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The station management has officially decided to maintain live jazz programming instead of switching to an automated feed. Your collective response ensured that the evening broadcasts will continue to reflect the character of our local community. We must now remain attentive to ensure the station stays true to this commitment …

May 14, 2010

Help Save WLRN’s Evening Jazz Radio Programming

Help Save WLRN’s Evening Jazz Radio Programming

🏆 Won — 219 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Started by Anonymous 16 years, 7 months ago

We have only one week to make a difference!  Please sign below by FEBRUARY 20, 2010.

Our great Evening Jazz Host, Len Pace will retire after 30 years of service and great jazz programming at 91.3 FM-WLRN, Miami. We congratulate him and thank him for sharing with us his love through music!

Unfortunately, however, WLRN is considering replacing Len with an automated jazz feed. This would mean no more live, organic interaction between our jazz community and local radio and its listeners. There will be no calling in to talk to Len, no local artist interviews, no direct support of local artist’s CD releases, and no on-air support of local jazz artist performances and announcements. And equally, we could risk the quality of our programming as local hosts definitely tend to be more adventurous and passionate, helping to expand our taste and expose us to vibrant new music.

As a South Florida jazz artist, I have directly experienced the support of WLRN. I have enjoyed knowing there is a local host entertaining us. That is what keeps public radio “public” and truly, “community-based.” For a difference of $7,000/year we might lose this vital voice in the South Florida jazz community.

I encourage you to please SIGN THIS PETITION by FEBRUARY 20.  It will be presented at Len's retirement party on February 21 at the School Board Auditorium as our collective gift to carry on a tradition that money cannot buy.

I also encourage you to become a member of WLRN or simply donate to the station to also show your support and appreciation of their great programming throughout the day.

If you would like to submit your own letter, I recommend the following contacts:

Dr. Solomon Stinson, Chair of the Dade Public School Board 305.995.1334 -[email protected]

Mr. John La Bonia, General Manager for WLRN 305.995.1000 - [email protected]

Mr. Rick Lewis, President of Friends of WLRN 305.350.7968 - [email protected]

As always, thank you for your support of Jazz in our community.

Warm Regards, Nicole Henry

Updates

February 14, 2010

The feedback from our community regarding the loss of live jazz programming has been consistent and deeply moving. I am currently organizing these testimonials to ensure they are presented effectively when I meet with station representatives. Thank you for your continued engagement with this effort to preserve a vital piece of our local culture.

February 14, 2010

The momentum surrounding our effort to preserve live jazz at WLRN has grown significantly in recent days. Your engagement demonstrates how deeply this community values the personal connection that local hosts provide.

Reached 100 supporters

February 14, 2010

6 Comments

E
Elena Brooks
16 years ago Featured

Bring back the live hosts!! So tired of everything becoming pre-recorded junk.

L
Linda Hassan
16 years ago Featured

Len is a legend. 30 years and they want to replace him with a computer?? Not on my watch.

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Sarah Stone
16 years ago Featured

I listen every night on my way home. It just wont be the same without an actual person behind the mic.

J
Joseph Wilson
16 years ago Featured

Ridiculous to cut budget for something so important. Jazz needs a human touch

D
David Cooper
16 years ago Featured

WLRN represents the heart of south florida jazz please dont kill it with a robot feed

M
Marcos Graham
16 years ago Featured

Automated radio has zero soul. Keep the local vibe alive in Miami.