Classical Music Radio Icon Passes

Arthur would have scoffed at that title. Icon. He wasn’t much for titles, mantles, or even accolades. Too “effete”. He hated pomp or ceremony. Loathed pretension. Back in the late 90’s, the title “Chief Announcer” was suggested to Arthur at Minnesota Public Radio, and he smiled deliciously. That smile spoke a thousand words and you could hear it on the radio. Arthur had been the godfather, mentor, muse, and yes, chief for almost 40 years, not just at MPR, but to countless other broadcasters, and especially his audience. An official title was completely unnecessary.

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It’s Not ALL Bad News

We have lots of news to fill you in on, and plenty of it is bad, but here’s a wonderful report from American Public Media:

Classical South Florida announced … it will use a $250,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to build listener support for its all-classical public radio station in Miami and West Palm Beach…

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Downsizing at American Public Media

In the last couple of weeks American Public Media has tightened its belt and laid off people from several departments and shows, including three from the classical music unit.  Senior Producer/on-air host Melissa Ousley, Producer Karl Gehrke, and Managing Producer Silvester Vicic have all been let go from their classical music jobs.

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