WDET GM issues statement to listeners
In response to the numerous individuals that have written letters, made phone calls, created websites or met to discuss formal rallies against the station’s new programming schedule, WDET-General Manager Michael Coleman today issued a statement entitled “An Open Letter to Listeners”.
In the letter, which I have paraphrased in this post, Coleman expresses his appreciation to everyone that shared feedback on the programming changes, and offers answers to many of listeners questions regarding the new programming.
In a nutshell, the GM’s communication says that change in any format is never easy, so listeners should give the new station a try. He also mentions that the negative comments listeners have made about the switch from local music to news and talk during the week “demean” the talented men and women that still host music programs on the new and improved WDET, and that the station’s remaining musical hosts still “produce the most comprehensive radio music programming in Detroit”.
He goes into the funding problems the station was having, and also talks about Walter Reuther’s vision for the station when he handed it over to WSU in 1952, basically saying that he (Coleman) believes the new programming meets this vision. He also adds that the WSU President and BOG all back the recent programming changes, and talks about two future shows – one about local public affairs, the other about local cultural affairs – that he says “will set new standards in public and cultural affairs programming”.
In closing, he thanks everyone again for offering their comments, and for supporting the station, and asks those that are disappointed with the new programming to just give it a try.
You can view the entire text of Coleman’s letter here.
I agree with everything you’ve said. Everyday I just get crazier and crazier looking for a decent radio station in this town.
I now say: No Music=No Money
I can just as easily listen to any other of the identical NPR stations–why should I give DET’s new schedule a chance? I loved it the way it was. FIRE COLEMAN!
I for one had missed shows such as Fresh Air & This American Life. That is until I found them available elsewhere(as in …on the internet). As a mattet of fact, it used to annoy me very much when someone would call me or try to engage me in conversation while I was listening to these programs.
On the other hand I found myself quite easygoing and receptive to the normal work-a-day interruptions during the course of the weekday variety music shows that WDET once provided this frequent contributor. Music can be ambient and (IMO) contribute to productivity. Just think of the Seven Dwarves song ‘Whistle While You Work’ or consider Sam Cooke’s ‘Working In A Coalmine’ …well you get the point.
In conclusion, There has always been the joke made about never buying a Detroit car built on either a Friday or a Monday. Well let me expand that axiom by writing that if all automotive workers are now listening to WDET’s new format …then I wouldn’t TRUST a car to be well built on ANY day ceptin maybe Saturday.
To those whose opinions may differ than mine, please allow me to clarify. Most people CANNOT walk and chew bubble gum at the same time! Furthermore, as a retired D-DOT bus driver, that I can pick out a cellphone, multitasking driver at a distance of 200 yards minimum!
Remember …music is the backdrop of life!
Now if I only could get my wife to shut her yap when I’m watching and listening to my favorite curmodgeon Andy Rooney on Sunday night! With that and a return of WDET’s previous format, and this writer can step back off his soapbox and exclaim: “Life is indeed good!”
-Casey D. Drumm
A Note To The Musically Challenged:
Although this WDET thing has upset me greatly, I am not without understanding.
If I had a nickel for everytime that I tried to discuss music with a friend, relative, or aquaintance only to be met with feigned(sp?) interest …HELL I would be rich! Lord knows that I have tried. One can always preach to the choir, but you can’t make others drink. Tis a hard pill to swallow fer sure.
Therefore I’ve decided that if I can’t beat em, I might as well follow. Now it’s your turn.
Although I’m not musically challenged, I am a self admitted social retard …er challenged. Furthermore I know diddly squat about the visual arts. You know, paintings and the like. Hell I could not differentiate a Monet from a Bidet. A mere glance at a Van Gogh and I want to lop off my own ear! I draw stick figures, but not nearly as well as my niece. Well ..certainly you get the picture.
At any rate, I’m not deluded enough to think that I can begin at the top, but I believe that I may make a great PR person for the DIA. Later as my lack of appreciation for the visual arts become more appreciated by those in power, well who knows?
Certainly I would be named the Director of the DIA or at very least Curator …don’t cha think?
I’m extremely interested in your thoughts.
Your Socially Inept Servant,
Casey D. Drumm