Vocalist.org archive


From:  "Michael Sinanan" <Michael.Sinanan@n...>
"Michael Sinanan" <Michael.Sinanan@n...>
Date:  Mon May 21, 2001  1:50 pm
Subject:  [vocalist] Re: wgms (fwd)


Dear Karen

Far from being bozo-like, I thought the Program Director's response was both
well argued and considered, though quite disappointing for opera lovers. Being
in the UK I do not have access to this station, but we have been getting the
Saturday performances from the Met live on BBC Radio 3. I think they are great
but, probably like you, I wonder how more people can be persuaded to think as I
do.

I suspect that any similar listener research in this country would come up with
similar results and the programming of Classic FM, the popular classical radio
station over here, would seem to confirm that. However, my hypothesis would
be, that the people who do listen to complete opera presentations are already
going to live opera productions or have been to them in the past. So, the key
to getting more of these kinds of broadcasts on the radio is to get more people
into the enjoyment of opera and into the opera houses. I doubt if it happens
much the other way round.


Michael


>>> dalila@R... 05/21/01 02:21pm >>>
Apparently, we are *not* getting through to these bozos.

Karen Mercedes
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 19 May 2001 21:39:30 -0400
From: Jim Allison <jallison@w...>
From: Jim Allison <jallison@w...>
To: dalila@r...
Subject: Re: wgms

Dear Ms. Mercedes:

Thank you for your message regarding opera on Classical 103.5 WGMS. Our
decision to discontinue all Saturday afternoon opera broadcasts was carefully
considered and was based on extensive audience research . Our mission at WGMS
is to provide the type of classical music that is most appreciated by our broad
and growing audience. Research has consistently shown that the overwhelming
majority of our listeners strongly prefers instrumental music to opera and
choral music and specifically prefers our regular programming on Saturday
afternoons to opera broadcasts.

As many people have pointed out, it is true that research indicates a growth in
live opera attendance over the past decade in Washington and elsewhere in the
country. However, research also indicates that the majority of our audience
does not turn to the radio for concert-style presentations, whether symphony
orchestra broadcasts or complete opera presentations. This fact, in
conjunction with our audience's consistently strong preference for instrumental
music over choral and vocal music, led us to our decision.

I realize that this decision has disappointed a segment of our audience which
has grown accustomed to hearing opera on the radio every weekend. Let me
assure you that we will assist the Metropolitan Opera in whatever way possible
to facilitate the placement of their broadcasts on another Washington station.
I will be happy to inform you when this station has been identified. In the
meantime I sincerely hope you will continue to enjoy the great instrumental
classical music we present every day on Classical 103.5 WGMS.

Jim Allison
Program Director
Classical 103.5 WGMS and wgms.com
jallison@w...
jallison@w...



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