The same language?

The more I ponder Rus Peotter’s defense of Maine Public Radio’s new schedule, the more I wonder – are we even speaking the same language? Peotter says MPR’s goal is to “serve our most loyal audience better.” But “that audience [presumably the one he has just described as most loyal] has been consistently tuning away from MPR at certain times,” and “use of MPR by our most loyal listeners … plummets.”

What does he mean by “most loyal”? I would think it’s the opera listeners who are the most loyal listeners, not those who want to complete the transformation of MPR to a full schedule of mindless chat, hyped up news and light entertainment. Although since Peotter is vice president for marketing and development, maybe it shouldn’t be surprising that he could turn a word on its head.

And perhaps these changes shouldn’t be surprising since over the years the same mindset has given the bum’s rush to probably the most thoughtful and knowledgeable music host on the air – Robert J. Lurtsema with “Morning Pro Musica,” exiled Toby LeBoutillier’s interesting and challenging “Music You Love to Hate” to a time when no one would listen, and traded excellence (Bill Cavness with “Reading Aloud”) for mediocrity (“Radio Reader”), for a few examples. So, 60 years of live Saturday afternoon opera means nothing.

Conrad Heeschen

Wilton