World’s Biggest Online Classical Destination?

Radio Today  reports that Classic FM in the UK has launched a new website with the claim that it will become the “world’s biggest online classical music destination.” I went to the site here, and got a screen saying they only have rights to air in the UK. This is not the first time I’ve heard that an online station was going to dominate the world.  When NPR dropped most of its own original classical music programming and gathered a coalition of stations to contribute content to NPRmusic.org, they said it was going … Continue Reading

“Public Radio Makes Us Better Listeners”

A favorite local author, Nicole Brodeur with the Seattle Times has penned a paean to public radio for Public Radio Month, and just in time for various pledge drives. We know what we’ve got up and down the dial here — jazz, bluegrass, classical, blues — and we support it, because public radio makes us better listeners. It’s a give and take — and give. And it’s worth it. Seattle is a public radio city, staunchly supporting four stations in Seattle proper, plus community stations in Everett and Bellevue.  We also support a number of public … Continue Reading

Public Radio Music Month Offerings

April is Public Radio Music Month, and a number of stations are doing special live events to celebrate.  I’ve seen only two listed by classical stations so far, so if you’re doing events be sure to let us know. — April 8: WGUC, Cincinnati Public Radio, Cincinnati, OH – Broadcast of pianist Jonathan Biss with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra — April 27: KING-FM, Seattle, WA – Live performance and interview with cellist Joshua Roman on Sean MacLean’s exceptional show Northwest  Focus Live And not to be disrespectful of these efforts, but there’s a whole cadre of us out … Continue Reading

The Next Generation

A number of stations have been touting their outreach to the younger generation lately.  Their efforts are a response to declining audience numbers overall for classical music. We all know the statistics: classical stations appeal mostly to the over-55 crowd, and the dearth of music education in the schools is not replenishing the pool of available listeners.  Classical stations are a critical part of our infrastructure.  I applaud them for making an effort to reach out. BUT… are they really cultivating a new generation of listeners?  I have my doubts. I am a long-time professional … Continue Reading

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