It was too good to be true. One of the local TV stations in Seattle, KING 5 started a local arts show. But it turns out, this is not really a news/feature program, but rather an infomercial paid for by the 5th Avenue Theater to promote its own shows. When the theater doesn’t need the airtime, it “rents” the airtime out to other arts groups. And of course, it’s expensive so the only groups that can afford it are the largest ones. The disclaimer about this being paid advertising is virtually hidden, and the content is treated like feature reporting.
Tragedy in Seattle: George Shangrow
Saturday afternoon, July 31, former KING-FM radio host and beloved Seattle conductor George Shangrow was killed in an automobile crash on his way to give a pre-concert lecture in Methow Valley. The accident occurred during a thunderstorm when a 16 year old boy driving in the opposite direction crossed the centerline and hit Shangrow’s vehicle head-on. Shangrow was a popular lecturer, performer (harpsichord), and conductor in Seattle. His radio program “Live by George” on KING-FM had a huge following before he was laid off in a controversial firing some years ago. Shangrow directed Orchestra Seattle and the Seattle … Continue Reading