Statement of Stephen and Barbara Low Requesting Recision of
WGBH-FM's decision to Cancel MusicAmerica
For many years, MusicAmerica has been an important part
of our family's life. Listening, as time permits, this program
has both introduced us to and reinforced our love for American
music-music from the pre-rock era, as well as contemporary artistry
that builds upon the traditions of our great songwriters, musicals,
and jazz in all its forms. (For example, where else, but in this
country, would a Jew have written White Christmas?
and Easter Parade? And God Bless America?)
In turn, with the help of MusicAmerica, we have passed
this tradition to the next generation of Lows (daughters aged
7, 10, and 15), who now have begun a lifelong love of their
musical heritage-a heritage that in the first half of this century
overcame so many natural cultural divisions to achieve a national
unity that today seems so much at risk.
For our family, WGBH's decision to cancel this program has been
devastating, and with continuing calls to the Save Music America
Hotline, we now know that our feelings are shared by thousands
of other MusicAmerica supporters and listeners. Having
just spoken from the heart, we offer the following "objective"
reasons why we ask WGBH to reverse the decision to cancel the
MusicAmerica show, hosted by Ron Della Chiesa, and to schedule
it on Monday through Friday from noon 'til four:
- As the sole outlet for classical American Music, MusicAmerica
is an essential Boston cultural asset-no different than the Boston
Symphony or the Pops. It, alone, keeps alive the American Songbook
and its vocalists, the music of Broadway and Hollywood; big band
and swing; and cabaret.
- The MusicAmerica program provides all of us with a
unique afternoon radio option, entertaining us, informing us,
and introducing younger audiences to a musical treasure important
enough to be conserved by the Smithsonian Institution.
- MusicAmerica is a catalyst in bringing this musical
genre to uncounted others who may not be regular listeners, but
who derive exposure to the genre from the program's many secondary
effects.
- Fulfilling a local broadcasting mission, MusicAmerica
serves the community by introducing regional performers, showcasing
their work, and by informing its listeners of the many fine live
entertainment opportunities that otherwise would go unnoticed
and unheard.
- MusicAmerica fulfills public broadcasting's educational
mission by preserving and promoting American music, and by teaching
us the history of and giving us an appreciation of this music.
- Daily programming of 3-4 hours for MusicAmerica
is intrinsic to its mission.
- The breadth of the genre (swing, musical theatre, ragtime,
big band, jazz vocalist, etc., etc.) requires no less than this
amount of time to give just limited exposure to each genre segment.
- Many listeners can tune in for only a portion of the program-a
reduced schedule would have a disproportionate impact on the public's
access to this kind of music.
- The current schedule permits listeners to integrate this music
within our cultural lives, making it more than just an occasional
curiosity.
- Were Ron Della Chiesa contemplating retirement (or even just
a change of pace), he and WGBH would owe it to the community to
search for a new host with the knowledge, commitment, and on-
and off-air personality that could continue the MusicAmerica
tradition.
- While many listeners undoubtedly appreciate the availability
of choice in classical music programming (engendered largely
by WGBH and WCRB), the use of public funds and private
donations to compete with advertiser-sponsored programming on
WCRB is a controversial policy. Additional classical programming
in the afternoon, weakening WCRB, threatens another essential
Boston cultural asset. Furthermore, making Della Chiesa a classical
DJ in the morning squanders his knowledge of American music and
the listener companionship afforded by MusicAmerica's less
music-intense program format.
- In considering the programming changes accompanying the cancellation
of MusicAmerica, it seems inappropriate to solicit contributions
from the public for use, in part, to duplicate programming already
available from WBUR, another public radio station adjacent
to WGBH on-the-dial. Thinking, symmetrically, the same reasoning
applies to WBUR and its listeners. As long-term financial supporters
of both stations, we call on everyone to stop contributing
to either station until each defines its own, unique role
in the market.
August is fundraising month at WGBH, and continuing a successful
approach, proven over many years, Channel 2 is rolling out weekend
specials featuring Nat King Cole, the music of Oscar Hammerstein,
Maureen McGovern, Frank Sinatra, and Glenn Miller to beg for money
from lovers of this music. What an irony: using these names
to tap our wallets and purses through our hearts (knowing that
it works!), while killing the music behind our backs on 89.7 at
the instant that August-and fundraising-ends.
There is no other time and no other place on the radio dial for
classical American music and this program must not be silenced.
Speaking out as long-term, loyal friends and contributors to WGBH,
please Save MusicAmerica! Save American music! Save
MusicAmerica!
Stephen R. and Barbara B. Low
Blueberry Lane
Lincoln, MA 01773
(617) 259-8341