Parallel Johnny

I really should be studying for my last final, but I need to get this out. Too many people have been coming here for WDET news.

There has been a large outcry against the format change at WDET. Most notably, the change from a music-filled weekday to an all-syndicated news-format. The Detroit blogosphere has been very active about this. There was even a website dedicated to it. I, amongst many others wrote to the GM, Michael Coleman. I must admit, I do enjoy some of the new programming. I just can’t believe they would clear out ALL music programming in the weekday. That show I used to get info on the Rowland Cafe, Ala Carte: gone. It was a weekly, 15 minute spot on the Judy Adams program.

I got this late, because Bloglines was down, but Michael Coleman released a statement yesterday afternoon in response to the protests…

In the past few days, I and other employees at WDET, have heard from many of you. The letters, phone calls and e-mails were thoughtful, heartfelt and passionate. I understand the role WDET plays in your life, and because of that, every time the station has made changes over the years listeners have been very vocal about how they felt. This time was no exception. I’ve heard from people who were disappointed in the new programming and from people who are very supportive of it. Regardless of how you feel, know that these decisions were painstakingly difficult, made with tremendous consideration and focused on the mission WDET has to serve our entire metropolitan Detroit community. The rationale for the changes were very straightforward * to save and strengthen this important public radio service. That being said, change of any kind is seldom easy.

Read the rest at the Free Press