WSCL and WSDL, our local public radio stations, are about to be
significantly and substantively changed in ways that would be
detrimental to Delmarva communities if a consultant's recommendations
were to be adopted as proposed. We oppose the proposed changes in
programming.
The consultant has recommended that WSCL be changed from its current
locally-oriented classical music format to one of piped-in classical
music programming. The local focus apparently would be lost.

WSDL,
similarly, would be modified to lose local focus in exchange for an
adult music programming format.
Public radio, as provided by the stations' current formats, not only
promotes lower Delaware and Maryland concerts, art exhibits and
charitable events, but also alerts residents and year-round visitors to
approaching severe weather, school and road closures and other
emergency information.

In addition, there are many educational
programs, in-depth analyses on family and community issues and
environmental concerns together with interviews with prominent local
and national leaders. These are some of the features that presumably
would be eliminated if the proposed program format were adopted and
implemented.

The problem with the consultant's report is the apparent total focus
on the bottom line, as important as that obviously is, to the
exclusion of consideration of the local impact of the stations, the
laid off staff and the diminished cultural exposure in Delmarva
communities.
We do not pretend to have all the answers to the difficult financial
circumstances facing the stations.

But we, like many other listeners
of WSCL and WSDL, believe adoption of the consultant's recommendations
without significant modification would be a big step backward in local
radio programming and contrary to the interests of Delmarva listeners.

Barbara and Dick Warden
Lewes