WETA-FM listeners who had hoped to prevent the widely anticipated decision by the public broadcasting station’s board of directors to drop classical music programs left its Shirlington offices disappointed last night. By an overwhelming majority, the board approved a resolution to focus on news and public-affairs programming.
WETA Board Approves Switch To News-Talk Format
By Philip Kennicott
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, February 11, 2005; Page C01
WETA-FM listeners who had hoped to prevent the widely anticipated decision by the public broadcasting station's board of directors to drop classical music programs left its Shirlington offices disappointed last night. By an overwhelming majority, the board approved a resolution to focus on news and public-affairs programming.
After the vote, the station immediately annouced the new lineup, with round-the-clock news, analysis and interview programs, that will debut Feb. 28. Only the Saturday afternoon broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera and "Traditions With Mary Cliff," the Saturday night folk music program, will remain for music lovers at 90.9 FM. Currently the station broadcasts 15 hours of classical music on a typical weekday.