Classical music is far too important to the lives of Canadian artists and art lovers to be expunged in this way. If Radio 2 continues with these plans, I will have no more reason to tune in.
Radio 2 was one of Canada's great institutions. Now it is being destroyed cut by cut, the latest being the departure of Rick Phillips. It makes us both sad and mad. Why won't management listen?
CBC, please stop. Your changes make me distraught, and I'm part of the demographic I assume you're trying to target (25 year old university educated guy).
I think the programmers at CBC Radio are at best misguided, at worst failing in their duties to even properly understand the demographic they are supposedly trying to reach
CBC is financially supported to give tax-payers what other stations can't or won't broadcast. It's morally wrong to go back on this and replace challenging, life-affirming programming with everyday music-cushions that are availiable everywhere else. One senses that the current management are far too egoistically concerned with viewing figures so they can feel more important. Perversely, it is the role of guardians of intelligent, questing art that has infinitely more importance in today's world and I hope they rememember this.
A CBC Radio 2 without classical music is a complete waste of time and money. The only real reason to keep Radio 2 alive is to protect, preserve the serious art music of the last 500 years.
This is of the utmost importance! The culture and vitality of Canada are being compromised in the decision to dumb down CBC Radio 2's regular broadcasting. This radio station has long been a source of pride for Canada, and a place to hear good music for those of us who otherwise would not listen to the radio. Please do not ruin it!
Ludicrous changes create the ultimate in banality. People ask me why I dont' want to become a Canadian citizen - decisions like these are one of the reasons I'm embarassed to live in this country.
After CJRT of Toronto was 'killed' CBC Radio 2 became my station of choice everywhere I am - home, car, hotel, etc. Why public money should support 'pop crap' that any other radio station plays constantly?
Canada would not be the same without Radio2's evening classical music programing. It is part of my life. I do not like the music played on Tonic. It is poor quality.Randall
I have been listening to Radio Two since I was seventeen, introduced to it by one of my high school teachers. I now teach high school instrumental music, and encourage my students to listen, and they do - they even vote for the Cage Match on Music and Company. The changes are ridiculous and unnecessary. CBC is a PUBLICLY FUNDED RADIO STATION. The music is relevant, and many people care about classical, Canadian and Jazz music. Try polling the masses again: You may get a different answer.
By elimenating programs unique to Canadian culture and society, and offering more mainstream programs, we are doing what the Americans love to do. It reminds me of how McDonalds and Walmart have to go to every corner of the world and take over. I fear for the future of the CBC.
I am dismayed that I can no longer enjoy the commercial free classical music of CBC2. Not only have you eliminated the evening programming, you have also removed Danielle Chabeneau's 6-8 slot and introduced the folksy voice and the accompyning silly adds of Bill Richardson; thereby, effectively eliminating another vestige of quality and class; the previous and musically informed host Howard Dyck. All hell will surely break lose if you even think about messing around with choral concert; a long standing favourite of many of us Sunday morning choral addicts!
As a music student in University who one day hopes to be a professional musician or working in arts in some way, the CBC's decisions almost serve to invalidate my whole life. I used to dream about being Tom Allen, or being in an orchestra on Tom Allen's show. Now the country's public broadcasting doesn't seem to care about me or any of my peers who are striving for lives as classical musicians. A country without this kind of access to classical music on the radio has a bleak future.
While I'm only an occasional listener of classical music on the CBC, I recognize the necessity of easily accessible classical music in prime time slots as an important cultural component of CBC programming. These programs are so important to the diversity of broadcasting across Canada and to have the CBC eroded in such a way removes the majority of the offerings for classical music in all areas of the country. Restore classical music to prime spots on CBC Radio.
I have never written to Radio 2, but I have listened to it every day for years and it is my musical lifeline. Please preserve this one and only venue for classical music lovers. In my major Ontario city, it is the only such station. I want more classical music not less. Please!
I just have to add my voice to all those who say they will be abandoning CBC radio if these changes go through. Working hour classical programming does nothing for me, but morning and evening rush hour are when I finally have time to listen to some real music. I suppose I will have to rely on my own collection from now on.
Please stop gutting everything about Radio Two that makes it unique and special. We don't need a Radio Network that play what we have on our iPods. We need to hear the music we never conceived of listening to. Live Music and New Music - these are the twin souls of the old Radio Two.
CBC has long been a beacon for those who oppose the common trend of dumbing down cultural activity to the lowest common denominator of the populace. Classical music needs to be heard and promoted.
The CBC has, if anything, become increasingly juvenile and I would dearly love for the CBC to restore some of its previous, intelligent and tasteful programming. Even when I was in my 20's I would not have listened to the current CBC.
