Radio changes sneaky

Your editorial (“Public and radio,” BDN, Nov. 25-26) and Bruce Kyle’s column (BDN, Nov. 23) are right on target. It has been clear for some time that Maine Public Radio’s claims of continued commitment to classical music are not to be trusted. We have seen a continued erosion of classical music programming, with more and more talk shows of questionable value, and increasing air time given to pop music.

On Sunday mornings, we once could look forward to hearing a Bach cantata. Since earlier this year we have been expected to listen instead to more of the endless jabber that floods the rest of the media. Twice in one recent week the morning classical music program was interrupted, apparently on a whim, by totally inappropriate shows. I, for one, do not believe vice president Charles Beck’s assurances that MPR continues to care about classical music.

As a long time member of MPR, I am hopping mad. As Kyle points out, the latest changes were introduced in a sneaky manner, right after a membership drive that made no mention of them. They continue the trend of dumbing down the program content. When they go into effect, I will resign my membership. I hope all members who care about classical music will do the same.

Arch Davis

Belfast