Re: Patriotic Music 101

["Dan Billings" <dib9@gwi.net>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Kirk" <rogerkirk@ttlc.net>
To: <boston-radio-interest@bostonradio.org>; "Donna Halper"
<dlh@donnahalper.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2001 11:59 AM
Subject: Re: Patriotic Music 101


>Dumping
> the anthem for commercials is the broadcast equivalent of
> sitting with your hat on while the anthem plays.

I'm as patriotic as the next guy, but I strongly disagree with you on this
one.  In normal times, broadcasting the anthem before the ball game is
simply encouraging your listeners to move down the dial.  There is a limited
amount of time for commercials during a baseball game and stations need to
get in a lot of spots during the pre-game show.  Are you also upset that TV
doesn't show the anthem before games?

Another thought: why do we play the anthem before ball games anyway?  I
don't have any problem with it, but does someone sing the anthem in your
office each morning before you go to work?  Why is the anthem expected
before sporting events but not before other public gatherings like art
exhibits or theater productions?

Don't get me wrong.  I have no problem with anyone singing, broadcasting, or
playing the anthem whenever they would like.  I also don't have a problem
with anyone not doing the same.  It's a terrible tune anyway.

-- Dan Billings, Bowdoinham, Maine