Comments on: WGBH acquires WCRB Radio

By: lawrie rhoads

lawrie rhoads — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:28:13 +0000

I think this is a good move. However I hope WGBH will do to things: 1.Increase the power so I can listen without having to keep moving my radio around to get max.signal and 2. reduce to a minimum this “wcrb 99.5″ every time the announcer begins a statement or sentence. How often do we have to listen to this?

By: Steve P.

Steve P. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:31:42 +0000

Aaron’s post about this demonstrating insensitivity toward staff seems right. Long-term growth plans through acquisition that de-priorize and over-extends staff may be riskier than the admin. thinks.

By: Aaron Read

Aaron Read — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:24:03 +0000

Well, three things immediately come to mind:

First, we now know one more station where WEEI’s sports programming will NOT end up.

Second, I can imagine the howls of outrage from many WGBH staff who have had budgets and payroll slashed as of late. Even with Public Radio Capital’s assistance, this is a major capital outlay from WGBH. Mind you, I think it’s probably the right move…but it could easily come off as being very insensitive to the monetary issues surrounding the staff.

Third, I also imagine I can hear some teeth knashing at 890 Commonwealth Avenue. Heh, I’m being overly dramatic…but WBUR has had a deathgrip on the concept of being “Boston’s NPR News Station” for over 15 years now. If…**IF**…WGBH chooses to streamline 89.7FM into mostly classical & jazz music and instead use 99.5FM as a relay (even partially) of their Cape & Islands news/talk service…that will represent the most serious competition WBUR has faced in a long time.

By: lkcape

lkcape — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:11:15 +0000

Excellent addition to their already impressive portfolio.

They have been extraordinary stewards of their properties.