Tom Hehman, Chair of Friends of Delmarva Public Radio, shared a recent overview of the current status of Delmarva Public Radio and the issues it is facing to sustain broadcasting. As you can see, if you are a supporter of public radio, it is important that you contact the President of Salisbury University. This was written for last week’s Easton meeting:
“Delmarva Public Radio is at a crossroads. The Salisbury University Foundation owns WSCL, Classical 89.5 and WSDL, 90.7 NPR news and they broadcast from the campus of Salisbury University.
Last year, citing financial losses, increased local competition and the need to re-equip and re-locate the stations from a building scheduled for demolition, the University commissioned a consultant’s report. It recommended replacement of local staff and program content with satellite-fed pre-programmed classical music on 89.5 and Adult Album Alternative Rock music on WSDL. Two public meetings in Salisbury and one in Lewes revealed substantial flaws in the consultant’s report and demonstrated great public support for retention of local staff and content.
Friends of Delmarva Public Radio, Inc. was formed to advocate the retention of local staff and content, including award-winning local news, interviews and public affairs programming on WSDL. In early December FODPR proposed to operate the stations and assist with fundraising for operating and capital needs. This proposal, along with other options, is under consideration by the University and a decision is expected by the end of January.
Members of the Easton Choral Arts Society attended the Lewes meeting and the idea of tonight’s public meeting in Easton was born.
Kathy Bernard, Co-host of 2Boomer Babes, which was born in the studios of Delmarva Public Radio, and Jane Bollman, Past President, Talbot County Arts Council are hosting the meeting. Bollman said, ‘Many Eastern Shore residents enjoy the classical music and NPR news that we hear on WSCL. We hear local news too. We especially like hearing the announcements about local goings-on at the Avalon, Historical Society, Art Academy and other non-profit cultural events. And these organizations depend on this publicity to increase attendance. An outside company would not provide such benefits.'”
If you wish to voice your support for the retention of local program content, you may wish to write a short note to:
Dr. Janet Dudley-Eshbach, President
Salisbury University
1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801.
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Kirke.harper says
My email to President Dudley-Eshbach in support of local programming bounced back. Her mailbox is full or the address you listed is incorrect. Thanks.
James Dissette says
Hi: that was the email provided to us. It might be full, but I will check…thanks!
James Dissette says
Yes, it is: [email protected] …must be full
Kirke Harper says
James: Thanks for checking. I will send a letter in the mail. Kirke
Kirke Harper says
Here’s the letter I will send in support of WSDL:
Dr. Janet Dudley-Eshbach
President
Salisbury University
1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801.
Dear President Dudley-Eshbach:
I am writing in support of retaining a local flavor in the broadcasting programming of the University’s radio stations. The local news and events programming of WSDL and WSCL is unique on the Eastern Shore and its loss would leave a void in the lives of many who depend on the independent voice and public services provided by public radio.
While I understand the financial pressures faced by public institutions and realize that you and your staff must make many hard choices in deciding future budgetary directions, I hope you will listen to the voices from outside the university community who are urging you to continue with some local programming and staffing.
If the University’s stations are not already fully integrated into the broadcasting curriculum of the Communications school, one possible solution to the need to reduce staffing costs might be to increase the use of student and other local volunteers, including on-air talent, in all phases of the operation of the stations.
Thank you for your public service and thank you for listening to the local community.