Re: Community Radio at the Crossroads

[rjoc@webtv.net (Rod O'Connor)]

As one who volunteered, then worked as PD at a Public Radio/TV station
in Alaska (KMXT Kodiak) for 15 years I found the article quite
interesting and informative. Although I am no longer active in
broadcasting, I try to keep abreast of the trends in radio; both
commercial and public.

I find WERU 89.9 Blue Hill, and Maine Public Radio two entirely
different entities.  Maine Pubic Radio is much more broad-based,
catering to a more affluent, educated audience. It also serves the
entire state, (Except for Northwestern Maine) whereas WERU serves only a
relatively small portion of Mid-Coast and DownEast Maine.  WERU is much
more locally-oriented and produced.  They feature much more in the way
of local music and features. as well as a wider variety of music. They
also heavily rely on local people and volunteers, not just on-air; but
in other station functions. Although I do find myself listening to Maine
Public Radio much more than WERU, there are some selected programs on
WERU that one would NEVER find on Maine Public Radio..such as Democracy
Now! Which created a bit of a flap duirng the height of the Iraq war,
when Maine Public Radio refused to carry the program, leaving only WERU
and WMPG in the Portland area to carry it. WERU also features a lot of
bluegrass, folk and ethnic music. Something Maine Public Radio does not
particularly highlight, with the exception of such Public Radio staples
as World Cafe, Thistle and Shamrock, Echoes.   
Also, to their credit, WERU was recently voted one of the best radio
stations in the country according to a poll in the newest issue of
Esquire magazine. Something WERU is making every possible effort to
publicize. 

Unfortunately, both WERU and Maine Public Radio have the dreaded
fund-drives. Three a year for Maine Public Radio, and at least 4 on
WERU.  A kiss of death to both, unfortunately.

Rod O'Connor
Southwest Harbor, Maine