For more information, please call 703-998-2761.

2007 WETA BOARD MEETINGS
Meetings of the WETA Board of Trustees and its Committees are open to the general public* and held 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at WETA's administrative offices, 2775 South Quincy Street, Arlington, Virginia 22206. For more information, contact the Board's Assistant Secretary, Karen White at 703-998-2820 or by e-mail at [e-mail].

Previous meetings
The Executive Committee of the WETA Board of Trustees held a closed executive session by telephone on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 to discuss proprietary and confidential matters.

The WETA Board of Trustees held a closed executive session by telephone on Thursday, December 14, 2006 to discuss proprietary and confidential matters.

The meeting of the Development & Marketing Committee on Thursday, December 14, 2006 was cancelled.

Upcoming meetings

Monday, February 26
Monday, May 21


STAFF AND BOARD

Executive Staff
Sharon Percy Rockefeller
President and Chief Executive Officer

Joseph B. Bruns
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Dalton Delan
Executive Vice President and Chief Programming Officer

Polly Povejsil Heath
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


WETA's Board of Trustees
Leslee "Honey" Alexander
Paul Anthony
Cynthia Baker
Megan Beyer
Karna Small Bodman
M. Diane Bodman
K. David Boyer Jr.
Richard W. Carlson
Lavern Jackson Chatman
J. Marshall Coleman
Lisa Claire Dwoskin
Lauren Peterson Fellows
Ann B. Friedman
John W. Hechinger Jr., Chairman
J. Roderick Heller III, Trustee Emeritus
Allan R. Hoffman
Ann Dibble Jordan
Max M. Kampelman, Trustee Emeritus
Bobbie Greene Kilberg
Jonathan J. Ledecky
Nancy O. Low
David O. Maxwell, Trustee Emeritus
Daniel K. Mayers, Trustee Emeritus
Mara Mayor
John A. McAdams
W. Scott McGeary
Sally L. Merten
Susan Pearce
Ian K. Portnoy
Edward Hart Rice
Sharon Percy Rockefeller, ex officio
Alison K. Russell
David E. Shiffrin
Loren Allan Smith, ex officio
Donald M. Spero
Catherine Ann Stevens
Barbara D. Tannenbaum
Cynthia Steele Vance
Stephen A. Weiswasser
Anne Wexler, Trustee Emeritus

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 09:17 AM

Thansk, Gut. Now we know who to send our missives to. I will send mine to each and every one on the list.

Saul

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 09:18 AM

Just to clarify, not all public stations hold open meetings. The fact that WETA does is a very good sign. I would urge everyone in the area to attend and also to find e-mail or snail mail addresses for each of the trustees.   More important, I cannot overemphasis how important it is to get to the underwriters.   By making your voices heard to this group will give you a much better chance. Writing to the management of the station will help you get your anger off your chest, but you will be more effective by reaching the others.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 09:40 AM

OK, Ron. Who ARE the underwriters?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 09:56 AM

I don't know - I am not in the DC area and cannot hear the station on a regular basis.

Someone will need to find that out from WETA - either by listening or perhaps in the website.

Also, people who are not in the listening area should realize that their e-mails are not really going to help.   While is shows support for folk music, it will actually make a case that the DC area is not supporting the program and "outside help" is responsible for the complaints. Makes for an easy dismissal.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,hoot&fidget
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 06:58 PM

Where in the world can we get the e-mail addresses of the WETA's Board of Trustees and executive staff?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Peace
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 07:03 PM

http://www.weta.org/contact.php