As a canadian living in the US, I have LOVED listening to radio 2 and all its wonderful programing. I think this reorganization is just awful....I also know many Americans who loved CBC 2 as it was...what a loss!
Of all the radio stations in Calgary, CBC Radio 2 is the only one playing a wide range of traditional music with intelligent hosts. I'm mystified as to why McGuire thinks the station will benefit from playing exactly the same music as can be heard on hundreds of commercial stations. The Corporation is completely ill-served by the mediocrities that currently serve in its higher ranks.
Just heard the news about the CBC Radio Orchestra. While I love banjo music I also love classical music. Keep the orchestra -- if 8 concerts a year isn't enough, then let's have more, not less! (and keep Disc Drive, which plays both classical and banjo!)
I find myself incredibly upset this morning to hear about about these recent CBC decisions! They sound the death knell for Radio 2 for me, something that has always been part of my day. As well as clearly discriminating against those of us who appreciate intelligent radio, they destroy the human connections that these wonderful hosts build each day across our vast country. I feel deeply saddened and discouraged about Canada, insulted and evenashamed.
Let me see, I won the Grand Prize at the 8th CBC Young Composer's competition; the CBC Radio Orchestra commissioned two pieces from me, one of which they recorded on their CD label. Both of these CBC institutions have been disbanded by the current management. I am at the top of my game thanks in part to these great investments by the CBC in me as a young creator. The CBC has commissioned 6 other compositions from me over the years to celebrate several cultural milestones. In fact, on April 5, seven days from now, the great American Duo46 (violin
I think the CBC should study the Australian Broadcasting Company, one broadcaster who is not dumbing down or copying the commercial stations as CBC seems to be doing. Due to the policies of our current government, CBC is now blocked in China where I work so it really seems like a hopeless case all around.
It is not simply about the music, which don't get me wrong, is great! It is also about the hosts who represent all classes and ages of people in Canada in a truly inclusive and intelligent manner.
And to add insult to injury for supporters of classical music in Canada, I have just heard that the CBC Radio Orchestra in Vancouver is to be disbanded in November. And to think that the BBC still manages to fund 5 major orchestras, a full-time professional choir (the BBC Singers), and a big band. Also, despite serious budget cutbacks, the BBC still commissions an impressive array of new compositions (across many genres) every year and actively promotes the careers of young emerging musicians (British and foreign alike). Why can't the CBC be more like that instead of increasingly gravatating to the abmysal standards of commercial radio? Canada has the resources and talent to support a world class public broadcasting system (including commercial-free television), but for some strange reason lacks the political will (and nerve) to go for gold.
The CBC should be supporting valuable cultural programming such as the CBC Orchestra and the Arts Report rather than stripping it. This decision does a disservice to the Canadian public and loyal listeners.
Recent research shows that children not exposed to music, prune many of their neurons, and become unable to develop their musical skills. CBC exposes so many kids, with wonderful potential.
I listen to Radio Two all day every day, via the web because I live in the US, and I was very disappointed with last year's changes. Please keep classical music alive for us and our children.
Pay attention to Met opera popular broadcast of operas to 60,000 people all over the world. same situation exists for those away from metropolitan areas.
The changes in March 2007 were after already considerable losses in the programming such as Andrea Ratuski and Northern Lights, Danielle Charbonneau and Music for Awhile. And now I hear that Eric Friesen will also be leaving. The broadcasting of classical music along with the commentary educates, entertains, and connects the listeners. What research has shown that switching this to Radio 3 (without the commentary) and Galaxie (both subscription/paid services) will reach the audience who enjoys, appreciates and desires this music and commentary. Please reconsider, or start a Radio 3 Free on the Radio waves which will allow CBC to try the new and not eliminate the old and successful programming.
I do not like what is happening to radio 2. I miss the way is used to be. I'm a potter and I work by myself at home and cbc radio 2 is my friend. I do not want easy listening music. I want serious classical music, please
CBC2 is one of the best things about being Canadian. I have been turned onto many wonderful classical artists, and to change it and gut it would be criminal.
I fully support and have enjoyed the classical music programs on CBC Radio 2 for many years, and oppose the cancelling of them for reaching 'a wideraudience'. There are many choices of radio stations for all kinds of diverse musical tastes but only one nation-wide classical music station. I urge CBC Radio to respect the role it has been playing in the Canadian cultural landscape. As a Canadian of Asian descent, I consider myself a part of this cultural diversity and very much a member of the 'public'. In other words, CBC Radio 2 has functioned in reaching out to me as an audience, for the truth is, there isn't a 'typical' classical music lover...and none of us would like to be stereotyped in any shape or form.
I'm 30 and the only radio I listen to is CBC2's classical; as classical has vanished from the station, I've reduced my listening. It appears that starting this fall, I'll abandon the station completely.
As a long time listener to CBC I am dismayed of late at the wholesale changes made with little communication with the loyal supporters of public broadcasting that offers a vibrant alternative to private radio.
How can the powers that be at CBC2 be so shortsighted as to destroy its classical music programming? Do those taking the decisions not have any idea of how important this is to so many current listeners? I'm one. If CBC2 continues this way, they'll lose this listener. And judging by the exponential growth of the Facebook group, they'll be losing many many thousands of other listeners who feel likewise.
I most definitely support this petition and cannot believe CBC would contemplate such changes. You must have been surveying people who don't listen to the station. We have an abundance of 'garbage' stations playing to the lowest common denominator - and I am not suggesting only the elite enjoy classical music. I belileve the CBC has a duty to make classical music available. VW
CBC Radio 2 is an oasis of pleasure amidst the cacophony of private radio. My family loves the classical music offerings presented and if this disappears or gets cut back, we will lose a huge asset to the radio-listening public. Don't do it!!Dennis Gerace
CBC Radio Two is the only station I listen to when I'm with my young children. This is due to its classical music content and the variety of music that cannot be found elsewhere on the airwaves. My family does not want to hear only “popular” classical. We appreciate the opportunity to sample eclectic and varied music: choral, opera, baroque…This sentiment is shared by my fellow parents, who wish to expose their children to more than just popular culture.
I do want the CBC to continue to play excellent classical music. YouTube just isn't quality! However, I don't miss the Arts Report, as I didn't like the way it was done.
For many years we have been waiting for CBC2 to come to Grey Bruce. This is such an important program not only to provide wide audiences with classical music and information as a form of entertainment. It also is an essential education tool particularly in regions where classical music can not be accessed in any other way. I know of many people who would never have heared of Mozart, Handel, Bach or Schostakovich if it hadn't been through public broadcasting. I believe that it's an obligation for the cbc to continue radio programming that has classical music as its main focus in order to allow Canadiens of all backgrounds and independent from where they live to stay connected with the musical heritages of our cultures. Please do not water down cbc in order to become mainstream. Once it's mainstream we can get rid of it. We have enough mainstream music already on cbc1 and on commercial radio. Why be a public broadcaster to sound just like commercial radio without commercials. If cbc 2 wants to survive it needs to have the courage to continue with classical music in all it's facets.
