Public radio programming changes to be unveiled today

LEWISTON – Maine Public Broadcasting, which came under fire for dropping some classical and opera radio programs, will respond to criticism by unveiling more changes today.

The plan was created last week after seven public meetings across the state, but it’s being kept under wraps until the Maine Public Broadcasting board of trustees meets in Lewiston.

The outcry came in December after New York’s Metropolitan Opera, a Saturday staple, and weekday afternoon shows of classical music were replaced with talk shows on Maine Public Radio.

Listeners complained so loudly that public broadcasting officials responded by holding meetings from Biddeford to Presque Isle.

The staff proposal will include some changes in the schedule that went into effect last December, said Russ Peotter, the state network’s vice president for marketing and development.

Any changes adopted by the board at its meeting at Maine Public Broadcasting’s Lewiston offices would go into effective immediately, he said.

The meeting comes just 11 days before Maine Public Radio is scheduled to begin a pledge drive, so any changes will be put to an immediate test.

“Every pledge drive is a referendum on programming,” Peotter said.

“People will show how happy they are with public radio.”

However, the one thing this controversy has taught Peotter is that people will be angry no matter what decision is made, he said.