An Appeal: Refuse to Appear on ANY WYPR Show
Why We Won’t Appear on WYPR
Those of us who endorse this message have appeared as guests on the Marc Steiner Show on WYPR at some point during the past 15 years. Some of us have made multiple appearances. We have always found the Steiner show to be intellectually challenging and energizing, thought-provoking and great fun. Marc’s tremendous respect for his listeners, and his insistence on respectful, civil discourse always made his guests stay on their toes. Each of us was forced to seriously engage opposing viewpoints and perspectives, and to think outside the confines of our own expertise or opinions.
We were deeply disappointed to learn that Marc’s show had been abruptly cancelled by the Board of Directors at WYPR. At issue is not just Marc’s firing, but the future of public radio in Maryland. The Board’s unilateral determination about the future of programming at the station, its stated reliance on ratings to determine programming, and the Board’s refusal to include or consult with the public in making the decision to cancel this popular and iconic program suggests that the public has been dangerously marginalized from having a meaningful role in WYPR.
It’s been gratifying to see that the community has strongly protested the cancellation of Marc’s show. Daily protests have been held outside the stations. The station has been flooded with callers revoking their membership and asking for a refund of their contributions. Letters to the editor and blog posts have been overwhelmingly in opposition to the Board’s decision and tactics.
We understand that the Board intends to broadcast a new show called “Statewide” in the place of Marc’s show with Dan Rodricks, a columnist for the Baltimore Sun, as the new host. Although we hold no personal animus against Mr. Rodricks, we refuse to appear on this new program until the station Board addresses the concerns of the public with regard to Marc’s firing and the cancellation of his show. We respect and support the community’s efforts to work with the Board in an attempt to put the “public” back in this important local public radio station.
Signed,
Sherrilyn A. Ifill
Doug Colbert
What You're Saying...
“My membership will not be renewed, I will neither volunteer nor work at the station, and I'm going to have to find a new station to listen to. It's a sad future we face without your voice.” –Joanna
“Your show was unique. You gave airtime to folks who do not get their voices heard.” –Stan
“I certainly hope they don't expect any money from me now!” –Andrew
“I will never support WYPR financially again and my radio will NEVER be on 88.1 between 12 and 2 PM.” –Suzanne
“I feel like a friend died. ” –Rhonda