Changes Coming

I stopped listening to WBEZ ever since I was able to get KCRW out of Santa Monica, CA over the internet. I have been consistenly disapointed with WBEZ's programing because I found it to be dry, funless, unispired and unbalanced between the talking programs and the music programs. Although the music appeared to be made up ONLY of Jazz... I do not have anything against Jazz, but there IS other music that is not obnoxious and is not found on commercial radio out there worth air time.

So now, WBEZ appears to be changing... It seems that it will be a full time talk radio! From bad to wrost? I will stay tuned.

Chicago Public Radio

Letter from General Manager Torey Malatia
Dear Friends,

In early 2007, WBEZ 91.5 FM will become full time public affairs and culture programming, and WBEW 89.5 FM will carry a new public affairs-based service to reflect the authentic sounds and voices of the region.

The following programming changes will go into effect on WBEZ 91.5 FM concurrent with the launch of our new service in early 2007:

* Our schedule will offer 24 hours of public affairs and cultural programming, seven days a week (including entertainment programs such as Sound Opinions, Prairie Home Companion, etc.)
* Chicago Public Radio-produced Comin’ Home, Encanto Latino, Extensions, Jazz Programming, Passport, and Jazz with Dick Buckley will no longer be produced.
* Acquired programs such as Afropop Worldwide, Blues Before Sunrise, and Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland will no longer air.

What will not change is our commitment to provide and develop rich programming.

We ask you, our listeners and the community, to help us build the new schedule on WBEZ 91.5 FM and to help us shape our new service to launch in 2007.

We will actively seek your input through our online forum, public meetings and call-in programs, to be scheduled throughout May and June 2006. A full calendar of opportunities for input will soon be available on our web site.

Stay tuned,
Torey Malatia
Station Manager