Vox Populus

 On Monday, All Classical FM made a major programming decision to discontinue carriage of the BBC News. Any change in programming generates comment but this one in particular has already triggered much debate. Our position, very carefully considered for well over a year, is that there are dozens of news sources available today—on radio and television, in the newspapers, and on the web. People know where to get the news. Conversely, there is only one radio station devoted 100% to classical music. We knew that in a media environment which is becoming increasingly focused and specialized, it was time to take our name—All Classical—literally. As you might imagine, the response from both sides of the aisle has been passionate. Just a few examples:

 BJ: I want it back! I’m a longtime listener and I feel like the BBC is objective.

 JR: the best news is no news. I don’t listen to you for the news, I listen to you to hear great classical music.

 GH: Very disappointing decision. People are interested not solely in classical music every moment of their lives.

 BW: I’m very happy that the BBC is gone. I used to turn down the radio for those five minutes because it ruined the beautiful mood.

I’m sure you have your own opinion. Please sound off—

 John Silliman Dodge, VP of Programming--All Classical FM

Don't Miss Out!

Although our fall pledge drive doesn't start until Wednesday, October 1st, we have signed up over half the volunteers we need to make the drive a success. If you have never had the chance to answer phones in the pledge drive with other loyal friends of All Classical, consider calling Mary Evjen for information. We need  volunteers to pick up donated meals, stuff envelopes and help make this fun fundraiser hum.

Our goal for this pledge drive is $350,000 in the 10-day drive -- one quarter of all the donations needed for this fiscal year! This is the money that will pay for the new station we are building in The Dalles, the move to a more secure tower for our beach station, bring a digital signal to Hood River  AND will double the power of our mainstream signal atop Sylvan Hill in Portland. These special projects are just the frosting on your cake of having the world's best music at your fingertips every day, all day.

We have gathered a great list of Thank You gifts for our membership drive that includes Oregon Symphony, Portland Baroque Orchestra and Oregon Ballet tickets, wonderful classical CDs and a new GREEN Focus that is highlighted by a partnership with Portland's other unique nonprofit organization, Friends of Trees.

I will not let you go... 

Tomorrow is traditionally the last hoorah weekend for summer, extending the weekend for casual parties and late season outings.  I, for one, feel determined to hold on to every moment of summer for as long as possible. 

Our weather seems to prefer being unpredictible, as it always has.  Funny how we look back at summers of our youth and seem convinced they were always hot, always in place during school vacation.  Of course, for the most part, this is a figment of our imagination, rather like snow falling on Christmas Day. 

It's been a good summer in my Beaverton garden.  A little slow for the regular suspects: tomatoes, peppers and corn; but bountiful for the three "B's" - beans, broccoli and berries.  So I sit and watch the sunset each evening, with trees bathed in lingering shadow.  I will this season to keep going, at least through the end of September. 

It's been an excellent summer for All Classical FM.  We are more popular than ever with you, our incredible listeners.  John Dodge, our Vice President of Programming, reported earlier this week in his "Daily Muse", that we are the fifth most listened to classical station in America today, measured by share of audience.  You are joining our ever-growing family in record numbers.  You share your thoughts, likes and dislikes; telling us what you prefer on YOUR radio station. 

So, as I raise a glass of gratitude to my late summer garden, please allow me to include you in the toast to a successful harvest of bountiful music.  Thank you for supporting us through a memorable summer of All Classical growth.  As warmth of the sun's rays guide us toward the equinox, three weeks hence, may the music reach out to you and continue to be your friend and constant companion.

You can get more than music at Classical Millennium.

Like this T-shirt, for example.

I was kind of hoping we'd get Michael Parsons for vice president.

Drop by 3144 East Burnside and tell him I said so.