Save NPR and PBS

MoveOn.org: Save NPR and PBS

A House panel has voted to eliminate all public funding for NPR and PBS, starting with "Sesame Street," "Reading Rainbow," and other commercial-free children's shows. If approved, this would be the most severe cut in the history of public broadcasting, threatening to pull the plug on Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch.

The cuts would slash 25% of the federal funding this year—$100 million—and end funding altogether within two years. The loss could kill beloved children's shows like "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Arthur," and "Postcards from Buster." Rural stations and those serving low-income communities might not survive. Other stations would have to increase corporate sponsorships.

Sign the petition telling Congress to save NPR and PBS

This is a shot of Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom since it's been decorated for "The Happiest Celebration on Earth". Notice the ominous clouds in the background. These ominous clouds contained rain. Lots and lots of rain. Lots and lots of rain and no rain poncho is not a good combination. Take my word for it.  

In just a little over 24 hours, this is where I'll be!!! Disney, here I come!!! 

To Listen, or Not to Listen? That is the Question.

I've learned a bit more about the recent changes to my favorite Oldies station, WCBS-FM 101.1. Not only has the station been replaced by the new JACK-FM, but two of my longtime favorite DJs, Harry Harrison and Cousin Brucie, were given the axe.

The new, streaming CBS-FM, while it will continue to play Oldies, will be missing two legendary radio personalities that I have literally grown up with. I started listening to them on my first purple Panasonic AM transistor radio back in the MusicRadio 77 (WABC) and 66 WNBC days. I've been listening to WCBS-FM 101.1 for pretty much all of its 33 years on the air, since I was around 9 years old.

My loyalties are torn. Do I continue to listen to JACK on my FM dial where WCBS-FM 101.1 used to be, and CBS-FM online, where the Oldies are now, even after they've axed Harrison and Morrow? Or, do I refuse to listen to either and support the corporate powers-that-be that decided my demographic was no longer important?

Tough choice.

Some related links to this...

Newsday - "Rock shock: Nation's No. 1 oldies station changes formats"

"Oldies WCBS-FM Becomes JACK" discussion board

Radio Business Report - "Listeners weren't the only ones left in the lurch when WCBS-FM New York suddenly switched to "Jack"

Fast Company "You don't know Jack"