Comments on: New KUSP news, talk and information programs http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39 A forum for discussing our station and public media generally Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:58:42 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Tom http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39&cpage=1#comment-789 Tom Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:34:00 +0000 http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39#comment-789 Disappointment is my reaction to the recent program changes at KUSP. I am a member and regular listener who enjoyed the musical mix on weekdays. What a pleasure to hear the eclectic selection of music from your excellent programmers. Also appreciated local public affairs programs such as "Talk of the Bay". Now I just change the channel rather than listen to talk radio from NPR. The rationale for the program changes just doesn't make sense to me. Disappointment is my reaction to the recent program changes at KUSP. I am a member and regular listener who enjoyed the musical mix on weekdays. What a pleasure to hear the eclectic selection of music from your excellent programmers. Also appreciated local public affairs programs such as “Talk of the Bay”. Now I just change the channel rather than listen to talk radio from NPR. The rationale for the program changes just doesn’t make sense to me.

]]> By: Susan http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39&cpage=1#comment-777 Susan Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:56:38 +0000 http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39#comment-777 Congratulations on the news reports. I heard a well done story this morning about the Budget crisis in Sacramento. Both a Republican and our own John Laird (head of the Budget committee). Thanks for the new programs! Congratulations on the news reports. I heard a well done story this morning about the Budget crisis in Sacramento. Both a Republican and our own John Laird (head of the Budget committee). Thanks for the new programs!

]]> By: Jack Nelson http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39&cpage=1#comment-764 Jack Nelson Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:35:35 +0000 http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39#comment-764 Above is Terry Green’s reasoned explanation of why KUSP will offer repeating sessions of Car Talk, This American Life, and Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me on the weekend. It is not much comfort to my ears. How will the existing base of listeners, not reading such explanations, perceive this weekend redundancy? Of all the programming changes, this seems especially likely to give the appearance of not valuing very much in comparison, the unique local programming that’s being replaced. At what point in the balancing of programming, might you tip too much of the loyal base of existing KUSP listeners off the cart of active supporters, while seeking new listeners? We’re more than interchangeable arbitronic listener-hours. Since the weekdays are now all talk, and Monday through Friday evenings now offer just two music genres, why not allow more oxygen for diverse music genres on the weekend, with Friday evening included? As I see it, one of KUSP’s greatest sources of strength over time has been in its diversity of programming, with lots of different listeners pulling together to support the station because, in the first place, all those different music genres and spoken word programs have a home at KUSP. Something else. Fallon’s comment above is mistaken in saying that the prior big batch of blog comments (by listeners, regarding the programming changes) has been excised. Those comments, 127 or so of them, are there. Navigate to Terry Green’s earlier blog entry on Schedule Changes, the one dated July 29, and scroll to the end, where you’ll see an orange “Comments (127)” link to click on. Fallon’s anger about the program changes reflects the passion that people can feel about community radio, including their connection to their favorite programs. My wife and I still can’t quite get it that we’re not going to hear Chris Jong or Leigh Hill and “Down on the Pataphysical Farm” on weekends of the future, and that’s sure not the end of our list! There are plenty of folks who have wept, felt angry or shocked, etc. on learning of the program changes and losses. That’s some of the necessary passion that has helped keep this beautiful KUSP alive, vital, and connected with its local listening community for so long, including during some other tight spots. But a raw delivery of anger and/or cynicism toward people one disagrees with, may not be the most constructive action now. Listeners and supporters must continue to communicate concerns and questions. Make yourself known, come forward, be involved, contribute today, the best way you can. Protest notes or comments with checks attached will be noticed down at the station; they’ve got mine. (KUSP, 203 8th Ave., Santa Cruz CA 95062, or 800-655-KUSP, or online.) Truth is, I was among those who had not done quite enough lately to concretely value those great programs at KUSP. When the fall pledge drive comes around, will you join me in digging deeper and supporting more than ever, those particular remaining programs you still get so much from? Your volunteer programmer will be there on the air, asking for your financial support to be called in during that specific show. Don’t walk away. Provide the most needed evidence of all that what they give is valued, know what I’m talking about? Above is Terry Green’s reasoned explanation of why KUSP will offer repeating sessions of Car Talk, This American Life, and Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me on the weekend. It is not much comfort to my ears. How will the existing base of listeners, not reading such explanations, perceive this weekend redundancy? Of all the programming changes, this seems especially likely to give the appearance of not valuing very much in comparison, the unique local programming that’s being replaced. At what point in the balancing of programming, might you tip too much of the loyal base of existing KUSP listeners off the cart of active supporters, while seeking new listeners? We’re more than interchangeable arbitronic listener-hours.

Since the weekdays are now all talk, and Monday through Friday evenings now offer just two music genres, why not allow more oxygen for diverse music genres on the weekend, with Friday evening included? As I see it, one of KUSP’s greatest sources of strength over time has been in its diversity of programming, with lots of different listeners pulling together to support the station because, in the first place, all those different music genres and spoken word programs have a home at KUSP.

Something else. Fallon’s comment above is mistaken in saying that the prior big batch of blog comments (by listeners, regarding the programming changes) has been excised. Those comments, 127 or so of them, are there. Navigate to Terry Green’s earlier blog entry on Schedule Changes, the one dated July 29, and scroll to the end, where you’ll see an orange “Comments (127)” link to click on.

Fallon’s anger about the program changes reflects the passion that people can feel about community radio, including their connection to their favorite programs. My wife and I still can’t quite get it that we’re not going to hear Chris Jong or Leigh Hill and “Down on the Pataphysical Farm” on weekends of the future, and that’s sure not the end of our list! There are plenty of folks who have wept, felt angry or shocked, etc. on learning of the program changes and losses. That’s some of the necessary passion that has helped keep this beautiful KUSP alive, vital, and connected with its local listening community for so long, including during some other tight spots.

But a raw delivery of anger and/or cynicism toward people one disagrees with, may not be the most constructive action now. Listeners and supporters must continue to communicate concerns and questions. Make yourself known, come forward, be involved, contribute today, the best way you can. Protest notes or comments with checks attached will be noticed down at the station; they’ve got mine. (KUSP, 203 8th Ave., Santa Cruz CA 95062, or 800-655-KUSP, or online.)

Truth is, I was among those who had not done quite enough lately to concretely value those great programs at KUSP. When the fall pledge drive comes around, will you join me in digging deeper and supporting more than ever, those particular remaining programs you still get so much from? Your volunteer programmer will be there on the air, asking for your financial support to be called in during that specific show. Don’t walk away. Provide the most needed evidence of all that what they give is valued, know what I’m talking about?

]]> By: Susan Friedrichs http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39&cpage=1#comment-730 Susan Friedrichs Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:46:29 +0000 http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39#comment-730 STUPID decision. Where's the music? RACHMAT can hear the talking heads on KAZU, so KUSP decides to pull in these listeners? I echo Judy in that I have PLENTY of other sources for news. The kind of music programming on KUSP cannot be duplicated, and if is is, please tell me. I already miss the Open Road. I also agree with FALLON. Somebody screwed up. Throw them out. STUPID decision. Where’s the music? RACHMAT can hear the talking heads on KAZU, so KUSP decides to pull in these listeners?
I echo Judy in that I have PLENTY of other sources for news. The kind of music programming on KUSP cannot be duplicated, and if is is, please tell me.
I already miss the Open Road.
I also agree with FALLON. Somebody screwed up. Throw them out.

]]> By: judy cleary http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39&cpage=1#comment-715 judy cleary Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:00:29 +0000 http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39#comment-715 I'm dismayed at the programming changes. You seem to be discarding much that was unique and wonderful about KUSP and heading right down the clone road. I heard that you reconsidered your decision to abolish Soul Shack and will leave it on. But what about the other fantastic music programs, like Wonderland and Rhythm Afrique? People love those programs,and it's my understanding that volunteers produce them, so I don't see how you're saving money by eliminating them and buying canned stuff from NPR. I admire the work Diane Rehm has done all these years, but believe me, when I turn on the radio in the middle of the day, it's not to hear her. I have plenty of other sources for national and world news and information; KUSP was my source of great music and local programming. My guess is that you'll lose financial supporters as a result of these actions. I think you'll probably lose me. I’m dismayed at the programming changes. You seem to be discarding much that was unique and wonderful about KUSP and heading right down the clone road. I heard that you reconsidered your decision to abolish Soul Shack and will leave it on. But what about the other fantastic music programs, like Wonderland and Rhythm Afrique? People love those programs,and it’s my understanding that volunteers produce them, so I don’t see how you’re saving money by eliminating them and buying canned stuff from NPR. I admire the work Diane Rehm has done all these years, but believe me, when I turn on the radio in the middle of the day, it’s not to hear her. I have plenty of other sources for national and world news and information; KUSP was my source of great music and local programming. My guess is that you’ll lose financial supporters as a result of these actions. I think you’ll probably lose me.

]]> By: Rachmat http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39&cpage=1#comment-714 Rachmat Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:21:31 +0000 http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39#comment-714 As a long time supporting member of KUSP, I am reasonably happy with the new changes. At my age (61) I have found myself surfing to KAZU after 10 AM for more news and news talk, which you will now have, and which is essentially NPR standard stuff. I too am a devoted fan of DN and would point out that anyone can access any day's program or any past program from the DN website and it is therefore totally unnecessary to repeat it. Rachmat from Soquel As a long time supporting member of KUSP, I am reasonably happy with the new changes. At my age (61) I have found myself surfing to KAZU after 10 AM for more news and news talk, which you will now have, and which is essentially NPR standard stuff. I too am a devoted fan of DN and would point out that anyone can access any day’s program or any past program from the DN website and it is therefore totally unnecessary to repeat it.
Rachmat
from Soquel

]]> By: sandy http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39&cpage=1#comment-702 sandy Sat, 30 Aug 2008 05:00:34 +0000 http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39#comment-702 so many painful changes--no more Cin on Friday nights or the saturday afternoon lineup or Talk of the Bay every day. OK I get it. But why News and Notes? We listen every day at work and I am sure it is difficult to find good programming for African Americans. I assumed when you said you were going to NPR that the show was safe. Is there anyway you would reconsider that decision? thank you-- Sandy--a disappointed long time listener and subscriber so many painful changes–no more Cin on Friday nights or the saturday afternoon lineup or Talk of the Bay every day. OK I get it. But why News and Notes? We listen every day at work and I am sure it is difficult to find good programming for African Americans. I assumed when you said you were going to NPR that the show was safe. Is there anyway you would reconsider that decision? thank you–
Sandy–a disappointed long time listener and subscriber

]]> By: Fallon http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39&cpage=1#comment-699 Fallon Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:17:43 +0000 http://www.kusp2.org/blogs/terry/?p=39#comment-699 Last Monday evening I attended my first meeting of the Board, to protest the program changes eliminating daytime and Friday/Saturday evening music programs. For about an hour I listened to mostly Terry discuss the programming changes, emphasizing local programs remaining on the schedule and attempts to compromise by offering music between the hours of midnight and 2 am. I was struck by the civility and patience of others who filled the room and halls to protest the changes, in the face of such sweeping and radical changes, and I lost my patience to speak just before the alloted period for 2 minute public comment. Terry and the Board heard much but were unmoved, obviously having decided the issue regardless. This, to me, and an appearance of being pleased with their lock-step decision, made a sad situation infuriating. The lack of transparency and clarifying the station’s dire finances to supporting listeners, as well as the threat to beloved shows, is not in keeping with the democratic principles of public radio. We were told one reason for not telling listeners of the deficit was fear of losing sponsors. At this point KUSP resembles our federal government, having lost its checks and balances, ignoring the overwhelming response against these programming changes. Apparently there is no longer a programming committee and programmers weren’t consulted or brought into the process. TERRY GREEN AND THE BOARD SHOULD ALL BE FIRED! SHAME ON YOURSELVES! Even this blog has been whitewashed, all previous comments (yes it was long) having been deleted. Last Monday evening I attended my first meeting of the Board, to protest the program changes eliminating daytime and Friday/Saturday evening music programs. For about an hour I listened to mostly Terry discuss the programming changes, emphasizing local programs remaining on the schedule and attempts to compromise by offering music between the hours of midnight and 2 am.
I was struck by the civility and patience of others who filled the room and halls to protest the changes, in the face of such sweeping and radical changes, and I lost my patience to speak just before the alloted period for 2 minute public comment. Terry and the Board heard much but were unmoved, obviously having decided the issue regardless. This, to me, and an appearance of being pleased with their lock-step decision, made a sad situation infuriating. The lack of transparency and clarifying the station’s dire finances to supporting listeners, as well as the threat to beloved shows, is not in keeping with the democratic principles of public radio. We were told one reason for not telling listeners of the deficit was fear of losing sponsors.
At this point KUSP resembles our federal government, having lost its checks and balances, ignoring the overwhelming response against these programming changes. Apparently there is no longer a programming committee and programmers weren’t consulted or brought into the process.

TERRY GREEN AND THE BOARD SHOULD ALL BE FIRED!
SHAME ON YOURSELVES!

Even this blog has been whitewashed, all previous comments (yes it was long) having been deleted.

]]>