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

Good Idea at MPR

A friend asked me earlier this week if I’ve heard anything creative lately on classical radio, and I had to answer “not really.”  In my experience, classical stations are risk averse and I don’t just mean averse to playing new music or vocal music.  Not to disparage anyone, but except for KUSC and WQXR, I rarely hear about stations trying new ideas or being bold about stretching their audiences. I just ran across one today that I didn’t know about.  Minnesota Public Radio sponsors what they call an “artist-in-residence,” but instead of being “in-residence” on the … Continue Reading

Bill Kling Stepping Down

Big news in the radio world: Bill Kling, the man who started American Public Media and who hired Garrison Keillor, is stepping down  in June after 45 years at Minnesota Public Radio.   Kling began a small regional station in Minnesota in 1967.  From that he has created a media conglomerate that now employs 700 radio professionals broadcasting on 44 stations.

Continue Reading

Send this to a friend