Classical Radio on the ropes.....

[Dave Tomm]

I don't think they're necessarily in trouble.  It's just that there  
are very few commercial classical stations left.  The classical  
audience, whether they're listening locally or to an internet station,  
has now been conditioned to expect commercial free programming.  KING  
is simply adjusting to this reality, and wants to stay competitive  
with other classical music providers, particularly in regards to the  
internet.  They have enough of a following in their area that they can  
probably bring in as much revenue, if not more, by using the  
underwriting/donation model as opposed to selling commercials at this  
point.  It sounds to me like a good long term decision.

It's slightly different from the WCRB situation, when they were bought  
out by a non-comm broadcast entity.  I suppose WGBH could have run  
that station as a commercial operation if they wished, but I think the  
move to non-comm status was for the same reasons KING is doing it.

-Dave Tomm


On Mar 24, 2010, at 4:21 PM, Don wrote:

>
> There is a BRI list member who constantly touts KING in Seattle as  
> an example of a well run classical station.
>
> Now it appears that KING is in trouble as well, and has to change  
> their business model.
>
> Classical KING FM to become listener supported
>
> http://www.king.org/pages/6544931.php
>
> ""This is the next logical step in our evolution as a great  
> classical station," said Bayley."   "KING's founder Dorothy Bullitt  
> built a legacy of great classical programming and innovation at KING  
> FM.
>
> "That vision worked well for a time, but the handwriting is on the  
> wall," Bayley said. "With all the changes in media in the United  
> States, commercial advertising is no longer a fit for KING."
>
> I guess we are lucky to have WCRB alive and on the air in any form!