Boston, MA. September 1, 1995. The Committee to Save MusicAmerica announced the second phase of its campaign to force WGBH-FM/89.7 to put Ron Della Chiesa's MusicAmerica back on the air. The Committee is now asking WGBH audiences to withhold all financial support from the station until management agrees to work toward an accommodation with the 100,000 loyal listeners who demand the opportunity to tune in daily to hear classic American music. The immediate focus is on individual contributors, with a comprehensive attack on foundation and corporate funding sources in the weeks ahead.
John Brady, Committee Chairman, revealed that Luanne Schulz, Supervisor of Audience Services at WGBH, has told his group that the Station's policy is to refund all donations received within the year to any contributor making that request. "We are both encouraging and helping listeners to get their money back," said Brady. "We're heartened that so many contributors are financing this fight by giving these refunds to the Save MusicAmerica Committee.
As MusicAmerica left the air on August 31, station execs Marita Rivero and Martin Miller continued their indifference to the public's reaction, insisting that nothing will cause them to reconsider the station's decision. Brady's response? "Rivero's and Miller's arrogance and contempt for the listener reveal an ugly side to WGBH's brand of public radio, and it offends this community."
The Committee to Save MusicAmerica maintains a 24-hour hotline, 617-662-0853. The Committee estimates that its efforts have already cut contributions to WGBH by $50,000 to $100,000. Its goal is to reach the $250,000 mark by December 31, if WGBH refuses to budge.