I spoke this morning with Bryan Lowe, Program Director of KING-FM, who wanted me to clarify the situation in Seattle. His words:
Marty Ronish
Drastic Cuts in Seattle
I was chatting with a reader this evening about how dire things are for orchestras and stations in this recession, when I got a call that Seattle’s commercial classical station KING-FM laid off most three of its on-air staff members today. Steve Reeder, who’s been on-air for some 30 years was let go, as was Peter Newman, former Program Director and now overnight host. Gigi Yellen, the evening announcer is out, as well.
Bravo, Boston! Here’s the Whole Press Release
Public media leader WGBH to acquire WCRB Radio
Will preserve and strengthen classical music service for region
Boston, MA — Public service broadcaster WGBH today announced plans to acquire New England’s leading all-classical music station WCRB 99.5fm from Nassau Broadcasting Partners of New Jersey. The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed pending filing with the FCC.
Boston’s WCRB Sold to WGBH
Wow! Just wow. From Radio Info.com: Price: $14 million. Seller Nassau Broadcasting is doing a debt-for-equity swap with lender Goldman Sachs, and the biggest single station in its portfolio is commercial-classical WCRB (99.5), licensed to Lowell, MA. Now Goldman steers it to public radio/TV broadcaster WGBH, which already operates news/classical WGBH-FM (89.7) and WGBH-TV. It’s not yet clear whether WGBH will run it as a non-commercial station, or continue its operation as a commercial station through a subsidiary. Brokers: Patrick Communications for seller Nassau, and Public Radio Capital for buyer WGBH. More … Continue Reading