Mary Cliff 'Traditions' dropped from WETA FM

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: 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 - 11:25 AM

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
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: 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: 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.