Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,hoot&fidget
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 02:50 PM

And here's what the Washington City Paper had to say under Staff Blog on the City Desk.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 02:48 PM

Hey, Hoot. Whyontcha post 'em here? Or if not, then PM me with 'em. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,hoot&fidget
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 02:26 PM

I've completed the list of underwriters along with e-mail addresses. The tally is 22 out of 35.

Would anyone like them?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: GUEST,Mike Licht
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 01:12 PM

Today's Washington Post article by Paul Farhi, "WETA Hears Some Static Over Switch To Classical," offers a chance to comment -- go to

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012402287.html

(free registration required)

Also, if you think WAMU should pick up "Traditions," let the station know at http://www.wamu.org/contact/

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 12:58 PM

Gulp.
The company I work for is one of the underwriters. I'm investigating how they make their decisions on donating $.

JAB

Subject: Broad- versus narrow- cast
From: OtherDave
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 10:48 AM

WETA switched from classical to news for essentially the same economic reasons that any station changes format: they thought they'd attract an audience that appealed more to sponsors / advertisers / underwriters.

Yeah, I know, public radio doesn't advertise, except for telling you that The XYZ Hour is "sponsored by" the Acme Widget Foundation, "where quality is a slogan." Have you noticed the sponsor intros getting longer and longer?

WGMS, a commercial station, had come in for great criticism from classical-music fans; the format had become CTH&W (Classical Top Hits and Warhorses). They lasted into the 21st century because the classical-music demographic, while skewing old, also skews well-to-do.

Now that WGMS can meet the crying need for another classic-rock station (nearly as dire as the crying need for another all-talk station), WETA will pick up most WGMS listeners because they don't have anywhere else to go... except their own CD collections, MP3 players, or satellite radio.

I saw in the Washington Post that satellite radio specializes in niches or narrowcasts, with a contemporary country station, a traditional, a classic, a progressive... no doubt a left-handed-artist country channel as well. At $13 for a month-to-month subscription, though, it might be worth the price to avoid the endless beg-a-thons.

The reality of public radio, particularly in a large city, is that you're a "member" in the same way that you as an individual shareholder are an "owner" of Microsoft.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,hoot&fidget
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 10:32 AM

When I go to http://www.weta.org/contact.php all I see is the generic form for WETA. If there's a way to contact the president, I don't see it.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,hoot&fidget
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 10:29 AM

Let us assume for a moment that we get the list of underwriters. In an ideal world, it would be nice to have all the e-mail to an underwriter go to one person or entity in the case of customer services. But, who do we target the e-mail to? Customer Service, CEO, CFO, Mgr of Foundation Relations? There's quite a variance in the corporate hierarchies.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,hoot&fidget
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:54 AM

The current underwriters are at http://tinyurl.com/39hljb

There are 36 of them. I suggest I post them here in case WETA decides to close the page.

Comments?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:26 AM

The article referred to above by jeffp:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012402460.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:18 AM

Ron Davies, I don't want to be a wet blanket, but don't you think that it is obvious that WETA made a conscious decision? I am sure they considered leaving Saturday night alone - but it wasn't an option for their plans.

Your suggestion is not unique and you won't be the first one to make such a suggestion. Unfortunately, the fact that you canvased a large classical group is not going to make much of a difference.   As dumb of a decision that this is, the management of WETA is not stupid and surely considered their options. Their gameplan was set and you will not be the first one to make a suggestion to them.

You need to take this fight to the next level, and the empty suits in management are not going to budge unless they are told to budge by a higher authority (read - board of trustees, underwriters).

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:14 AM

I hope she can relocate.

BTW, there is a difference between being fired (usually implies one has done wrong) and having one's show canceled or one's position eliminated. I don't think it help's Mary's career prospects to have word about that she was fired.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: jeffp
Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:08 AM

A good article by Marc Fisher in today's Washington Post about Mary. It says that WAMU is considering picking up her show.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Ron Davies
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 11:46 PM

And if there is hope to have Mary's show on Saturday night at WAMU, I believe this is misplaced hope. From 7 to 10 on WAMU now is Hot Jazz Saturday Night--with just as ferociously loyal listeners as folkies are. Prairie Home Companion is moving to Saturday night on WAMU, as I recall. And bluegrass/ bluegrass country is on WAMU a good portion of the rest of the weekend--again with very loyal listeners. Mary's show is far better off where it is---if that can be arranged.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Peace
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 11:46 PM

Good thinking, Ron.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Ron Davies
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 11:40 PM

I actually think there is another option. As some of you know, I have a foot firmly in each camp. At rehearsal of my group last night-- (a large classical group which usually sings in the Kennedy Center)--I canvassed as many as I could during our break--and found that virtually all would be fine with WETA returning to classical music 24 hours a day, 7 days a week---except for Saturday night, which would remain Mary's show. In fact some were strong fans of Mary--and shocked at this treatment. One said she would make a donation to WETA because of the switch back to classical--but would ask that Mary's show remain as is.


I will contact WETA and propose this. After all, it would make 2 groups of people happy--as opposed to infuriating one group. It is potentially a win-win situation--since both groups have in the past been strong financial supporters.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: Peace
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 11:08 PM

A link to the page Guest, bill speaks of.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditions'
From: GUEST,bill
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 10:36 PM

Saul and Ron have hit on it, We can protest and fight WETA, which will not change their minds and use a lot of our energy to little result, or we can campaign with WAMU. I went to school with Lee, and the departure of his show was difficult, but as I think Saul said, they still have him on the payroll. The shows they have on Sunday afternoon are high quality traditional music shows (I won't even consider the differences some of us have between bluegrass and old time, this is not the time for that discussion). Traditions fits their mold perfectly.

I've already put my 2 cents in with their management. If all of you do to we have a chance.

go to www.wamu.org and chose the Contacts tab.

Bill J.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Mary Cliff Fired - WETA FM 'Traditio
From: GUEST,hoot&fidget
Date: 24 Jan 07 - 07:04 PM

<<<>>>

Yo, lamarca...

I was wondering if anyone else was going to connect the dots.

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

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

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: 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,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 - 09:18 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 - 09:17 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: 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,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 - 09:09 PM

DARN! Ain't deregulation wonderful

Ron, We will do what we can.

JAB

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 '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: 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 '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: 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: 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 '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 '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 '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 '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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 02:20 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 - 02:01 PM

How many folks have sent e-mails so far?

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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~