An informational meeting on the future of Delmarva Public Radio is being held at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 17 at the Avalon Theatre in Easton.
WSCL, Classical 89.5, and WSDL, 90.7 NPR news and information are owned by the Salisbury University Foundation and are housed on 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 which 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.
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 submitted a proposal to Salisbury University to operate the stations and assist with fundraising for operational 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. “Many Eastern Shore residents enjoy the classical music and NPR news that we hear on WSCL” Jane Bollman, past president, Talbot County Arts Council, said. “We hear local news too. We especially like hearing the announcements about local goings-on at the Avalon, Historical Society, Academy Art Museum and other non-profit cultural events. And these non-profit organizations depend on this publicity to increase attendance. An outside company would not provide such benefits.”
Bollman and Kathy Bernard, co-host of 2Boomer Babes, which was born in the studios of Delmarva Public Radio, are providing local arrangements.
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