Thank you for providing this wonderful service to your listeners. - Bette Bauereis
As I predicted last week, we were at last able to get our new AudioVault computer automation system up and running – with thanks to a lot of people here, but especially consulting engineer Jobie Sprinkle of Charlotte, assisted by George Scheibner, Lan Nichols and others. The irony of systems like this is that ordinarily, listeners are aware of them only when they misbehave, as the old system did recently in a massive way. But the new system will give us extra capabilities for producing and distributing content in new ways, and provide extra backups in case of failure. Thank you, all, and well done!
On now to this week’s Feedback. Concerning Classical HQR, listener Jerome wrote:
We always support WHQR, but I'd like less talk and more music on WHQR Classical.
Anonymous wrote:
Thanks Bob Workman for playing Pavarotti's unbelievable performance from Rossini's William Tell. I am a big long-time Rossini fan but had never heard that before. That's why I listen to WHQR. Thank you thank you thank you!
Listener John wrote:
I know Garrison has retired, but I hope we have not discontinued Prairie Home Companion. I listened this weekend to “The Thistle [and Shamrock]” and the other program on Sunday morning, and was very disappointed. Can you fill me in?
I wrote to John that our decision not to continue with Prairie Home was based on a couple of factors. For one thing, Garrison's replacement, mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile, will not be on board until October. Second, Chris will only provide 13 new shows for all of next year — and that, for almost the same price stations were paying for Garrison (on a per-hour basis, an expensive show for us), especially with uncertainty about the audience.
It’s not entirely clear how much of the new show will be Chris and how much will be repeats of Garrison. In either case, Prairie Home throughout its history has been built on the personality of Garrison, and no one else. No matter what, it just can’t be the same show as before.
I know that this is a disappointment to Prairie Home fans, but Garrison had a lot of good decades on the air. I’m glad it meant something to you.
Listener Nickie wrote:
I listen on my way to and from work in Jacksonville. I listen most of the time I am in the car. I love Wait Wait Don't Tell Me Fresh Air the morning programs - I can't remember all the names. I even enjoy the BBC news hour. Thank you.
Listener Howard wrote:
Great change-two stations Phil Furia one of my favorites-can he be on more often?
Listener Bob wrote:
Is there any discussion of increasing the power of 92.7 at any point in future? It would surely increase donations.
For Bob: 92.7 is broadcasting at its maximum possible power, 250 watts. Technically it is licensed by the FCC as a translator, not a full-power station, and it’s re-broadcasting our HD2 all-classical signal. We hope to be able to relocate the previous 96.7 to a new location which will benefit Eastern Brunswick and western New Hanover counties. Stay tuned.
Bette Bauereis wrote:
Thank you WHQR and Rachel Lewis Hilburn for a thoughtful and educational Coastline Program on Gender. I thought I understood the complexities of gender identification but I learned so much. Thank you for providing this wonderful service to your listeners.
We’d love to hear from you on Friday Feedback. You can always leave a message via email to feedback@WHQR.org. Our Feedback Phone is 910-292-9477. And thanks for your feedback.