Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,Mike B.
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 06:34 PM

A two hour show will necessarily be more tightly focused than a five hour program, but don't underestimate Mary's ability to pull it off with flying colors.

She'll now be leading off an uninterrupted 19 hour block of trad music on WAMU:

11 PM (Saturday) - Triditions with Mary Cliff
1 AM (Sunday) - Bluegrass Overnight
6 AM - Stained Glass Bluegrass (gospel)
10 AM - The Ray Davis Show (traditional bluegrass)
1 PM - The Dick Spottswood Show (ethnic roots music)
3 PM - The Eddie Stubbs Show (country/honky tonk)
5 PM - The Thistle and Shamrock (Celtic)

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 03:53 PM

I was away visiting my son in Israel for two weeks when news of WETA's immanent canceling of Traditions hit. I did get brief internet access to my email one day last week, and the FOCUS folk concert series had sent out a broadcast email about it with Sheryl Lahti's email address. Even though I was pretty sure it was too late, I emailed Sheryl Lahti. I said that Traditions was my sole reason for supporting the station. (I didn't yet know about the switch back to classical).

Whenever I had sent money to WETA, either by mail, website or phone pledge, I had always told them in capital letters that Traditions was the reason. I never got the sense that the message went anywhere, though. I would get a "so what's your point?" feeling from the pledge phone answerers. The email form didn't have any place to put your programming favorites.

Exactly two years ago today (Feb 5, 2005) the article came out in the Washington Post that WETA was "considering" dropping classical programming: this thread .

I went to that WETA public comment meeting, dressed in my musical notes hat and Chautauqua pin, hoping to catch the eye of Paul Anthony, one of the WETA Trustees I had met briefly in Chautauqua NY in the '90's. I got in line to be one of the 30 people allowed to make a one-minute comment at the meeting. As instructed by WETA, I had brought with me a copy for each of the Trustees of an overview of the dozens of letters and petitions people had given me at my choirs to take to the meeting. A wide variety of people spoke - educators, choral directors, symphony members, community leaders, etc - all saying how vital WETA's classical music programming was (I included saying how important and loved Traditions was, also). I did get to talk to Paul Anthony for a few minutes as well.

None of it did any good. Public comment period notwithstanding, the decision to drop classical had really already been made.

Mary Cliff was there at the meeting. At that time she was grieving for the fate of her classical music programming co-workers. It was apparent they all really cared about each other as a family.

As soon as I got back from my trip and woke up this morning I checked the Mudcat for news. I'm so relieved Traditions survives in some form, but it's not the same. It's very sad. I had been afraid of its being canceled ever since I started listening in the late '70's - when I didn't have any wheels or money and couldn't really get to any of the concerts Mary so temptingly listed in the Whos Wheres. How could something so good and old-fashioned continue for long in today's world?

Linda

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,smeghead
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 09:39 PM

While it's good news that WAMU has picked up Traditions, I remember a day not so long ago when WAMU dropped Lee Michael Demsey and his show in favor more Blah, Blah, Blah. Shortly after that Afternoon Bluegrass was cut to make way for Terry Gross ( yes, she is !) Whatch your backs folkies !

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 09:43 PM

Great stuff!

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Peace
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 11:00 AM

A big THANK YOU to Ron Davies who brought the whole thing to everyone's attention by starting this thread. Way ta go, Ronnie, baby.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 10:47 AM

I've just heard that WAMU 88.5 FM will be picking up Mary Cliff and Traditions on Saturdays at 11:00pm. Three cheers for WAMU!!!

David

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 07:55 AM

I am so glad to hear that Mary's show will continue, albeit in a much shorter version. I noted in the WAMU press release that they heard from many listeners who encouraged them to take on "Traditions". Here's a cheer to all of those who took the time to e-mail or write WAMU. Of course, now I will renew my donations to WAMU (just switching my money from WETA to WAMU).

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Peace
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 02:37 AM

Ditto momnopp.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: momnopp
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 10:33 PM

press release of same

YAAAYYYY!!!!

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 10:31 PM

WAMU's press release:
http://wamu.org/about/press/traditions.php

(NB:as of this evening, the html coding is a little wonky, and it shows up strangely with odd characters in it using my Safari browser on the Mac, but you can still read it.)

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,Bill
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 10:06 PM

I couldn't be happier! I knew WAMU would come through. Good work to all who campaigned with WAMU for this.

Remember this during WAMU's next fund drive.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Ferrara
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 09:50 PM

Yayyyy Mary!

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 08:14 PM

*smile*..Two hours is better than nothing! Now I don't have to change my 6 radios that are already set to WAMU for the various weekend programs.

Hooray!

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 07:14 PM

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is the note from Mary on Folk DJ:


Okay. It's official. Traditions with Mary Cliff has moved to WAMU,
Washington, DC, effective this Saturday night, 11 pm to 1 am.

Guess i'll pre-tape a week and come to Memphis.

Mary Cliff, TRADITIONS
WAMU, 88.5, Washington, DC
www.marycliff.net

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 06:53 PM

And here's the WAMU page confirming that:
http://wamu.org/programs/traditions/

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,Mike B.
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 06:42 PM

Just read on dcrtv.com (a website specializing in local TV and radio information) that WAMU has hired Mary Cliff to host a two hour version of Traditions on Saturday nights from 11 P.M. to 1 A.M. starting Feb. 3 (leading into the station's overnight bluegrass programming).

Although she was doing five hours on WETA at the time her show was cancelled, this is still great news!

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 12:30 AM

Very sad news to hear. Mary's program was an institution and an incredibly fine resource.

Wishing her all the best and a very early rebirth,
Dan Milner

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,Michelle Schuster
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 10:01 PM

The whole thing is very disheartening. We have loved listening to Mary Cliff and Traditions for many years. I never thought WETA would do something like this to our one folk music venue on local radio. Mary is so important to the folk music community. It's a real blow to see WETA save the voice of classical music on one hand, and the kill the folk music sound. I'm just hoping that WAMU, which I prefer anyway, will pick Mary up. We listened last night with so much love and nostalgia. It meant so much that her first song was Jonathan Eberhart's "Life's Trolley Ride." Thank you, Mary, and may you be back soon!!

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,bill
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 09:54 PM

I agree with Ron several messages back. Almost all of the messages posted on this string are documenting effort. Do not give up. These efforts will bear fruit. I am proud to see this.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 01:12 AM

Well That's That.

It was a good show.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,Susan Meehan
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 12:10 AM

I just re-upped with WAMU, and used the comment line to say that I'd double my contribution if WAMU makes a place for Mary Cliff. Positive reinforcement can be powerful.

Isn't her playlist tonight brilliant! It all works together in a truly powerful statement.

I'll contact the underwriters, as well.

Let's hope the light doesn't go out...

Susan Meehan

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,Dan L.
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 10:44 PM

Not only underwriters, but I'd think also and perhaps especially
that the performers and the venues who host them would be quite
disappointed that Mary's promotion of them is to be lost.

WETA, btw--not sure it was specified above--apparently went to its
mostly-news format in Feb. 2005.
Personally, I've been quite angered by WETA's echoing WAMU's long-standing
broadcast of Morning Edition, and then WAMU's reciprocation more recently
in duplicating WETA's long-standing early evening hosting of All Things
Considered--which prior to that had been done in a wonderfully complementary
way: WAMU began as WETA ended the broadcast, and one thus could listen
from anytime in the first 90min and catch it all via WAMU's later airing.

The money-hounding mailings seem to have followed Ms. Rockefeller's
presence, and are a splendid waste of resources and irritation to any
reasonable person (they have done phone calls, too!).
(Btw, is anyone else amazed at the NUMBER of trustees--that's one long list!)

--dl*
====

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Ferrara
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 10:06 PM

Mary's final program on WETA is on now and it's pretty powerful. She started with Jonathon Eberhart, "Life's Trolley Ride," and is taking us on a tour through time in many ways. My oh my. Good stuff.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 09:51 PM

To the tidewater musician: those two radio stations are really just WHRO split into two...they work in concert. WETA and WAMU are totally different entities, admittedly within the same area of public radio.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,Mike Licht
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 09:23 PM

From the WETA-FM website on Saturday:

We've long been enriched by Mary Cliff's knowledge, appreciation of music, and generous spirit, and offer appreciation for her many years at WETA and within the community.

Mary Cliff grew up in Arlington and has been active in the Washington-area music community since high school. She is known and appreciated for her long-running Saturday night folk music program Traditions. Both personally and professionally, Mary has been a steadfast cheerleader for the Washington area's music scene and its artists, especially those of the folk community.

Please join us in sending your best wishes and kind regards directly to Mary Cliff at the following e-mail address: [e-mail]
---------------

So that's that for WETA.

The WAMU fund raising drive is Feb 3-10. Online forms for "membership" and "donate any amount" have a "comments" box. Why not use that box to tell WAMU "start airing "Traditions." Don't raise other issues - that confuses them. Don't tell them you like some of their other shows -- that encourages complacency.

We've all had issues with WAMU in the past. The people who ran the station then are gone. Here is a chance for the new management to prove they care about our community's culture.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,Ted Sterne, Olney
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 09:07 PM

Mary Cliff and "Traditions" have been the light of my radio life for years. As well as emailing WETA 90.9 FM I have also emailed WAMU 88.5 FM with a plea to take on "Traditions" in any time slot that would work. I am listening to her "last" (I hope not!) show on WETA as I type.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 08:24 PM

Mary's last program is on the air right now...8:25 ET...until 1AM.

She can be emailed at her website.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 11:42 AM

Dear Trustees and Staff of WETA:

I'm a DC-area native and longtime listener and supporter of "Traditions". Please reverse your decision to cancel "Traditions." Your show's influence and impact on our community is huge and unique. "Traditions" promotes and validates roots music in the Washington area by showcasing the acoustic artists who live here and who come to perform here.

No other program on WETA accomplishes this. No other program on our local airwaves accomplishes this.

"Traditions" has an impact on hundreds of artists, music venues, nonprofit organizations dedicated to roots music, and of course the thousands of citizens who love traditional music and dance.

You should be praised for offering this vital cultural link for 30 years. You fit "Traditions" into your classical schedule for all these years; it seems perfectly reasonable that you would continue to achieve that balance now.

I know that the trustees of WETA, like all nonprofit trustees, seek "leverage" in their activities. The opportunity to support an entire world of culture in our region with four hours of programming each week seems like terrific leverage of the money you steward.

Please keep "Traditions" on your schedule.

Respectfully,

Andy Carroll
Washington, DC

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 07:27 AM

I've emailed both WAMU and WETA. I told WAMU that I would double my contribution if it picked up Mary Cliff. I will now contact the underwriters and trustees you guys have provided. Mary deserves the best we can do for her because she has always done the best she could do for us. I owe her years of pleasure and consider it a debt of honor.

A very effective Gaelic chant that keeps off ran has come down in my family for hundreds of years. Maybe I can redirect that chant to fit present circumstances...

Laughing,

Susan Meehan

Subject: What A Lame Action For A "Public Radio" Station
From: GUEST,Lee Diamond
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 02:22 AM

WETA is full of lame excuses. Traditions is a unique program. It is not like Car Talk or any other program broadcast in this area.

I'd like to see something creative done in terms of internet radio or whatever it is that the progressives like The Nation Magazine are doing to make audio available on the web.

I agree with the comments on all the announcements. A station in Philly does them all at one time. That is a lot better . Then people who want to hear it know when to tune in.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 07:26 PM

"You can campaign all you want, but we're not listening." What a disappointing response."

Not surprised. That is why I keep stressing the importance of letting the board of trustees and the underwriters know. It still might not be enough, but your message will certainly ring louder.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 07:17 PM

I just received the same e-mail. The gist seems to be, "You can campaign all you want, but we're not listening." What a disappointing response.

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: fretless
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 04:26 PM

By the way, just to make it clear, all I was doing in the preceding message was passing along the mass reply from WETA. I'll miss the music on Mary's show, even if I won't miss the seemingly endles announcements.

It doesn't seem likely that the station will take the show back. WAMU may be our only hope in that regard, but I suspect that's unlikely, too.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: fretless
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 04:19 PM

WETA responds:

From: Sheryl Lahti
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 12:16 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: Re: Traditions w/Mary Cliff


Dear Friends of Traditions with Mary Cliff,

It is always my preference to respond to every call, e-mail and letter personally. But, this is an exceptional time…

I have heard from so many Traditions fans like you. It's touching. I truly appreciate that you took the time to let me know how you feel. I share your fondness for the show. Often on Saturday nights, I hope I will be some place where I can tune in to Traditions, if only for a short while.

So, I hope you'll forgive me for responding en masse. Please know that I did read your personal message and I am tracking and reporting all of the feedback I receive.

In addition to voicing sadness over the departure of Mary's show, most of you have also praised WETA's decision to return to a classical format. Let me address both matters.

As you know, WETA has a 35-year history in broadcasting classical music. When we made the difficult decision to change to a news and information format two years ago, we did so in a media landscape that included a full-time classical music station, WGMS, where music fans could tune for classical music.

Since 2005, however, a number of dramatic shifts to the local landscape have impacted us greatly. Among those changes were the introduction of another news format station (WTWP – Washington Post Radio) and the possible change of formats on WGMS.

We are very proud of the service we created in the past two years, but amid the new radio landscape in Greater Washington, we determined that adopting a classical music format is the best way for WETA to serve the community. As the exclusive classical music station in this area, WETA can now provide a unique public service. And in order to make the new Classical WETA 90.9 FM successful, we believe it is best to concentrate our resources and energies on the classical music genre alone.

Many listeners celebrate that development. But, we knew that other friends would be let down in the process. Like Traditions, other beloved programs such as A Prairie Home Companion and Car Talk have also departed. It reflects the very nature of broadcasting: what pleases one listener may disappoint another. We do not say goodbye to Traditions without some grief – we are fans, too. But, no matter how tough they might be, we have a responsibility to make decisions that we feel are in the station's best interest. By the way, Prairie Home has been picked up by WAMU 88.5, and can be heard there beginning Saturday, January 27, at 6 p.m.; WAMU is reportedly considering adding Traditions; and many of the NPR programs formerly heard on WETA are already on WAMU.

I respect your views and appreciate your long-time support and friendship. Thanks for writing.

Sincerely,


Sheryl Lahti
Executive Director
Membership and Audience Support
WETA

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 02:58 PM

Charlie,

You know I stopped donating to WAMU when Lee Michael Dempsey's Show was dropped. At work, I used to take my lunch break in my car, because I couldn't get the show inside the building. Even on a cold day like today I'd be out in my car with the radio and the heater on.

I hope this works out for Mary.

Roger

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 10:46 AM

Further news.

Mary Cliff send an e-mail to friends:

FYI:  I am in discussion with another station at this time, and even SatRad.  I do feel that this big folk community deserves a radio program local to this area.  The last TRADITIONS on WETA will be this Saturday night [January 27].  After that, I'll put updates on my website, www.marycliff.net -- along with updates of the "interminable list" of "who's wheres."  Again, thanks for the incredible support.  

And from the WETA blog page, talking about where their former programs can now be found:

WAMU is adjusting its radio schedule and has confirmed in the press that they are considering adding the folk music show Traditions with Mary Cliff.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GoodNightGracie
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 09:50 AM

I am very sorry to hear about how Mary was treated. I expect that Mary will find a new venue soon. Like Mary LaMarca, I am suspicious that Mary's roll as shop steward has something to do with these events. By the way, if someone is vested in a pension, the participant's accrued benefits cannot legally be reduced or eliminated. That is except in the case of insolvency or bankruptcy whereby the PBGC insurance picks up a very small portion of the benefits that are payable.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,Mike Licht
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 09:45 AM

New Post on WETA blog by Chief Operating Officer Joe Bruns:

"We can certainly refund your membership – that has always been our policy. Call our audience services line at 703-998-2724, and they'll take care of your request. If you recently made a philanthropic contribution linked to radio and wish your donation returned, you can call the Leadership Circle at 703-998-2691."

So there you have it.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 09:13 AM

Dan, I have to stress this again after reading your post. People are focusing on sending e-mails and letters to the station. That is not enough. Whether it is a piece of paper or an electronic note, the station is expecting these and it will not make a difference.

The difference will come when something is sent to the trustees and underwriters. I can't stress that enough. Management knows their decision was unpopular and they are prepared for that. If you send a note to the program director, do you really think they are going to stop and say - hey, I made a mistake and I am going to bring the show back? NO!   If you reach their superiors and the people who are pumping money into the station, THEY will be the ones asking questions of the people that are working for them.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 12:11 AM

It occurs to me that e-mail, though I did indeed send one, is not the best method of persuasion. They take up no physical space and are gotten rid of with the punch of a key. The best method, I imagine, is a massive letter writing campaign to The Washington Post and other media outlets. Physical letters to WETA are good, as is a flood of phone calls.

One point I made in my letter is that it saddened me to see that in the capital of the nation, current traditional folk musicians could no longer find a radio station to play their music. What is public broadcasting for, if not for this?

Sincerely,
Dan

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: GUEST,DVD
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 11:06 PM

I have another suggestion regardng lobbying to preserve Mary Cliff's show. Why not try contacting WPFW en masse--I already have. This may be a good way to broaden their listener base---maybe even get them some more contributions.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:55 PM

By the way, I just want to say that everyone who has stepped up and done something about this - finding addresses, sending letters, sending e-mails, spreading the word - all of you deserve a huge round of applause and a big "thank you". I don't think Mary checks this website, but I think she is aware of what everyone has been doing for her, both here and on other websites and lists. The support is important.

It is easy to use Mudcat to blow off steam and complain about things - but seeing people take action is inspiring. It takes time do the rearch and write the notes - but believe me, it helps.   You can make a difference, especially everyone who lives in the DC area.

Keep fighting. Folk music is in danger.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:41 PM

Here is the note that Mary posted to the Folk DJ listserv -

"I was just informed that my folk music program TRADITIONS will end this week and that my employment at WETA radio will end after 34 years."

What WETA did to Mary is not a secret. I think "dropped" is a good way to put it.   She was not "fired" due to performance issues but her show was "dropped" because of a programming decision.

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:38 PM

This is terrible news. Many musicians depended on Mary Cliff to reach new audiences. Somehow this feels like one more nail in the coffin of independent music. And it's a rotten way to treat one of the finest people I know.

I've sent my e-mail - though I'm now out of the area - and I'll be sending on to WAMU, though after what happened to Lee Michael Dempsey, it seems unlikely they'll be much help. Does anyone have the e-mail address at WAMU we should write to?

I suppose it's too much to hope that Mary will get a nice job with XM or Sirius Satellite radio. Not that it would help the DC area - but Mary deserves better.

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:08 PM

Hi, Ron - I'm trying Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM, but I'm open to other suggestions. I agree that "fired" is unnecessarily derogatory to Mary, and it may possibly be a bit too inflammatory in tone.
What think y'all?
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Ron Davies
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 08:08 PM

Susan (WYSIWYG) makes a good point. Title of this thread should be changed. "Fired" is not the right word. Maybe "dismissed" is better--"fired" suggests possible cause--of which there was none. Maybe no mention of Mary in the title--maybe just " WETA: No More "Traditions" or something like that.

I only started the thread since I received the letter I posted. I thought time was of the essence--so I did it immediately.

I will certainly defer to the wisdom of the group on this.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 03:40 PM

I am hestitant to tell people what to write because I don't think a form letter response will do good. I think everyone who chooses to write (and I hope many of you do) should say things along the line of what has been said in this thread.    Asking them to please reconsider their decision is not a bad start.

Here is an outline - put it in your own words and actions:

a. You are unhappy with the decision to eliminate the show. Explain why.

b. You are unhappy with the company/individual for supporting this decision because they are either an underwriter or a member of the board.   

c. Ask them to do whatever they can to reconsider.

d. Let the them know the consequences. Tell them what you are going to withold - donations, you won't support or purchase their product, you won't listen to the radio station, no more sex, you are going to hold you breathe and turn blue, etc.   You can think of your own words and actions!   Let them know you are angry and you are going to back up this protest with action. You are the consumer and you are going to take your business elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: GUEST,Wayne Monroe
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 03:37 PM

I used to listen; the best part was the opening with fiddles playing The Maiden's Prayer. Mary is a bit of a slow talker and she never seemed to be organized. She had time to play more music and less time looking for something. Actually, I imagine she has a shot at getting on at WAMU. They broadcast in HD now and Ray Davis is on every afternoon again. I wish they would bring Jerry Gray back with his old program. WAMU has Car Talk and all the news programming; back around September 11, 2001 WAMU and WETA were practically "simulcasting" the PBS news programming. It's good they went back to classical music.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 03:03 PM

For Ron Olesko,

Hokay, I posted a list of the underwriters for the purpose of carrying this up to the people with the bucks. But, I don't think an e-mail saying, "Please ask WETA to reconsider eliminating Traditions." is going to do much.

I welcome some suggestions.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,hoot&fidget
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 02:55 PM

You have but to ask...

Here are the current underwriters for WETA from http://tinyurl.com/39hljb

I formatted them so that a vertical bar (|) delineates the various fields. The first field is the corporate name, second is the phone number, third is the web site, etc. Using the vertical bar should make it easier to format this stuff in your favorite spreadsheet, word processor, etc. If there is no e-mail contact, it's because I couldn't find one. Anything with a URL is an e-mail website. I hope the URLs work.

Airbus|703 834-3400|www.airbusnorthamerica.com|90.9 FM Supporter
Americom Government Services|1-609-987-4000|www.ses-americom.com/|90.9 Supporter, TV 26 Supporter| [e-mail]
Arena Stage|202.488.4377|www.arenastage.org|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Booz Allen Hamilton|703.902.4933|www.bah.com|TV 26 Supporter|Diane Merolla at [e-mail]
Cabot Creamery||www.cabotcheese.com|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail] or http://tinyurl.com/32jzfn
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.|[phone]|www.casedesign.com|90.9 FM Supporter|http://tinyurl.com/375xan
CDW•G|800.581.4239|www.cdwg.com|90.9 Supporter, TV 26 Supporter|[e-mail]
Chevy Chase Bank||www.chevychasebank.com|90.9 FM Supporter|http://tinyurl.com/2bxvfl
Don Beyer Volvo and Land Rover Alexandria|703.237.5000|www.donbeyervolvo.com|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Dow, Lohnes & Albertson|202.776.2000|www.dlalaw.com|90.9 FM Supporter|http://tinyurl.com/26vbeg
Folger Shakespeare Library||www.folger.edu|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Freddie Mac||www.freddiemac.com|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Georgetown University Center for Professional Development|202.687.7000 |www.cpd.georgetown.edu|90.9 Supporter, TV 26 Supporter|
Giant Food of Maryland, Inc.|301.341.4100|www.giantfood.com|90.9 FM Supporter|http://tinyurl.com/22e8nv
Golin/Harris|703.741.7500|www.golinharris.com|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C.|703.668.8000|www.hdp.com|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts|202.467.4600|www.kennedy-center.org|90.9 FM Supporter
Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States||www.kaiserpermanente.org|90.9 FM Supporter
Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP|202.625.3500|www.kattenlaw.com|90.9 FM Supporter|http://tinyurl.com/2yoffn
Koshland Museum||www.koshlandsciencemuseum.org|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
M&T Bank|800.724.2440|www.mandtbank.com|TV 26 Supporter|http://tinyurl.com/2amtkt
Microsoft Corporation||www.microsoft.com|90.9 Supporter, TV 26 Supporter|Didn't even try.
Mindbank|1-800-MINDBANK|www.mindbank.com|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Mitretek Systems||www.mitretek.org|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Morgan Franklin||www.morgan-franklin.com|90.9 FM Supporter|http://tinyurl.com/2f2ldr
Nixon Peabody LLP|202.585.8000|www.nixonpeabody.com|90.9 FM Supporter|Andrea Goodman, Director of Communications, at 617-345-1381, [e-mail] (maybe?)
Peapod by Giant|800.573.2763|www.giantfood.com/peapod|TV 26 Supporter|See Giant Food of Maryland
Phillips Collection|[phone]|www.phillipscollection.org|90.9 Supporter, TV 26 Supporter|[e-mail]
Syms Corporation|201.902.9100|www.syms.com|TV 26 Supporter|[e-mail]
Washington Ballet|202.467.4600|www.washingtonballet.org|90.9 FM Supporter|Caroline Baldwin, Manager of Foundation Relations, 202.362.3606 x123, [e-mail]
Washington National Opera|202.432.seat|www.ticketmaster.com|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Washington Performing Arts Society||www.wpas.org|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Weschler's Auction House|202.628.1281|www.weschlers.com|TV 26 Supporter|[e-mail]
Williams Mullen||www.williamsmullen.com|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts||www.wolf-trap.org|90.9 FM Supporter|[e-mail]

Here is a list of all the email addresses I could find separated from the above list in a format suitable for sticking in the To: line of an email. There are 22 out of a grand total of 35.
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