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Texas Public Radio welcomes your comments. You may reach us by e-mail at , or by regular mail at Letters, Texas Public Radio, 8401 Datapoint Drive, Suite 800, San Antonio, TX 78229. We reserve the right to edit your comments for brevity. If you prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your letter. (Note: TPR comments appear in Bold Italic). Christmas Music Monday, December 15, 2008 Thank you all for your Christmas music selections. I am really enjoying it! It's my moment of peace and clarity in an otherwise chaotic month. Deron Reid Polygamy and Mormons Tuesday, November 25, 2008 Good Morning, I just finished listening to your Tuesday morning report on the polygamous religious sect in Texas. You made one glaring error in your report that I wish to bring to your attention. You referred to the group as a "polygamous Mormon sect". This is not accurate. I am a Mormon, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The group at the Yearning For Zion ranch are not Mormons and should not be described as such. Please see the following link for clarification: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/media-letter This is the first paragraph from the above link: "Recent events have focused the media spotlight on a polygamous sect near San Angelo, Texas, calling itself the "Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." As you probably know, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has absolutely no affiliation with this polygamous sect. Decades ago, the founders of that sect rejected the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were excommunicated, and then started their own religion. To the best of our knowledge, no one at the Texas compound has ever been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Also, this link has more information: Mormons in Texas are doing wonderful things to support their communities and uphold the law. Please do not sully their efforts through inaccurate reporting. Thank you. Greg Willden Listening to NPR this morning I again heard the term "Mormon Polygamist" during a news story concerning underage marriage and child abuse. This is a misleading term. The LDS or Mormon church with headquarters in Salt Lake City does not condone polygamy and excommunicates those that involve themselves in the practice. The term Mormon has been used for over 150 years to refer to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Such fringe groups should not be referred to by the term Mormon as it misleads the public to believe that they are one and the same group. Ryan Green. Dear Mr. Green, I have researched the story in question. Our reporter, Terry Gildea, largely re-wrote an Associated Press story about the Yearning for Zion Ranch for KSTX's morning newscast that utilized the phrase "polygamous Mormon sect." That phrase was also used in the host's lead to the story. I agree with you that the phrase may be perceived as misleading. I did a little bit of Internet searching to see how three different news organizations deal with references like this. The Associated Press (AP) from time to time uses the phrase "polygamous Mormon sect" to refer to organizations such as the Yearning for Zion Ranch. Other times, they do not. The New York Times seems to refrain from using the phrase in question, except — interestingly enough — when a story was published by a Times writer that also used AP-sourced quotes and material to flesh out the story. Finally, NPR uses phrases like "a religious group that practices polygamy" or simply "polygamous sects," and later in the story will identify the group by their proper name (such as Yearning for Zion, or Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) or they may identify the sect as a splinter group from the official Mormon Church, acknowledging that Mormons abandoned the practice a long time ago. I think it's best for us to follow NPR's model, in this case, and I have instructed news staff to do so. Sincerely, Profanity Tuesday, November 25, 2008 At about 4 p.m., Monday November 24, the announcer quoted somebody using the word "hell" as profanity in their quote. I am driving my young son around trying to listen to quality music, classical music, and the whole mood is ruined by that kind of talking. "Hell" is fine to talk about if it is a religious station, but I don't appreciate the slang version for our family. Please try to keep the vulgarity out of the music programs, it ruins the whole spirit. Thank you for listening. R.L. Dear R L, I researched the broadcast in question, and found the word was used in the context of a quote by the feisty and opinionated Carl Ruggles on that afternoon's Composer's Datebook. I emailed John Zech at Minnesota Public Radio, the show's host and producer, who responded: "I'm pretty sensitive to this issue, since I worked for St. Olaf's Radio Station for 16 years. In the [Composer's] Datebook it sticks out, but it seemed necessary to express the nature of the person being quoted." I am sorry your listening enjoyment was disrupted by this particular broadcast; certainly instances of this nature are rare on classical music stations, including KPAC. Sincerely, TPR Content Friday, November 21, 2008 I live in Kerrville and was delighted when TPR became available in my area. However, the current offering is mostly talk and not the classical music that I want. I want the San Antonio version of TPR. I will not renew the family membership with TPR so long as the current programming is in place. Anita Rollo KTXI Programming Friday, November 21, 2008 Many thinks for bringing NPR morning programming, especially Diane Rehm, to the Kerrville area earlier this year. Now please, please, finish the job and give us NPR's afternoon (noon to 4 pm) programming as well. "Talk of the Nation" and "Science Friday" are uniquely informative and engaging broadcasts that we should not have to miss. Barbara J. Gaddis Traffic Reporting Thursday, November 6, 2008 My husband and I are tuned to your station daily and we enjoy your programming very much. However, your traffic reports leave a great deal to be desired. I drive Hwy. 151 traveling to and from work every day, regularly going home to lunch, and driving around town, and I am astounded at your traffic reporting. It is almost always wrong. You broadcast alerts as to delays which are false and obviously not current. More often, there are extensive delays which are never mentioned. You would do your listeners a great service by simply not broadcasting any information. It would be preferable to broadcasting information which cannot be counted on and is often simply false! Jacqueline Simpson Tuesday, November 4, 2008 I just received "Keynotes" for the first time. I've been listening for a couple years now but until this year I never took the time to join TPR. Now I listen in a totally different way. Thanks for insisting on joining. I know there must be a number of people out there like me and although I couldn't give as much as I would like, I gave as much as I could. That's a good feeling. L.A. (Nick) Davies KTXI Programming Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Dear TPR: Many thinks for bringing NPR morning programming, especially Diane Rehm, to the Kerrville area earlier this year. Now please, please, finish the job and give us NPR's afternoon (noon to 4 pm) programming as well. "Talk of the Nation" and "Science Friday" are uniquely informative and engaging broadcasts that we should not have to miss. Barbara TPR Friday, October 24, 2008 TPR was a radio station Wendy Mixed Message Thursday, October 23, 2008 Mr. Cone, I applaud KSTX for continuing to provide us with NPR programming in the San Antonio area. However, I, and more than a few of my friends and fellow listeners, am growing increasingly weary of your announcers' constant negative comments about commercial radio and your station being the only one in the city offering credible, objective news and information. For example, only today you yourself said during one of the pledge breaks that KSTX was the only station in San Antonio to offer in-depth news. That is simply not true and you should know it. WOAI, KSTX and at least two of the local Hispanic stations regularly offer in-depth stories about a particular subject of interest. Then, there are the repeatedly irritating comments (I have counted more than a dozen this week alone) about KSTX being the only station to provide "unsensational", "objective" and "regular" coverage of information of interest. I am sure that programs like NBC Nightly News, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Race to the White House, hourly newscasts from CBS, NBC and ABC Radio would find those claims not only astounding but patently untrue. Again, we are all thankful for the opportunity to listen to NPR and support your efforts. But your continued negative comments about your competitors, who admittedly enjoy a much larger listenership than KSTX, serve no useful purpose. Make your comments positive, and factual. I am sure your audience would appreciate it. Remember the old saying, "If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all." Miriam Rogers Dear Ms. Logan, If you are interpreting our messages about how listeners value the high quality of public radio's news programming to be disparaging to commercial broadcast outlets, then somehow the wrong message is getting across. We respect these other sources of news, but rightfully feel that public radio brings listeners the best coverage, and more of it than any other source. And just as you suggest, we strive to be positive with our pledge messages. Sincerely, Listener Letters Wednesday, October 22, 2008 Hello to All, I just wanted to comment about some of the listener letters, as well as my feelings about your on-air activities. Some of the letters are absolutely atrocious; some speak of removing programs that THEY do not like, criticism about the time spent during the donations campaign, and the like. . . I have to say that not only do I thouroughly enjoy the up-to-date information that you provide, I also appreciate the diversity of your programming. Also, I do realize that much of the information you provide does not merely 'fall in your lap'; your people not only work hard to get the facts, many times you risk life and limb in the process. Thank you for your time, effort, and dedication to the listening public. J Carter P.S. Hi Diedre!! Dear Mr. Carter, Your letter made my week. Gracias, On-Air Pledge Drive Wednesday, October 22, 2008 Good afternoon, I wanted to comment on the on-air campaign. I can certainly understand that financial public support is crucial. However, it seems as though you are making TOO MANY requests. In the last hour, there were six or seven of them. This seems to be saturation and leads to listeners (I suspect I am one of MANY) who simply change the station. It now makes sense to simply not listen to NPR/TPR while the pledge drive is going on. Just my comments; but is indicative of many listeners. Respectfully, Dear Dr. Peters, I am sorry to hear you are disappointed with the on-air pledge drive content on Texas Public Radio this fall. During the hour you referenced (12:00 p.m. Wednesday), there were four pledge breaks totaling 26 minutes. I am sure there are many persons like yourself who do change the channel during the pledge drive, and that's okay. I also believe there are many like yourself who inherently know the value of public radio and would gladly support it after the first request for help, but the reality of public broadcasting is that there are many more people who do not respond immediately to our messages, or may not understand how the funding model works. Hence, the pledge drive, when we explain to listeners how public radio is funded and how important their part in the process is. We know the pledge drive can be a trying week for listeners, but we do make every attempt to make our on-air messages as listenable and even as enjoyable as possible. Sincerely, Public Radio on the Border Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Living in Del Rio for the last 27 years I have missed having public radio. I went to school at Interlochen, MI where we had WIAA. I only get to listen to KSTX when I am driving to San Antonio for an appointment or to go shopping. Once in a while I can get a signal due to some weird propagation mode. I would like to know if it would be possible to have a Translator (I think that's what it is called) out here in the hinterlands so that folks on the border could here public radio. I realize it would be a costly proposition and would require a grant or major fund raising. I have had experience in installing radio gear in remote places and know it can be far from a plug and play proposition. If you could give me any information that would give us a fighting chance out here I would be grateful. Yours Truly Dear Mr. Brown, Thank you for your letter of interest. Texas Public Radio is pursuing a way to bring improved public radio service to Del Rio. If or when we are presented with the opportunity to acquire an available broadcast frequency, we would appreciate any help you can give us with spreading the word about raising funds for the initial startup. Until then, keep your fingers crossed! Best wishes, Whad'Ya Know? tickets Tuesday, October 21, 2008 You don’t make it very easy to get tickets to the upcoming event for Whatdoya Know show, coming here to San Antonio on November 22. HOW DO I GET TICKETS TO THIS EVENT?? There is NO INFORMATION on your website about HOW TO GET TICKETS even though you are advertising this event on the radio!!! I would like to get tickets for this show. How can I get tickets. Thank you. Please look again at the front page of www.tpr.org and scroll down. You should see the Whad'Ya Know logo and a link to Ticketmaster for ticket information. Sincerely, Begging Time Again Tuesday, October 21, 2008 I would possibly give you a pledge if, the opera junk was stopped, along with organ music and the renaissance baloney. I spent many of my younger years playing violin in a philharmonic and much prefer symphonies and REAL classical music. The constant referral to LATINO people in classical music is totally unnecessary also. I can't stand all the begging you guys do, don't talk, just play good music. How much do you get from the Govt. ? Do some programming that is good and I may consider handing you a buck or two. Regards, Richard Leinweber Dear Mr. Leinweber, The answer to your question about government support is that a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting amounts to approximately 7.5% of Texas Public Radio's operating budget. As for the music selection on KPAC, we understand that it is very difficult to please everyone, as the term "classical music" emcompasses a broad swath of musical history. We strive to present the most popular music most frequently (symphonic music would fall under that category, for sure), while adding those extra bits of spice that you mentioned, to present a healthy variety that represents the best the classical music world has to offer. Sincerely, Pledge Break Friday, October 17, 2008 I am concerned about the amount of time used for pledge break during the first hour of the Diane Rehm show. It seemed to me that the time devoted to the pledges during that hour were substantially more than the other programs. That hour on Friday morning is my favorite program of the whole week. During this historic period leading up to the election it is important to hear everything that is said. Marilyn Kimball Dear Ms. Kimball, Latino USA Friday, October 17, 2008 Your programming is fantastic, but PLEASE, take Latino USA OFF of your current program schedule. I dislike everything about that program, including the announcer. I have to tune the station off at noon on Friday. Seems like the time slot could be filled with more informative programming, dead air would even be an improvement. Regards Thursday Night Opera Thursday, October 16, 2008 Good evening! I was wondering if you could tell me what opera you were playing tonite 10-16-08? I was only able to listen to the last 45 minutes of it on my drive home. When I finally did get home I missed the recap by the host. I had my 4 year old daughter in the car with me and she loved it. Its the first time I've ever seen and heard her take an interest in classical music. It brought a tear to my eye. If you could give me the information on the opera I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for the great programming and thanks for taking time to read my email. Maria Campos Dear Ms. Campos, I am so glad you enjoyed last night's opera, and especially pleased that your young daughter did, too. I'll be sure to let Ron Moore, host of the opera, know. You were listening to Gaetano Donizetti's "Mary Stuart." More information about the opera is available here. You'll find a recording of the opera is available through Amazon.com here. Best wishes, and thanks for listening to KPAC 88.3 FM! Nathan Cone Street Level Accidents Monday, October 6, 2008 Dear Mr. Valdez In your traffic report you started referring to accidents as "street level accidents". What other traffic report related accidents are there? I first heard this phrase on our local AM "Election-Station"; or maybe it was on the "Killer-Storm-News-Watch-Station." I did not expect KSTX to start using this tautological style of rhetoric in order to sensationalize its traffic reporting with catchphrases. Maybe you could drop the jargon return to referring to an accident as what it is: an accident. Kind regards, Teaching of Evolution Report Wednesday, October 1, 2008 This morning I heard on KSTX a short report by Terry Gildea regarding the teaching of Evolutionary Theory in Texas schools. I appreciate Mr. Gildea’s effort to bring this information to as large an audience as possible. However, there were a couple of statements that called my attention. In one of them, Mr. Gildea said something to the effect that a group of Texas college professors were trying to prevent the discussion of Evolutionary Theory’s weaknesses in public schools. This is incorrect. Modern Science would not be able to advance if we were not aware of the weaknesses and failings of our explanations. It is in our best interest to teach students where the ’holes’ lie in the fabric of a theory. After all, we want them to find ways to improve our understanding of the world. The second statement, towards the end of the report, indicated that the effort by the group of professors had as a main objective to prevent the teaching of alternative theories to evolution in science courses. Once again, the ability of science to advance is grounded precisely on the competition between alternative ideas. The push is not towards eliminating competition for evolution (or more exactly natural selection as the mechanism behind evolution), but towards eliminating explanations that do not comply with the basic criteria for scientific explanations. Creationism and Intelligent Design are explanations, but not scientific explanations. I must add that I am not (yet) part of the group of professors mentioned on the report, which proper name escapes me at the moment. But I would think that an on-the-air correction to the story would be appropriate. Luis F. Schettino Dear Dr. Schettino, Thank you for responding to my recent story on the 21st Century Science Coalition. I agree with both points you raise in your email about the language in the story, but I want to explain my source for this story and the process I went through to get in on the air. Because our newsroom staff is small and many of us – including myself – work as both on-air hosts and reporters, we often rely on Associated Press wire stories and rewrite the copy to fill our newscasts. This story was sourced from an AP wire story that I have pasted below. You’ll notice the second sentence in the AP story also addresses the group’s plan to block public school attempts to teach "weaknesses" in evolution. The lead in the story suggests that primary goal of the group is to stop the teaching of Creationism or Intelligent Design in the place of Natural Selection. I agree with you that the word "weaknesses" is a poor choice, but I was referring directly to an effort to disprove evolution for a different explanation. On your second point – the sentence in my story was: "Some state board members favor teaching a curriculum based on alternative theories like creationism." Again – I agree that theories is not the right word to use, that explanation is the more accurate choice, but I was referring to the efforts of school board members to change the course of science curriculum in the state and not the group’s overall goal – as you pointed out in your response. You’ll also notice at the end of the AP article that the state board of education wants to "eliminate" the long-held language of teaching students the "strengths and weaknesses" of theories. Thank you again for your email. It reminds me that I need to pay special attention to clarity and word choice – even when rewriting a story from the AP wire. Best, Dear Mr. Gildea, Thank you for taking the time to answer my email. I will visit the 21st Century Science Coalition to learn a bit more about their work and to try to understand how exactly the idea of ‘strengths and weaknesses’ was used originally in their writings. There may be something I am not quite getting. Please keep up your great work at KSTX, Berlin Program Wednesday, October 1, 2008 am a listener of NPR here in San Antonio. I heard a portion of the show on Berlin broadcast locally here in SA last night [Travel with Rick Steves]. KTXI in the Hill Country Friday, September 5, 2008 A BIG thank you for adding Diane Rehm and Fresh Air to our programming. We moved here 5 years ago and realy missed them. We are members of TPR. Thanks again. Gretchen Martinez in Kerrville. Rraffic Reports Friday, September 5, 2008 I have been a longtime listener and have driven others to listen to TPR if for no other reason than to be informed of traffic conditions during rush hour. Lately it has become more than obvious to me that your traffic reports are "old news" at best. I have been in rush hour traffic on more than one occasion when I have personally observed that the traffic report was beyond less than timely. Specifically I have heard reports of traffic accidents and related delays at specific intersections while personally being at that specific intersection which has no such accident or delay at that time. This is truly a disservice because I have always relied on TPR to provide me with information that will help me to navigate my commute while staying informed on local and national issues. I am in no way indicating that your programming does not meet or address needs that others find valuable. I am just very interested in finding a way to be sure that TPR is apprised of the most up-to-date traffic reporting available in this on-demand, Apple I-Phone, Garmin turn-by-turn spoken directions kind of world that we live in. I have become an expert in navigating the rush hour streets of San Antonio, unfortunately, without the assistance of TPR that I had grown accustomed to. Is there some easy way that commuters like myself can quickly contact you with real time information that you seem to currently not have access to so that when I refer others to your programming in the future they don’t find themselves angry in an hour-long traffic jam they could have avoided had they chosen a more tech-savvy broadcaster? Sincerely, Dear Ms. Dillon, Thank you for your concern about traffic reports on Texas Public Radio. I know that our traffic reporters (and those at other stations, too) utilize a variety of sources for information, including but not limited to police scanners, TransGuide, TxDOT, citizen reports, and proprietary methods. In a recent conversation I had with Mike Valdez, he noted to me that there are times when he is receiving reports of an accident that may not be confirmed. On the air he is careful to make the distinction between reports of an accident and an accident that has been confirmed. This may account for some of the discrepancy you're seeing on the roads. There is a phone number you may call to give information to the reporters at Traffic.com: call 1-877-965-9700 and ask for the San Antonio desk. Thanks for your feedback, and thank you for helping us improve the quality of traffic reports on KSTX. Sincerely, Thank you for your response. I will program the number into my cell. Another thing I realized from a recent traffic jam I was a participant in, again thanks to TPR, was that when the traffic jam was reported the order/language was incorrect. What I mean is the report stated there was an accident “at Airport Blvd and 410” leading me to believe that the accident was ON Airport Blvd. The correct order/language would have been “an accident on 410 at Airport Blvd. indicating roadway affected 1st and specific intersection 2nd. Had this information been reported in this order I would have avoided 410 altogether. Instead I got into the far left lane because I knew I wouldn’t need to exit Airport Blvd. and in so doing I was stuck in that lane at a dead stop at that intersection. Again, my intent is to help to improve the quality of your traffic reports. Thanks again, Streaming KPAC Thursday, September 4, 2008 Good Afternoon, This note is a follow-up to a phone conversation I had with one of your staff concerning the availability of live streaming of KPAC over the Internet. I, and I'm sure others find it shameful and down-right unacceptable that if we wish to listen to Internet streams of classical music we must listen to stations such as, KMFA, KUHF, WFMT, Minnesota Public Radio, WGBH, WCLV, KING FM in Washington State, KBIA in Columbia Missouri, the Maine Public Broadcasting Network, (MPBN), and many others. If these folks can offer live Internet streaming of their classical music I believe we have a right to expect better from our own public radio station right here in San Antonio. All of these stations found ways of addressing royalty concerns and KPAC can do likewise. We were once TPR contributors, but let our membership laps due to the unavailability of a KPAC stream despite the success of other public radio stations. If you wish for our generosity to come your way in the form of pledges to help TPR stay on the air please make streaming of KPAC available in the near future. All the best for a great weekend. Thank you for giving your attention to this matter. Peter Donahue Dear Mr. Donahue, Hello Nathan, Traffic Reporters Wednesday, August 20, 2008 Your traffic reporters repeatedly refer to Emergency Medical Services "looking for an accident" or "finding an accident." Please tell these individuals, who I assume do not live in San Antonio, that Emergency Medical Services do not "look for" nor "find" accidents. They are dispatched to the scene of an accident when one is reported. Obviously, they know where the accident is located before they set out to treat the injured. It is a bit ludicrous to assume that Emergency Medical Services would be driving aimlessly around the city looking for an accident, or suddenly finding one. Thanks for listening, Dear Ms. Collins, After receiving your letter, I sent it along to the folks at Traffic.com that provide traffic information for KSTX, and followed it up with a phone call. I spoke to Mike Valdez, one of our traffic reporters. You are quite correct that EMS does not drive aimlessly around the city looking for accidents, but as Mr. Valdez notes, emergency crews *are* often "looking" for an accident that's been reported. As he explains it, when emergency responders get a report of an accident, details may be sketchy. An accident at I-10 and Wurzbach, for example, could be on the freeway itself, on the underpass, on the access road, or even in a parking lot adjacent to that intersection. Until the accident is confirmed and details are available, emergency responders often find themselves heading toward an intersection, looking for the accident. Mr. Valdez didn't use this analogy, but I will: it's akin to if I had been given directions to my friend's house at 123 Elm St. Even though I have the address, I still have to look for the house to find it, do I not? Sincerely, Canadian Rockies Tour Friday, August 8, 2008 We would like to thank Dan Skinner for his excellent photographic journal of a great trip. It plugs large gaps in our own photographic record. Until this journal, we did not believe that someone could be everywhere at the same time! We were wrong. Thanks again, Chris Jordan Talk Thursday, August 7, 2008 I attended Chris Jordan’s talk/presentation last night and it was really amazing. He is a fantastic speaker and I love the fact that he is willing to say “hey, I don’t have the answers here, but I am worried about the problem”. And his art is pretty darn cool. I am thankful that TPR sponsored the event. Yet another reason I love Texas Public Radio! Jennifer Bligh Tavis Smiley Show Thursday, August 7, 2008 Tavis Smiley??? Geeee...I could hardly tolerate him when he was on regular broadcasting, now you bring him for 2 hours on TPR???!!! "Consistently unappealing mess--silly, ignorant, and inane." That's what one listener said of Fair Game. The Tavis Smiley show is bias, ignorant, and a headache. Its too bad FG was cut because of this rambling, stuttering show. Otherwise....keep up the good work F. Hernandez Dear Mr. Hernandez, Fair Game was not cut to accommodate the addition of The Tavis Smiley Show. Regretfully, PRI canceled Fair Game back in May. I'm guessing you mean Mr. Smiley's former gig at the Tom Joyner Show when you refer to "regular broadcasting." I think you'll find The Tavis Smiley Show (and his PBS show, broadcast on KLRN-TV nightly at midnight) to be a different show, with a different format. I hope you'll give it a listen sometime. Sincerely, Thanks - Sunday Baroque and Nighttime Announcers Sunday August 3, 2008 I really like the Sunday Baroque music and the new night time announcers. I usually hear the last of their music just before 6AM. They are very professional and knowledgeable with numerous informative bits of information. Thanks Event Wednesday, July 30, 2008 I heard reference to a program/speaker to be offered this Wednesday evening by someone from National Geographic. Can you provide me the correct time, date and the location. I really enjoy your programming. Stuart Dear Stuart, National Geographic eco-ambassador Chris Jordan will be appearing next Wednesday, August 6, 7:00 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium. The event is free, and you'll find more information here. Thank you for your kind words about Texas Public Radio! Sincerely, Bennigans Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Your news story this morning about the closing of Benningans was very informative...if one lives in Dallas-Fort Worth, since the story dealt only with that area. Oddly, there was no mention in the story or by your announcer of the fate of the Benningans in the San Antonio area. That seemed unfortunate since this sort of information would have been more helpful than a story talking about another city. Fortunately, the San Antonio Express-News and other radio and TV stations in the city did provide this information for those who frequent the establishments. Mary Collins Dear Ms. Collins, The story in question was shared with KSTX by Bill Zeeble of KERA in Dallas, which is where the parent company of Bennigan's is based. But I agree that we should have included a follow-up tag about the fate of our own local Bennigan's establishments. The story could have easily waited until later in the day so that information could have been secured by one of our Texas Public Radio reporters. Sincerely, Thanks! Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Dear Texas Public Radio, Thanks so much for offering a great Hands On event this past weekend. The Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit was really great and it was very nice to enjoy the grounds of the Witte on a Saturday. The local aspect of inventors was interesting and the treats from Madhatters were very enjoyable! I really appreciate the local touch to community events that you offer and I am glad to be a TPR member. keep up all your great work!! Saludos, RIP Fair Game Sunday, July 20, 2008 Gone but forgotten, Fair Game was of a different planet, or maybe a parallel universe, where hypocracy is routinely stiffled and not wrapped in glory. And so, Fair Game "got the hook" an old Vaudeville trick of yanking an act off the stage by an "anonymous" authority. I suppose, in the case of Fair Game, this was to be expected; tall, quirky, irksome, poppies will eventually get their heads lopped off - even at PRI. I appreciated Fair Game and the breezy wit, fresh cheerful voice and obvious intelligence of Faith Salie with her band of 'raskly' (wacky and irreverent) musketeers. It was a program out of deep left field, an amusing mutant, that showed the face of the status quo in a carnival mirror. Fair Game was unabashed liberal but not anarchistic, no tossing of molotov cocktails but a gentle rolling of the bottle in the approximate direction. Intelligent and, though respectful, interviewing was mixed with humorous discussion, a nice dollop of sarcasm, plentiful satire and a general ripping of the lid off of latent and extant hypocracy. You might say, I liked it! RIP Fair Game. Ken Fowler My Way or the Highway Sunday, July 20, 2008 In reading through the letters sent to Texas Public Radio I am struck by the high percentage of writers who unload bile and find fault. I was going to post a little suggestion for improvement but I have decided I don't want to add to the negativity. Let us not make the perfect the enemy of the good. Keep up the good work, TPR! John Kelley Interrogation Techniques Program Tuesday, July 15, 2008 I am ashamed that this administration feels that it is justified to torture anyone, just because they call the campaign a "War on Terror." It sounds very similar to the beginning of another country's war time persecution of a religious group during World War II. The End does not justify the means. The administration should be prosecuted and under no means should they be immune. [Re: Fresh Air] Gennell Concert Band, Wind Visions Wednesday, July 9, 2008 Great new program for concert band enthusiasts and all others too--Wind Visions, Saturday at 9am, hosted by band director Dr. Don Miller of UTSA. Much appreciated. Spread the word! (Years ago Tom Rhodes had a similar program on KPAC.) Richard SmithGreat new program for concert band enthusiasts and all others too--Wind Visions, Saturday at 9am, hosted by band director Dr. Don Miller of UTSA. Much appreciated. Spread the word! (Years ago Tom Rhodes had a similar program on KPAC) Richard Smith, Allentown PA. 1925-52, the golden years of The Allentown Band. Now San Antonio Why Some Listeners Turn You Off Tuesday, July 8, 2008 You deserve compliments on most of of your KPAC programming. But everytime Randy says, "and now headlines from the Associated Press" many of your listeners turn off their radio. The AP dwells on NEGATIVE, ugly, depressing "news". I refuse to allow your station to interrupt my enjoyment of music or other KPAC programming with how our planet, our great country and its terrific people are one step away from gloom and doom. Find some pleasant news to report to accompany your beautiful music ... and you may find that more people contribute more money to your station. Riverwalk Jazz Wednesday, July 2, 2008 What has happened to the Riverwalk Jazz program on 90.1 at 7 PM Saturdays? My husband and I look forward all week to this hour of music and suddenly we no longer have it, and we don't care for the programming that has taken this time space. I notice on your program schedule you still show Riverwalk Jazz on 89.3 at 7 PM, is this true or have you just not changed your schedule? Please let us know that we can look forward to the return of the Jim Cullum Band in the very near future. Phil Wheeler Dear Mr. Wheeler, During the summer, KTXI is running a 10-week series, "Whole Lotta Shakin'," that was produced with help from Kerrville's Texas Heritage Music Foundation. Earlier this year, "Whole Lotta Shakin" won a Peabody Award. You can read more about that at Schreiner University's website. We are proud to showcase this series chronicling the history of rockabilly on KTXI 90.1 FM. Once this limited series has concluded, Riverwalk Jazz will return on August 16. Sincerely, Budget Suggestions Monday, June 2, 2008 My wife and I are military retirees and, naturally, on a fairly fixed income. So, when we built this house eight years ago we began to prepare for the cycle of “ever increasing prices and ever more diminishing income”. It has become a habit with us just like wildfire remediation. You will never be perfectly complete but you keep working at it. We found a number of serious “little things” like all the parasitic loads around the house. If you count up all the timers and clocks and other devices which have transformers at the wall, you quickly find 23 devices. Night lights have become “LEDS” instead of 4 to 7 watt lamps. The furnace and C/A is on a timed thermostat and, our well will soon pump only at night into a ‘day’ tank. The aerobic septic system now runs its air pump less than half a day and pumps effluent every second day. (We use the reclaimed water for irrigation.) Having these pumps on timers avoids heavier more frequent starting loads. For example, the water pump draws 65 amps for about seven seconds. We have re-installed a smaller, window air conditioner in the bedroom to save cooling the whole house at night. Six amps vs. 30 to 50 for the ‘house’ unit. Naturally, we have TVs and computers on power taps. Many improved practices involve small investments like the porch shade. Our house has a NW-facing rear porch onto which the sun shines from one o-clock ‘on’. I rigged a clothes line with nursery ‘shade cloth’ on grommets so that we could draw this fiberglass curtain against the sun. We saved $30 - $40 the first month and it lasted eight years. I spent $90 to replace it this spring. Keeping the household mechanical equipment in ‘peak’ condition really controls monthly utility costs. I replaced the dryer vent tubing with a “dryer periscope” for $15. This telescoping aluminum ‘box’, by being more efficient, allows every ‘auto-sensed’ load to dry ten minutes faster. We use a smaller TV to just watch the evening news instead of turning ‘on’ the 32 inch power eater. Perhaps, one of our less-thought-of adaptations has been to go to “averaged auto-pay” on our regular, monthly bills. Instead of having several $350 propane payments each winter, we have $75 deducted each month from our monitored-by-computer, checking account. All of our predictable bills are on this system: mortgage, propane, electricity, computer ISP, both vehicle payments, insurance. Some firms will even give a small discount (when asked). We live in a Hill Country area where even going for the mail is a 26 mile round-trip. When fuel prices first started their inexorable climb several years ago, we paid attention to the “Nightly Business Report” and traded the V-6 Camry for a 34 to 38 mpg Corolla “Program Car” which runs on regular gas. At the same time, the F-150 became a 22 to 25 mpg Colorado which more than adequately handles my normal hauling and towing loads. All driving is done with a list in hand to prevent unnecessary trips. We receive our retirement checks on the “first duty day” of the month. This greatly anticipated event is shortly thereafter followed by our “big monthly shopping trip” during which only items on our shopping list are purchased. Listening to NPR, and TPR and watching PBS are an integral part of refining our regimen. Instead of feeling impoverished or “budget-bound”, we feel a sense of liberation and freedom because, we always have on hand what is needed and are comfortably within our budget. Thanks for your great programming. Yes, we contribute and encourage others even in our ‘fringe’ listening area. Bill and Sharon Fair Game Friday, May 30, 2008 Sirs: I welcome the demise of Fair Game. In my opinion it has been a blot on the KSTX programming schedule since its inception. What its supporters touted as innovative humor and satire far too often came across as mere fatuity. I detected no growth in Faith Salie as a host, but rather a persistent juvenility. She reminded me of nothing so much as a bright but obnoxious and self-important seventh grader. There seemed to be no subject she could not trivialize by her inane interviewing style and commentary. Despite repeated attempts to listen with an open mind and hope of improvement in its presentation, I found Fair Game to be a consistently unappealing mess--silly, ignorant, and inane. I hope you will find something better to replace it. It should not be hard to do so. Wilson M. Yager Fair Game Thursday, May 29, 2008 I am very sorry to hear that Fair Game is being taken off the air. There is no other show quite like it. We alll need intelligent humor in these insane times. The mix was great. Faith's sharp wit was refreshing in these dumbing-down-days. Joyce Anne Stevens Appeal for "Fair Game" Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Veronica Gard is right. This is one of TPR's gems. As a former journalist I appreciate the wealth of in-depth reporting which we get on TPR. But also the need for satire and the capability to laugh. Keep Fair Game! Dear Jane, Thanks for writing with your support. I've already spoken to the folks at PRI, but if you would like to write them, here is a link to their contact information page: http://www.pri.org/pri-contact.html Best wishes, Appeal for "Fair Game" Tuesday, May 27, 2008 I am sorry to hear that Fair Game can't continue - sure there are things I disliked but I felt Faith Saillie was a great interviewer and getting better all the time. She often made me laugh out loud and I found her whole attitude refreshing and just plain fun - not often present in serious NPR/TPR! I'm an ancient Brit living here in San Antonio and relishing the gift of two NPR programs - I almost don't miss BBC! Fair Game was a total change to the usual programing and I feel deserves a second chance - perhaps get rid of the silly young man who bantered too much with Faith but go on, NPR, if you want younger listeners you're never going to keep them if this sort of show is removed. One last thing, I found Fair Game much more amusing and interesting than the Tappit brothers with their incessant insane laughing and they get a show and a repeat! Frankly, if an ancient radio listener (since the 1940s!), can enjoy Fair Game how can you take it off for ever?? Veronica Gard Top High Schools Story Friday, May 23, 2008 I appreciated your story on San Antonio schools that made the list of top high schools in the Newsweek story. However, in mentioning the area schools that made the list, you failed to mention Alamo Heights, which ranked 189 on the list. This is the second highest ranking in San Antonio on the list. Mike Fair Game Thursday, May 22, 2008 Dear TPR, I have recently read through some of the emails posted on the TPR web site, and I noticed that PRI's Fair Game with Faith Salie has engendered some negative responses. I wanted to speak up for those of us who greatly enjoy the show. In fact, it is among my favorites among those being aired on TPR. It does seem to have a polarizing effect among listeners. Some people appear to object to the comic aspects of the show, and others seem to consider the host's tone to be blithe. Some of these negative responses may be attributed to simple matters of taste; it is also possible that some listeners approach the show with expectations of pure journalism and are shocked by the satire and the sometimes strong point of view. I am amused by the humor, and refreshed by the host's interview style, which induces guests to speak comfortably and revealingly. One always likes to have one's views shared by others, and I'm sorry there haven't been more people writing in support of Fair Game, but I intend to continue listening and enjoying regardless, and I thank TPR for adding the show to the lineup. Best regards, Dear Joel, Thank you so much for your thoughtful letter regarding Fair Game. It saddens me to tell you that PRI is ending production of the show as of May 30. According to PRI, it was not possible to maintain a revenue stream for the show sufficient to support full production. PRI is exploring ways to give Fair Game life online in the future. Although not every element of the show was a home run, on most nights there was usually something that made me smile or laugh, and I often discovered new people, music, and ideas through the show. I also think that over the course of its nearly year-and-a-half run, Ms. Salie grew as a host. I believe that Fair Game really did attempt to do something different on public radio, and that the show helped bring some new listeners to KSTX. While it is never easy to make a decision like this, both KSTX and PRI are heartened by your support of Fair Game. We take pride in our role as innovators, and I am glad that KSTX was there from the beginning (along with a handful of other public radio stations) to help guide the show's development before it rolled out nationally. Through this initiative and your encouraging response to it, we learned a great deal that can help inform our success in the future. Many thanks for supporting these efforts. Sincerely, Feedback Thursday, May 22, 2008 Hi, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy listening to news from the BBC every night. I spend a lot of time in Houston, and I can't find a decent news station there! Whenever I come home to San Antonio, I take great pleasure in listening to BBC when I'm lying in bed. Thanks for playing it! And please continue doing so. Thanks, Fair Game Monday, May 19, 2008 TPR, Last night I listened to the PRI show “Fair Game”, while driving home from the airport. I suppose the show is focused on the younger listener, but it is sure not up to the standard I expect from TPR. The host and her “analyst,” and I use that term broadly, really did not offer much intelligent discussion. I can overlook the liberal slant of the programming of TPR because of the many excellent interviews and the professional manner of most of the reporters and hosts, however, Faith Salie of “Fair Game” goes too far. She was obviously trying to ridicule abstinence programs in Texas and baiting her guest to do the same. Her banter with Jason Mantzoukas concerning the new Starbucks mermaid really offended me. Jason’s labeling a person he interviewed as a “Christian nut case” offends many people. I wonder if he called someone a “Jewish nutcase” or “Muslim nutcase”, that would be acceptable. I realize some conservative talk show hosts are inconsiderate, but I didn’t think you guys wanted to alienate your listeners by carrying such drivel. Besides the conservatives bashing, I did not hear much intelligent discussion on this show. Why do you carry it? J. Carson Dickie Dear Mr. Dickie, I agree with you that the words "Christian nutcase" were unnecessary. You are correct that a similar use of "Muslim nutcase" or "Jewish nutcase" would probably not have been tolerated by the editors of the program. But after examining the contents of Mark Dice's website (he was the gentleman being interviewed/profiled by Jason Mantzoukas last Thursday), I think I would agree that even if he is not a complete nutcase, he certainly does make some dubious claims. You can judge for yourself at: http://www.theresistancemanifesto.com/ "Fair Game" is certainly a non-traditional public radio show. The program is designed to offer its interviews, and news with more than a dollop of humor thrown in, and it's shown some success in bringing new listeners to public radio, which is why KSTX carries it. Sincerely, Mr. Cone, Thank you for your reply. Indeed the fellow may be extreme, but the statement implied a dig, or “tongue in cheek” statement concerning those “nutty Christians.” Should no one comment or relay these feelings to the editors? And your response begs the question, “Why was it tolerated and allowed to go on the air, if a similar statement concerning other religions would not have been?” I don’t want to harangue about this too much. I just question the humor and the type of listeners you are attempting to attract. I hope you are not catering to those who would not respect my beliefs, even if they disagree with me. Disagreement can lead to healthy discussion and shared learning, but it should be done in a respectful manner. I am a conservative (minus the “right wing” adjective that is commonly inserted in front) but I don’t agree with hosts who are disrespectful of those who possess a liberal point of view, and that is why I grow tired of the conservative talk show hosts, even if I agree with them on many issues. Please do not become a mirror image of those networks. I respect your programming, but you may lose my support if you continue in that vein in an attempt to get ratings. I know it is hard to stay to the high ground with the obvious necessity of attracting listeners, and the inherent pressures that brings. Here is my hope that you will navigate the narrow road well. Sincerely, Dear Mr. Dickie, Thanks for writing back with a thoughtful reply. I did indeed share your letter with the editors of "Fair Game." I sincerely believe "Fair Game" wasn't trying to denigrate all Christians or conservatives with their comedy bit, but as we've agreed upon, their word choice might have done that inadvertently. I think the intended target of this jab was solely Mr. Dice. We do want to take the high road with our programming. That's why I think you'll find that on our humorous programs like "Fair Game" or "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me," most of their satire is aimed at individual or organizational behavior, rather than the personal beliefs we hold. Best wishes, Traffic with Mike Valdez Friday, May 2, 2008 Dear TPR, I really love your programming! Your engaging shows always seem to shorten my daily commute. One thing that does /not/ shorten my commute, however, is your traffic reporter, Mike Valdez. Where does this guy get his information?!? His reports are laughable in their inaccuracy and irrelevancy. I am convinced that Mr. Valdez pre-records his reports several days prior and spends the rest of the week on vacation. Take yesterday's 5:15PM report, for example: Mr. Valdez reported on some slowing ("traffic moving at 25-30 mph") at the I-35/410 interchange and that an accident on the south side had cleared up. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Mr. Valdez, traffic on North Loop 410 was backed up for MILES because of a "major accident" (TXDOT's wording) near NW Military. I sat in this traffic jam through TWO of his traffic reports but he made no mention of it! None at all! As if his reports weren't bad enough, we have to endure his very un-NPR-like promotional spots at the end of the report. Please, TPR, get rid of this useless traffic reporter and consider having an intern read the traffic report directly off of the Transguide website. Sincerely, Dear Chris, Thanks for writing! I know the Traffic service uses a variety of sources for their local reports, including but not limited to TransGuide, police scanners, and citizen reports. If you ever need to contact them to correct something you've heard, or tell them about a problem you're not hearing about on the air, here's the toll-free number: Call 1-877-965-9700 and ask for the San Antonio desk. I agree that the underwriting sponsors on the tail end of the traffic reports often come from non-traditional-NPR sources, but having them sponsored keeps us from having to pay for the reports outright, which keeps our costs down. I work with Traffic.com to keep those messages as public-radio-friendly as possible. Best wishes, TPR Thursday, May 1, 2008 Dear TPR, I'm extremely happy that your radio station exists and broadcasts in the San Antonio area. The news programs from the BBC and NPR are outstanding. I listen to them every morning and evening. Regards, Pecos Sunday, April 27, 2008 Do you have a broadcast tower that covers Pecos, TX. I may move there And it would be a big relief if you covered Pecos with a strong signal. Paul Koetz Dear Mr. Koetz, Unfortunately, we do not have a signal that covers Pecos. I do not believe there are any NPR stations that cover that area. The nearest ones in Texas are located in Marfa and Odessa, and both of them are not strong enough to reach to Pecos. Sincerely, Weekday Morning Programming for FM 90.1 Thursday, April 10, 2008 Dear TPR, Why have you changed your weekday morning programming for FM 90.1 from classical music to the Diane Rheem show? I for one prefer the classical music. Melinda Wasson, Subscriber Dear Ms. Wasson, Thanks for taking the time to write to me with your concern about our recent programming change on KTXI. Changes to our stations' program lineup are made rarely, and only after much careful thought. The decision to add the Diane Rehm Show and Fresh Air to KTXI's schedule was carried out based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the results of our listener survey we conducted last year. We hope that with this program change we will be able to better serve the KTXI audience. We will monitor response to this current lineup over the coming months. Sincerely, Programming Changes Thursday, April 10, 2008 Dear TPR, My husband and I are avid listeners of (and long-time subscribers to) public radio, and we want to thank you for the recent programming changes you have enacted on KTXI. Often, we'd be traveling to San Antonio from our home near London, TX, listening to KSTX, and wishing we could hear The Diane Rehm show at home on KTXI. We just sent in our contribution for the coming pledge drive, and we're so pleased we did! Not only do we have this wonderful "new" programming but we chose the insulated tote as our gift with subscription. It is very, very nice and roomy. We shun plastic grocery bags as much as possible, and this tote will make the task that much easier. Good luck in the coming pledge drive! Allison & Bill Johnson Change in Scheduling and Format Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Dear TPR, I have been a loyal listener since I moved to the Texas Hill Country in 2000, enjoying the classical music you provided. I always dreaded 4 p.m. because the music stopped and the talk started. And, I never turned the radio on until 9 a.m. because I can listen to people talking on television and many talk radio stations. Now, you say that folks in the hill country wanted more talk and less music, so the music has been pushed to noon - only 4 hours during the daylight hours to listen to great music! I am very disappointed, and guess I will have to go to taking CD's in the car so I have something wonderful to hear. Please put my vote down for the "old system." Regretfully, Purchase of Fresh Air Interview with Black Liberation Theology Monday, March 31, 2008 Is it possible for me to purchase the interview with James Cone and Dwight Young re Black Liberation Theology. I would l ike to offfer that discussion to several adult Church School classes in our church. Rev Conrad Archer Dear Rev. Archer, There are a couple of ways you may be able to hear this program again, purchase a transcript, or obtain a copy. First, here is a link to NPR's page for this particular episode: Fresh Air 3/31/08 ...on that page, you will find a link for transcripts of the broadcast. You may also subscribe to podcasts of Fresh Air, or download the most current episode by following this link: Podcasts of Fresh Air Finally, you may contact Fresh Air directly for tapes and transcripts at 1-877-21-FRESH. I'm happy you found value in today's program! Sincerely, Luminaria Friday, March 14, 2008 Good Morning As usual, I have awoken to Morning Edition. The report of the “Luninaria” celebration was excellent, but I found a statement by Mr. Davis both offensive and inaccurate. He described the St. Patrick’s Day celebration as “beer -soaked” This description is inaccurate and far from the truth. The Harp and Shamrock Society has been providing San Antonio with an insight into the Irish culture for over forty years. The Alamo Irish Festival is a three-day celebration of Irish Heritage that includes Irish themed entertainment, food and craft booths, and yes, we serve beer. This free celebration is family-oriented. In addition, the society will host the forty-second annual St. Patrick’s Day street parade, at 11:00am on Saturday, and the fortieth annual river parade at 1:00pm on Sunday. On Monday, we will lay a wreath at the Alamo, recognizing the contribution of the Irish to Texas independence. Our celebration commemorates the Irish experience in San Antonio. This year's parade is looking to be our largest ever! This year’s theme for all of our events is “Keeping it Green” - preserving our environment by choosing to recycle, renew and reuse. W will be using a limited amount of plastic, and will recycle as much of our refuse as possible. Although many people use the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day as a reason to drink excessively, I find it offensive to equate the Alamo Irish Festival and the other St. Patrick’s Day events with this stereotype. I invite Mr. Davis to take a few minutes away from his coverage of Luminaria to stop by La Villita and the Arneson River Theater and experience the Alamo Irish Festival. Terence Peak Dear Mr. Peak, The words Mr. Davies used in his report note state the Riverwalk is beer-soaked during the St. Patrick's Day celebration. I believe that's more a comment on the businesses along the river that use St. Patrick's Day as an encouragement to drink than the holiday in general. Still, I can see how that comment could have been taken the wrong way, and it was unnecessary. Certainly, your letter is an excellent reminder of the many wonderful events for families in San Antonio that celebrate Irish heritage. I'm happy to post this letter on our website, and encourage readers and listeners to head downtown for the parade and more this weekend! Sincerely, Fair Game: Sorry, I Loathe It Friday, March 7, 2008 I have tried and tried to remain open-minded about Faith Salie and "Fair Game". But her material and delivery is so nauseatingly flirtatious, so smugly arch and self-satisfied that it is 90% unlistenable. Most evenings, I can only get about 15 minutes into the show until it annoys me so much that I turn the station off completely. I have been known to shriek and reach for the volume button, at which point my kids look up and ask "Fair Game"? Furthermore, as an avid consumer of news, I cannot help but notice that many bits on the show are also, to put it politely, "recycled" from more original venues and/or programmes (The Onion, the previous night's Daily Show, etc). Ms. Salie is not as young or as hip as the demographic the show aspires to, and unfortunately the strain shows. She is 37, for heaven's sake, and I can guarantee you from personal experience, that anyone over 35 is not really going to be the go-to gal for pop culture anymore (it's around about that age that you start wondering why the undergraduates pictured in your alumna magazine are starting to look like zygotes). I do not know whether you are still in communication with the show's producers, but if you are, would you please mention to them that WHEN you EMPHASIZE almost EVERY SINGLE word IT'S a LOT LIKE EMPHASIZING NO WORDS (only, of course, way more annoying). Seriously, if timing is everything in comedy, the producers of Fair Game might want to check the battery on the stopwatch. Oh, and stop drawing out about 36 minutes of material into the one-hour format through the medium of slow delivery and every-third-word appreciative giggling (remember, Faith, you're 37; you're *too old* for this). And the Harvard and the Rhodes Scholar thing? Very nice, I'm sure her parents are proud; but, you know, if she had a better show, it wouldn't have to be mentioned so prominently. Nobody knows where Steven Colbert went to school. Thanks for your comments. I'll pass them along to the folks at PRI and "Fair Game." Political Story Friday, February 29, 2008 Your response to the LaFaye Newkirk who complained about the story dealing with the Baptist person's endorsement of John McCain as well as other issues she took to task in the story was in my opinion a splitting of the hairs. It really doesn't matter whether the information came from an interview or news conference, it was used as the stated position of the evangelicals represented by the person speaking. So interview or news conference is of no consequence. And yes the Newkirk writer was incorrect in calling it an interview but her point is still valid and was not addressed in your response. Am I as an interested voter to assume that just because one person says evangelicals will vote for McCain or Huckabee that means that none of them will vote for Clinton or Obama? I think not and therein lies a lack of balance in the report you broadcast. Incidentally, your announcer, perhaps through a lack of political acumen, failed to point out that evangelicals mostly look upon McCain with disdain. And to say that no mention was made of the Obama rally because you had no reporter to cover the rally once again shows you are more interested in defending a mistake than correctly addressing it. The Newkirk writer did not ask why the rally was not covered; the Newkirk writer asked why no mention was made of it. There would obviously be no need for a reporter to be in attendance at the rally for the announcer to amend the story by mentioning the rally. In reading your responses to listener letters who lodge what they consider to be legitimate constructive criticism, I (in my own reading of those responses at least) notice a tendency to almost always defend your staff, even in cases like this one where there is really no defense. I was once told by my grandfather when I was a child in Germany that the three hardest things for a person to say are: "I am sorry", "I do not know" and "I was wrong". He was a very wise man. Thank you for listening. Waldamar Schroeder Dear Mr. Schroeder, I attempt to offer explanations, not defense. As I followed up with further emails to LaFaye Newkirk, it turns out the story in question was not ours, but rather NPR's: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=78666288. But back to our own story and whether or not we acknowledge evangelicals "disdain" for McCain, our reporter said this, which I believe speaks to the reason there was a press conference held to announce Hagee's endorsement: "Many Christian voters have thrown their support behind former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee — but with Hagee's support McCain hopes other evangelicals will consider him a viable candidate as he gets closer to locking up the Republican nomination." Nathan Cone Thank you very much for your quick response, and thank you for the explanation on the origin of the story. I assume as one of the executives of KSTX you notified NPR of its shortcoming in the story. Additionally, I do note that no confirmation, proof or any other information was given in the KSTX story in question to justify a statement that claims "McCain hopes other evangelicals will consider him a viable candidate as he gets closer to locking up the Republican nomination". Again, it is one of those defenses of the reporter that is, in my humble opinion, without foundation or justification. Did your reporter have any kind of information that would justify him making such s statement? If he did, then perhaps he should have said "McCaini SAYS he hopes..." If by using "viable" the intent was to refer to McCain as a practicable, workable candidate, then the use of that word is correct. I would suggest that "acceptable" would have been a better choice but that is a minor point indeed. A Little Balance on Food Expenses Thursday, February 28, 2008 Pizza and subs are a pretty typical campaign expense. This is hardly news, and the TPR skit that aired tonight is the third station I have heard run this ploy. Gets old quick. I expect TPR to be more creative, not a me too station third in line. David States Thanks, David. Point taken, but I believe the idea of the sketch on last night's "Fair Game" was less criticism than a good-humored poke at the campaign. And athe tail end of the segment the humorist did mention he'd be back next week with more campaign expenses from others. Best wishes, Morning Edition — For Ombudsman Thursday, February 28, 2008 Ombudsman for TPR, I have just listened (2-28-08) to the program between 6 and 7 a.m., where I heard:
Geez, then I got to hear a plug for Rick Perry's book. Not the first time I've heard TPR "skew to the right", just my first complaint. Again, my problem is with the Texas part of the program. I seldom, if ever, hear anything on NPR that doesn't seem balanced. Please take council with each other on programming; you have supporters out here you're dependent on and if we wanted to hear from the preachers, there are plenty of other stations on the dial to offer us opinions of So Baptists on the upcoming very important election. Thanks for passing along my comments, Dear LaFaye, I, too, heard all three reports that you cite in your letter, but I cannot agree with you that the reports are evidence of bias or unbalanced coverage on KSTX. This morning's report you heard on Senator John McCain's appearance in San Antonio did not feature an interview with Rev. John Hagee, as you mention, but rather an excerpt from a news conference. We felt this news conference was part of the story — that story being Sen. McCain's campaign appearance in San Antonio. I'm not sure what you were seeking in the way of balance, but certainly each time a presidential candidate has appeared in Bexar County over the past few days — including Clinton, Obama, and Huckabee — we've covered the story. You can find ourcoverage online on our Election 2008 page, including this morning's story. It should be posted soon after I send this email. It is true that we did not mention Obama stopped at a rally in San Marcos yesterday. We try to do as much as we can with the limited resources and personnel we have, and we have been sharing stories with our sister stations (KUT-Austin, KERA-Dallas) in the state to maximize the amount of statewide coverage each station can offer. Our story on Obama's campaign in Duncanville came to us from KERA in Dallas. Unfortunately, none of us had a reporter available to cover the rally in San Marcos. Finally, the story about Governor Rick Perry's book signing was not intended as a plug for the book itself. The story does note that proceeds from the book are going to the Boy Scouts legal defense fund, and the reason why such a fund is necessary (discrimination lawsuits brought against the Scouts by the ACLU). That seems to bring some context to the story, in my opinion. Sincerely, Mr. Cone, Thanks for your reply; we disagree. Your last paragraph defending the book proceeds from Rick Perry's book tells me volumes about where on the spectrum your opinions fall, so I will expect to hear some more of TPR's "unbalanced" reporting and I will be listening, of that you can be sure. And BTW, I never mentioned Hagee's name; if you listened to the same program I did, you would've known it was not Hagee I refer to, but rather a highly placed individual with the Southern Baptist Assn., which I do not think Hagee is a part of. I cannot remember his name, but the interview was extensive and I really could not believe it worthy of playing, especially since there was no one who might disagree. It was between 6:00 and 6:30 am. Again, Hagee was NOT who I was referring to. LaFaye Newkirk I couldn't tell if you were referring to our story or another, it wasn't clear from your letter since you reference "TPR." I found the Baptist Association story you mention. It was from NPR in Washington. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=78666288 If you like, you may send comments about that story to ombudsman@npr.org, or at this link: http://www.npr.org/ombudsman/ I am not defending the book proceeds from Perry's book. I am only stating where they go, and that we *said* on-air where they go, even going as far as to say that the *reason* they're going to the legal defense fund for the Scouts is because the Scouts have been accused as being discriminatory. That's an important fact, is it not? Leaving that fact out of the story would have made it a biased report, as if we were hiding where the money was going, and for what reason. Nathan Cone Gov. Perry Thursday, February 28, 2008 I heard your news broadcast this morning about Gov. Perry's book signing in San Antonio, and was surprised to hear him described as a "former Eagle Scout." I believe if you check with the Boy Scouts of America, there is no such thing as a former Eagle Scout. Once earned, the Eagle Scout rank is maintained for life. As the wife and mother of Eagle Scouts, I have often heard the phrase, "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle" from my husband. Despite this small discrepancy, I enjoyed learning of Gov. Perry's book. Thank you for your comprehensive and high quality reporting. Sarah Baxter, Rick Perry and Scouting Thursday, February 28, 2008 Good Morning, A few minutes ago, at about 8:08 am, one of your reporters did a story on Gov. Rick Perry's new book about the Boy Scouts of America. First off, thank you for doing that report. Had you not done it, I would not have known that Gov Perry had written a book that is close to me. However, your reporter did make a slight flaw in what he said about Gov. Perry. He referred to Gov Perry as a "former Eagle Scout." While this might seem accurate to many, if not most, people, it is flawed. For, with few exceptions, once a member of the BSA becomes an Eagle Scout he is forever an Eagle Scout. This might not seem important, but for me, and tens of thousands of other Eagle Scouts, it is important for people to know that being an Eagle Scout is not something that can be taken away by age or progress. Just because we become "adults" at 18 does not meen we lose our status as Eagle Scouts. Getting that rank and reward of Eagle Scout means we have accepted and demonstrated the qualities of the Scout Oath and Law. Being an Eagle Scout also means we have accepted the responisiblity to forever live by and support the Oath and Law and the morals and values of Scouting. I hope you'll take this into consideration on future reports of Scouting. Thank you for your time and your great radio programs. i listen to ya'll every morning on my way to work and every evening home and I agree that ya'll provide politically unbiased programs to help keep us informed. Thank You, Dear Mr. Leach, Thanks for writing, and for your kind works about KSTX and Texas Public Radio. Although the Associated Press Stylebook does not provide a definitive answer on this subject, I believe you are correct that an Eagle Scout should not be referred to as a "former Eagle Scout." I think one reason is that the Eagle Scout is also the only award from youth that an adult Scouter may carry over onto their adult uniform, too. Best Wishes, P.S. I was a Boy Scout myself, but never attained the rank of Eagle. I made it to Second Class, but Tuesday night Troop meetings conflicted with marching band rehearsal in high school, so I had to make a choice. That's life! Traffice Report Pronunciations Thursday, February 28, 2008 I heartily endorse the letter to TPR from Jim Daniell concerning the almost daily mis-pronunciation of San Antonio streets and other locations. I don't understand why, after such a long time for TPR using this service, those who give traffic reports still mis-pronounce so many names. You would think that after months and months of using this service, those delivering the reports could use the correct pronunciations. Another thing that disturbs, and frankly confuses me is the constant use of driving speeds used as part of the traffic information. Stevie Merritt Dear Mr. Merritt, I remember your email discussion with one of our former staff members from February of last year, and our subsequent dialogue. I felt that it was inappropriate to publish those letters online since they were sent directly to station personnel and not to the "letters@tpr.org" address. I will be happy to publish this letter online. Our traffic reporters are making every effort they can to ensure their reports are accurate, and that includes pronunciations. Please be sure to drop me a line when you hear something inaccurate. I always share those letters with the Traffic.com staff, and they are eager to receive feedback. I believe that average speed can also be an indicator of how long it takes one to get from point A to point B, and may be a more accurate measurement than travel time, which can vary wildly. That's probably why Traffic.com has been using "average speed" in their reports rather than travel time. However, I'll inquire about the possibility of including the latter statistic from time to time. Best Wishes,
Ad Stumbles Wednesday, February 27, 2008 Seriously, how hard is it to read advertisements over the radio? I just talked my sister out of advertising her business on your station to save her the grief of having your hosts butcher her name. Its embarrassing to listen to your hosts struggle with the majority of the ads they read every day. You don't need to respond to this email, I'm not looking for a fight...maybe just a little practice before you read anything on the radio. Dear Rida In fact I just had a discussion with our airstaff last week about the importance of pre-reading copy before going live with it on air. We regret mistakes, and strive not to make any. Sincerely, Traffic Reports Thursday, February 14, 2008 Is Mike Valdez annoying anyone else out there with his on air traffic reporting? Mike, I don’t know where you come from, but it is obviously not San Antonio. Please ask someone to tell you how to pronounce the names of streets you are not familiar with before you get on the air and make a fool of yourself again.
I wish I could remember others, but this is a spontaneous message. Someone else must have written in because I have not heard you use “slows” as a noun to describe slow traffic in quite a while. It’s not cute. I will be happy to start taking note of these mispronunciations and grammatical goofs.Over time, you may actually sound literate, if not local. No, I am not an English teacher. Jim Daniell StoryCorps Thursday, February 14, 2008 Sirs, I have loved the StoryCorps series on NPR. The content has varied wildly but all of the stories have fascinated me and I have looked forward to the series. By comparison, the first San Antonio program, broadcast today, was depressingly uninteresting and served only to emphasize an unfortunate quality gap between local and national radio. Please do not spoil the magic concept with further poor quality local interviews, even if they are cheap. Thank You Dear Mr.Goddard, I produced the StoryCorps San Antonio segment to which you refer. I felt that given the history in the segment, namely the founding of Spanish-language KCOR-AM and KCOR-TV was of interest to this area. I enjoyed hearing Mrs. Nicolas remember the artists that came through the stations for performances and interviews, and her remembrance of what those stations meant to the Hispanic community. This is our first crack at local production. I hope you'll enjoy future installments. Sincerely, Thanks Mr. Cone, I appreciate your time and will listen with interest to future episodes. Regards, Gerald Self Show on vibrato Wednesday, February 13, 2008 Thank God they haven't found a way to vibrate piano strings. My feeling is that vibrato was originally popularized as a cheap trick to overcome a tin ear. Down with vibrato! Travis Taylor Programming for Irish-American Heritage Month - TPR Monday, February 11, 2008 I see Texas Public Radio is doing a number of special programming and community events for Black History Month which is wonderful but I'd like to know what programming and community events you have scheduled for Irish-American Heritage Month in March. I enjoy TPR very much and hope you will be supporting the Irish-American community in Texas with special programming to help us celebrate this very important month. Please send me the programming so I can pass it on to the Texas Irish-American community - I'm sure they will be thrilled. Thanks! Dear Ms. Owens, Thank you for your interest! After receiving your email I searched NPR, PRI and American Public Media's website for Irish American programming, but found no special programs available. That doesn't mean you won't hear something uniquely Irish during the month of March on TPR. Each Sunday night at 8:00 KSTX 89.1 FM broadcasts an hour of Celtic music on Thistle & Shamrock. And there are many, many classical composers from Ireland, including Hamilton Harty, Charles Villiers Stanford, Turlough Carolan, and of course, the "Irish Mozart," John Field, whose piano nocturnes are among the first ever written. Do listen to KPAC 88.3 FM for those and many more composers throughout the month, but especially on St. Patrick's Day. And of course, let us not forget our own treasure of an on-air host on KPAC and KSTX, Deirdre Saravia, who is a native of Ireland. She'll be featuring special programming on her show World Music with Deirdre Saravia at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. Sincerely, Day to Day Monday February 11 Monday, February 11, 2008 Dear Friends, I was disappointed to hear the segment "Make me a Super Delegate" on Day to Day today. I listen to TPR/NPR for news, information, and select entertainment (American Routes, Sunday Night Sessions). I do not want to hear silly, uninformative nonsense like "Make me a Super Delegate". Please don't turn TPR/NPR into "Robin and Company". Robert Hurley Dear Mr. Hurley, The three-minute segment you heard was written by Brian Unger, a regular contributor of humorous pieces on NPR's Day to Day. I'm sorry it didn't meet your expectations this time. While commentary and humor has long been a part of what NPR does (think Baxter Black) and will continue to be so, I don't think you have to worry that KSTX/NPR is turning into Morning Express, especially since the other stories on today's Day to Day included a seven plus-minute report on prosecutors seeking the death penalty for Guantanamo detainees charged in the 9/11 attacks, civil war in Columbia, the deepening credit crunch in America, and an art heist in Switzerland. Sincerely, Who Was the Guy? Saturday, February 8, 2008 Greetings, I was listening to your station today (Sat., Feb. 9th), somewhere between 3 and 4, possibly This American Life, and heard a bit that I wanted to get more information on. The piece was derived from The Moth, an organization that collects spoken stories for broadcast, and the guy was talking about his entry into journalism at The Washington Post. It was absolutely hilarious, but I didn't catch the guy's name or the name of the piece, and even after checking themoth.org, I still couldn't figure out who it was. Can you help me? Thanks, Dear Jane, The fellow you heard was Malcolm Gladwell, who's written a number of books, and currently writes for the New Yorker. You can find his website at: www.gladwell.com Thanks for listening to This American Life on KSTX 89.1 FM! Best wishes,
Traffic Number to Call? Thursday, February 7, 2008 Hi There, Is there a number listeners can call to report a traffic incident? I was driving in today and encountered a major accident on the outer part of Loop 410 between Ingram and Bandera, but Mike Valdez made no mention of it when he came on 30 seconds after I passed it, though I know it had occurred earlier due to the PD/FD/EMS response on-scene. When I got into the office ten minutes later and checked your web site, your little “traffic bug” showed it. I know a lot of people southbound on Loop 410 would have appreciated the info and might have routed around it. But back to my original question, is there a phone number to call? Thanks, Mike R Dear Mr. Runnels, For all traffic inquiries, call Traffic.com at 877-965-9700 and ask for the San Antonio desk. Sincerely,
Fair Game Interruptions Saturday, January 30, 2008 Dear TPR, Why is it whenever there is any extra programming on your station it goes in place of Fair Game? There has never been a single moment of which I would need any more dry commentary on your channel. Some of us need a little comedy relief in our listening. It is getting ridiculous. Try interrupting something like The Travel Show. Who could possibly benefit from a purely visual program on the radio? Yours truly hesitating to open his wallet on your behalf, DC Dear Mr. Conn, I'm sorry you have seen a few more interruptions in your evening listening to "Fair Game" than you'd like as of late. However, the special programs from NPR covering the primary elections and the State of the Union address have all been live broadcasts, and we're therefore unable to time-shift them on the schedule. After next week's Super Tuesday coverage, you'll probably have fewer evening interruptions. Thanks so much for listening to KSTX, and I'm happy that you are enjoying "Fair Game." Sincerely,
Saturday on KPAC Wednesday, January 11, 2008 Can you please tell me the name of the beautiful opera I heard on Saturday January 26 at approximately 4:20 - to 4:30 p.m.? Thank you, Dear Cesar, I'm guessing you heard the tail end of Puccini's "La Boheme," broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York. I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's one of the best. Sincerely,
Today's Noon Programming on KSTX Friday, January 11, 2008 I didn't get to hear the entire program, but the portion I did hear was disturbing. TFN was being called to task for calling for an IRS invstigation into the political involvement of churches and various preachers in Texas. Your (TPR's) interviewer seemed to be far too ready to jump on the TFN spokesperson, who stayed calm, was well spokenand also was a good presenter for the TFN side of the issue. I am pretty appalled that your interviewer would say some of the things he said, and that he took such a stance opposing TFN and that he seemed to ignore some of the comments made by TFN. Wish I could have heard the entire program, but then I think I just might have become angrier at you if I had. Thanks for listening to ME! Stu Adamslundy Dear Ms. Adamslundy, Thanks for writing with your concern. I went back to listen to the entire interview, which lasted approximately seven minutes. I must say that I cannot hear at any time Mr. Davies taking sides or trying to "jump on" Texas Freedom Network spokesman Dan Quinn. At 8:42 into the show, Davies asks Mr. Quinn to clarify TFN's position: [DAVIES]: "You're saying that basically this religious organization, the Texas Restoration Project, were [sic] virtually an extension of Rick Perry's re-election campaign." Mr. Quinn then responds. Later, a careful listen to the interview reveals that Mr. Davies was quoting Governor Perry's office response to the TFN actions, rather than stating it as his own opinion. At 9.20 in the Texas Matters show: [DAVIES]: "The Governor's office has responded to this; they've said that this is simply a smoke screen to hide that fact that the Texas Freedom Network does not want people of faith involved in elections, and that you have a secular agenda… trying, you know, basically working for the other party." Mr. Quinn is then given an opportunity to respond. Mr. Davies then states that this Restoration Project model has had success in other states. Davies is not offering an opinion, he's simply allowing Quinn to comment on this, and how TFN views such projects. Finally, Davies asks what the process is now that TFN has asked the IRS to investigate the Texas Restoration Project. Please be assured, Mr. Adamslundy, that it is not our policy to take sides on an issue. I believe Mr. Davies conducted a fair interview and allowed Mr. Quinn to state TFN's position on this issue, while at the same time acknowledging Governor Perry's stance through the aforementioned press statement that he quoted. Thanks for listening to KSTX, and please don't hesitate to write anytime. Sincerely, Dear Mr. Cone, Thanks for responding. As I said a couple of times in my note, I didn't hear the entire program, but my perception from what I did hear wasn't good. Just thought you would want to know what people are thinking. Frequently we do not have the option of enjoying the "driveway" moments, and we miss a good portion of your programming because of other responsibilities. But you know that.... I do appreciate your response and that you took the time to listen to the program to re-evaluate it.I think KSTX is the only station my car radio picks up anymore since I have listened for so long when I am in the SA area. You do a great job! Sincerely,
Name This Piece? Tuesday, January 01, 2008 I was listening Tuesday (Jan 1st) on my way to the grocery store, and enjoyed a LOVELY clarinet solo about 3:30 in the afternoon. GORGEOUS! Can you tell me what the music was and who performed it? I checked the webpage; I assume it played after Borodin's Symphony No. 2. Thank you! Kathy Taylor Dear Ms. Taylor, The concerto you heard was Carl Maria Von Weber's Clarinet Concerto #2, performed by the Staatskapelle Dresden, directed by Herbert Blomstedt and featuring soloist Sabine Meyer. Of all the concertos written for the clarinet, Weber's are my favorites. They're all so lively, and the clarinet just sings throughout! Here's a link to Amazon for more information about the piece you heard. WEBER: Clarinet Concertos/Sabine Meyer Thanks very much for listening! Nathan Cone A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Monday, December 24, 2007 We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoy the broadcast of A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. We look forward to your live broadcast every year. Long may it continue. Wilma & John Heberling Disgusted at Texas Matters! Friday, December 07, 2007 I am very disappointed in the Texas Matters segment for November 30th. I hesitated sending in an immediate comment until the next week’s segment came on. I expected Davies and Benavides to air other sides of the immigrant issue, perhaps one that would not refer to the immigrants as “illegals,” and give less hateful comments. When this did not air, I must admit that I am totally disgusted at the Texas Matters program and your station for not reviewing the content of this program. I particularly take issue at the comment made, that even if the immigrants become legalized, they are still a burden on our community. I’ve copied NPR to express my disgust at the “news” comments on this national issue at Texas Public Radio. In researching to check to see if I was a being oversensitive, I found this NPR statement on “Diversity”: National Public Radio will serve the individual; it will promote personal growth rather than corporate gains; it will regard the individual differences among men with respect and joy rather than derision and hate; it will celebrate the human experience as infinitely varied rather than vacuous and banal; it will encourage a sense of active, constructive participation, rather than apathetic helplessness." I realize that you are not NPR, but TPR is the only public news station in the San Antonio area, and it’s sad that the individuals involved in the immigration issue are represented as “vacuous and banal.” Perhaps Davies needs to take a good look at the NPR Journalist Code of Ethics. [Name withheld at request of author] Dear Listener, I went back and listened to the entire six-minute interview Mr. Davies did with Steven Camarota, research director for the Washington-based Center for Immigration Studies. You seem to imply Mr. Davies used the term "illegals," but the opposite is the case. Mr. Camarota uses that term, and Mr. Davies stops the interview at one point and asks Mr. Camarota about his continued use of that term, and how some view it as offensive. (that's about 5 minutes into the show) Mr. Davies also asks Mr. Camarota about whether his study takes a "one-eyed" look at immigrants in Texas. Mr. Davies *does* ask Mr. Camarota to about how much illegal immigrants give back to the state in the form of taxes. Mr. Camarota explains that his data indicates that immigrants do pay various taxes, but that their fiscal costs are more than they give back. Obviously Mr. Camarota is a numbers man, looking at the statistics. He is not a humanitarian. We have covered the immigration issue often on KSTX, giving voice to multiple viewpoints, and will continue to do so. I encourage you to browse the Texas Public Radio newsroom online to hear more of our coverage. Sincerely, Nathan Cone New Orleans Music Show Tuesday, December 04, 2007 There was a broadcast this past Sunday evening featuring New Orleans music that I enjoyed listening to. Will this show be re-broadcast, is there any information on this show, and where can i find it? Thanks! Dear Mr. Johnson, The Ultimate Doo Wop Show? Wednesday, November 28, 2007 I am a member of Texas Public Radio, and I heard about "The Ultimate Doo Wop Show" on KSTX, but I was in the car, so I couldn’t write down the information on how TPR members can get tickets. I have searched all over your website, but I can’t locate the information. Please advise. Thank you, Dear Ms. Kennedy, Christmas Music Search Saturday, November 24, 2007 I am a long time KSTX listener. Somewhere in 1998-2002 time frame (on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day) KSTX was off the air for normal programming and all that was playing was Christmas and holiday music. One of the musical selections that you played was a very long blues gospel type rendition of the Christmas story featuring black artists. I was unable to catch the title of the CD or album but it was one of the coolest Christmas pieces that I¢ve ever heard and I would really like to find who the artist was. Over the years, I have gone to several music stores without any luck. Does anything in your music portfolio sound familiar? Please let me know if something rings a bell. Thank you. Clay Roby Dear Mr. Roby, Diane Rehm Guest, Peter Heller and The Whale Warriors Tuesday, November 13, 2007 I just cannot tell you how shocked and dismayed I was with this particular program. I could not get on the air by telephone to register my intense disgust. I am an environmentalist by academic training and profession. I have worked internationally to protect public health and the interests of the United States. I am appalled, disgusted and disappointed that NPR, TPR and Diane Rehm gave voice to someone who advocates eco-terrorism, attempted murder and suicide as perfectly rational acts in the defense of their beliefs. The only caller/emailer to state that Mr. [Paul] Watson is a terrorist was essentially laughed off the air (dismissed might be politer) as someone who simply didn't understand the high moral ground taken by the Whale Warriors. Now this was totally baloney. Ships charging each other at flank speed in open ocean may seem romantic to Mr. Heller, but it is an insane act that directly endangers lives of people whose only "crime" is to pursue a job. To rhapsodize about the courage of the crew, "everyone on board was willing to die," in confronting Japanese whalers then state (I cannot quote directly) that Watson has some sort of blessing because he says he hasn't killed anyone is simply idiotic. Fnaticism is extremely dangerous. Ms. Rehm is usually very attentive to how fanaticism is presented. She would hardly be one to assent to the glorification of religious zealots who kill or attempt to kill in order to further their aims. Why the exception to this? Even scarier was that only one dissenting voice was heard on the air. Was that mariner the only dissenter? If so, thats even scarier. In some ways the point of NPR is to get people's juices going. Well you succeeded this time. However, I remain shocked that Ms. Rehm had a show where she, herself, could be perceived as advocating terrorism. Garry C. Zettersten Dear Mr. Zettersten, I went back to listen to nearly the entire hour of the Diane Rehm show you cite, and mostly, I don't disagree with you. I think that Ms. Rehm's conversation with Mr. Heller was interesting because Mr. Heller described how he was assigned to the Whale Warriors' vessel as a journalist of sorts, but as Mr. Heller described, he came to have a passion for the cause of those on board. But you are correct in your assessment that there was not enough attention in the discussion of the danger that Mr. Watson placed his crew in, and the potential harm that could come to persons on other boats that the Whale Warriors might encounter. Late in the conversation that hour, Mr. Hiller describes how the Dalai Lama once said (to Mr. Watson, I think), that sometimes to enact change, you should never harming others, but occasionally you need to "scare the hell out of them" a little. Maybe that's true, but it seems to me that ramming a boat could cause great harm to others, even in the service of an apparently noble cause. The first caller that appeared on the show spoke up about how it might be more useful to employ other methods to enact change, but after listening to Mr. Hiller's answer, I though he wasn't so much giving her the brush-off as that he didn't hear or didn't understand the question or comment. I'm going to forward your email to the Diane Rehm show and to NPR's new Ombudsman, Alicia Shepard. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Thank you for responding. I am pleased that you found my email worthy of attention. The person who I thought got blown off was the mariner who sent an email which was quoted by Ms. Rhem with about 15 minutes left in the program. I am enough of a historian to feel that fanaticism has an impact on events. I am also enough of a historian to believe that fanaticism leads to terrible tragedy. John Brown may have had an effect on civil rights. But was any positive value worth the razing of Potawatomie? How about the Atlanta Olympics bombing? Anti-WTO demonstrations? Europe's 30 Years War? Northern Ireland? Pol Pot? You name it. Mr. Heller readily stated that he loves adventure and I have to admit, the Whale Warriors are a terrific story. So is Bin Laden. So was Pancho Villa. Mr. Heller spoke of ethics. Where are the ethical judgments about attempted murder on the high seas? I cannot believe that the Dalai Lama would actively endorse activities that will inevitably lead to murder-suicide. I still can't get over the whole show. I have thought about it several times today and I normally get over an indignant reaction quite quickly. I felt that both Ms. Rehm and Mr. Heller openly used the term "vigilante" as though it is a neutral term that denotes sensible people doing sensible things. I really thought the show was just nuts. Garry C. Zettersten Fair Game Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Dear TPR: I've disliked "Fair Game" from the start but have tried to give it a chance by listening to it on a regular basis. The show is annoying. Faith Salie is annoying. She laughs like she thinks she is ever so cute. Her speech has unfortunate nuances of Vally Girl in it. The music they have borders on being real terrible. The "musicians" can generally neither sing nor play. Please put "Fresh Air" back in the 9:00 pm slot. Obviously you have put "Fair Game" on for the young set, and it would be so much more convenient for them if "Fair Game" was on at 10:00 pm instead of 9:00 pm. Sincerely, Margaret Hager Fan Letter Monday, November 12, 2007 I am an ardent fan of TPR/NPR and the terrific programming we have here locally... and yes, I am a contributor... Just want to comment about the two most recent traffic reporters... Mike Valdez and John Kay(?) Their presentations are soooo much easier to follow... thanks! I often wonder where these traffic folks go. when they fade off the air into oblivion... I assume this position is for experience and they move on to something wonderful... sure hope so! Enjoyed Your 25th Anniversary History Pgm! Wednesday, November 07, 2007 Howdy Folks: It was really great to hear the story of KPAC, KSTX, and Texas Public Radio. Thanks to the bunch of dedicated people who made this happen! I have been a listener after I moved back to my hometown Hallettsville in 1999. My listening experience has been constrained by the vagaries of fringe-area reception, but I keep switching it on (yes, I listen while doing other things!). Your signal comes in pretty strong during the evening and early morning hours. It gets a bit spotty during the daytime. I use a rotatable 5-element yagi for the FM band, with a mast-mounted booster. Yes, your 24-hour classical format is outstandingly different from what I have heard in other cities. I don't know if it's unique -- WETA in Washington has recently switched from mostly talk to all classical. But I don't know if it's 24/7 -- had to hit the sack. I've spent a lot of happy hours with WQXR (its format now includes lots of talk) and WFLN (now deceased). And I remember the utter shock when I turned on KNCN (think that was the call sign) of New York and was blasted out by hard rock -- the long-fought battle of format change was suddenly lost, in spite of user support. I spent 5 years in London and enjoyed the BBC. Radio 3 had a varied format, mostly classical (lots of it live broadcasts, I still have a big tape library), but interspersed with lots of talk -- mostly of literary content. Pardon my rambling, just wanted to let you know my listening experience over the last 50 years confirms the justifiable pride y'all have in KPAC. That's really an accomplishment to have an all-classical format station broadcasting without big format changes for 25 years! Your music library is extensive and diverse, and I think the announcers really know their stuff, including pronunciation! We keep listening, to KSTX and NPR (and Dianne Rehm) for breakfast and to KPAC when at the computer and doing office work. We hope y'all can keep it coming! Bob Zumwalt Teacher Tools Thursday, November 01, 2007 Wow! I heard about the Teacher Tool section of your website and had to check it out as I have been a high school teacher for 25 years. What an awesome "site" it was! One problem. I teach Visual Art. Can you help us elective teachers out also? Barbie Todd More information please... Tuesday, October 30, 2007 In the past several days a program aired an interview with author Heidi Kraft (sic) about her book titled, "Lesson Number 2; Things I Learned in a Combat Hospital." I thought the program was Fresh Air but I am having no luck researching through your web site, either by program, author or book title. Now I am wondering if I have any of it correct! Dear Sable, If you'd like to hear the program again, here is a direct link to the audio of the broadcast. The link above will take you to an Amazon.com page for more information about Ms. Kraft's book. Thanks for listening, and thank you for your support of Texas Public Radio! Sincerely, Dear Nathan Cone; Programming from October 26, 2007 Saturday, October 27, 2007 Hello....I was very recently introduced to your radio station by my 14 year old son, who found your station and now loves to listen while he's doing his homework. I was on the road (your station is now the only one I listen to when I'm driving....so soothing), here in San Antonio, running errands and heard a piece your station played yesterday, October 26th, around 2:30 or 2:40 in the afternoon. It was a piece used in the movie "Christmas Story". I had never heard it in it's entirety, as it is only played in bits & pieces throughout the movie. I love it and would like to know the name of the piece and who performs it. If you have any information, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you. Dear Susan, Texas Matters Friday, October 26, 2007 When I first started hearing Texas Matters, I considered it an annoying diversion from regular NPR programing. But, now I think it is a very valuable news source concerning local matters. I am not aware of any other local news outlet that provides this valuable service. For example, recently I had been looking for information on the Texas amendments election. Then today, Texas Matters provided the information I was seeking, which in turn motivated me to go vote. Obviously I believe that this program is an essential, valuable service. I think David Martin Davies is doing a great job. David Sedaris Tuesday, October 23, 2007 David Sedaris' performance last night at the Majestic Theatre... Leaving the Area Wednesday, October 17, 2007 One of the sad things about leaving San Antonio is our strong attachment to TPR since its inception. Taos, NM may be an art capital, but its way behind in music and the programs of public radio. We wish you continued success in your endeavors in providing really fine classic broadcasting. Sincerely, Membership Drive Tuesday, October 16, 2007 This is just a suggestion. I think that you would get more membership support if you would let your listeners know that they could contribute any amount that they can afford. You would not have to give anything to the listener that only donates a small amount. Sixty dollars is a lot of money to some people. Making people feel guilty for listening when they are not a member might turn them away completely. Thank-You, Dear Ms. Killingsworth, It is certainly not our intention to make anyone feel guilty for not becoming a member, and if that's the impression you're getting, I apologize. Certainly, I've tried to convey the message to our on-air staff that guilt is an ineffective method for converting listeners into members. Several of our scripts do mention that every dollar counts -- and that's true. We also have student and senior levels of membership at $40 that perhaps are not mentioned as often as they should be. Thanks for your letter. It certainly reminds us that we need to be careful to always recognize that the money sent to TPR is hard-earned by the giver. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Dear Mr. Cone, Thank you for your quick response. I don't know if you said anything to anyone, however, I noticed a big difference today in regards to the membership drive. Because they mentioned that you could actually spread out the donation, I was able to become a member. Sincerely Yours, Traffic Report Thursday, September 27, 2007 Thank you for making changes in your local traffic reports. They are much more understandable and helpful. Frank L. Seaman Green Transportation Program and Reception Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Thank you for hosting the program last evening at The Blue Star. Cheryl, Traffic reports, yes, they're helpful but... Wednesday, September 26, 2007 ... here in San Antonio we drive on Loop 410 West and Loop 1604 South, not the 410 loop or the 1604 loop. At least we're not yet hearing about the 35-I or the 281-US. TPR is my constant travelling companion so I tend toward out-of-sorts because of this cockeyed world. I much prefer to be happy with my public radio station. Anne Little New Traffic Reports Monday, September 17, 2007 I see approving letters regarding the new traffic reports, but I disagree with them on a couple of points - referring to streets and highway exits by number rather than by name is not informative to most San Antonio residents. Also I heard the intersection of I-10 and Hildebrand referred to as the 'west side' - by this standard Terrell Hills is the east side - what would you
call the areas of town traditionally called east and west? Also, sometimes traffic flow directions are noted, but others times not. On a personally frustrating note, the other day in rush hour it took 45 minutes to travel three miles across 410 eastbound from about Vance Jackson to McCullough - sat there through three traffic reports without one mention of my particular 'slow'. Thanks for New Traffic Report Monday, September 17, 2007 As a member of TPR, KSTX, I'm very happy with the new traffic reports that are now part of TPR. My morning commute is on N. Loop 1604 between Live Oak area and I-10W. Your previous traffic reporting service was appreciated but not always helpful in my neck of the woods. I would often be sitting in bumper to bumper traffic and never hear my area mentioned. Now with the new service I have avoided many accidents and congested areas. Last spring I filled out the online evaluation of TPR and this was one of my recommendations for possible improvement. Thanks for listening! Sincerely, Lack of Vocal Music Friday, September 14, 2007 I have been a member since before KPAC went on the air which was a time of my life when I could not financially afford to be a member but I could not spiritually afford to not be a member. Thru the years I, and many friends who are also professional singers, have asked, begged, pleaded, cajoled, requested, and remonstrated trying to get MY station to play more than the small pittance of solo vocal music that we get to occasionally hear. Thru the years, we singers have had to endure listening to what we refer to as 'music minus one'. That is how we think of the opera arias you play but with an instrument playing what was written as an aria. That is injury enough to a singing musician's sensibilities. But today (Friday, 9/14/2007) it got worse! At a few minutes before 4 PM two pieces of music which had been composed as glorious opera arias were played with an orchestra instrument playing the part intended for a singer and afterward we were informed that we had just heard opera "incidental music!". Shame on you for the lopsided programming and shame on the announcer for his ignorance on the subject. I suggest that his lack of knowledge in the area is at least partly due to the fact that he (and the other announcers) have so little opportunity to sharpen their knowledge in the area of solo vocal music. Please know that not even this wound to my sensibilities will make me change from the stations of TPR. I have traveled enough to know just how fortunate we in San Antonio are to have two fine stations such as KPAC and KSTX. Just please throw us a bone a bit more often! If you are fearful that you might be too high-brow for those of your listening audience who tend toward easy listening, my wife, Deborah Bussineau-King is voice professor at The University of the Incarnate Word and she assures me that she would be more than happy to provide you with a list of at least fifty vocal music titles that would be enjoyed by even the least classical of your listeners Thank you sincerely, Sydney King P.S. I visited B.J. McClain when she was having to read commercials between classical music pieces late in the evening from studios in North Star Mall. Dear Mr. King, When I first became Music Director I increased vocal music in KPAC’s programming, along with other “forbidden” instruments the harpsichord and organ. This was back in March 2005. About this time last year we had a choice of sticking with our old music database or moving up to an automated system. We chose the latter and for the last 10 months I have been coming up with ways of trying to rein in the “randomness” of a computer programming music. Not even an Opera lover wants their clock radio to come on in the morning with the Mad Scene from Lucia di Lammermoor! Now that the program knows where we don’t want bombastic music, I am working in the other direction to achieve a balance we can all enjoy. Getting Haydn’s symphonies under control took some time and thinking and adding more vocal music is a similar challenge. I think you will find October’s programming more to your liking and further “tweaking” of Music Master will provide a good mix of vocal music at the appropriate times. I have too many friends that are singers and love Opera to let the current situation remain. Thank you for your thoughts, long term support and your patience. Sincerely, Randy Anderson Mega Developers Wednesday, September 12, 2007 Thank you for the great article about mega-developers. The developer expressed as if it is our responsibility to destroy all of our natural resources. How can building a city in the middle of a region that is critical habitat for 11 endangered species that also provides approximately 7% of all the recharge water in the Edwards Aquifer be responsible? John Hernandez Music Selections Wednesday, September 12, 2007 It is 1:45 am and I had hoped to go to sleep with some nice music. That contemporary "stuff" you're playing right now is awful. If anyone says they like it then I'd be inclined to say that either they're lying because they think they should like it or else they're on drugs. It's been my understanding that this was to be a classical station. You really disappoint me when you play such selections as you're now doing. Please, let's have truly classic music. Dear Ms. Fishburn, Thanks for writing to us. I'm sorry to hear you were disturbed by our music selections early this morning. I believe you were hearing Bela Bartok's "Sonata for Two Pianos & Percussion." There are many composers whose works fall under the definition of "classical music" (not to be confused with the "Classical" period of music), and Bartok is one of them. Traditionally, late nights are the time when classical stations have the opportunity to stretch the boundaries a bit. We do not aspire to be a station that provides music to sleep by, either. On the contrary, we'd like people to be actively listening to KPAC overnight. But late nights also mean there are fewer people listening than during the day, and we can take a few more chances by playing some more modern works. By offering an intelligent presentation, we will hopefully grant the listener some insight into these challenging works. Sincerely, I do thank you for your kind reply to my less than kind note. I didn't mean to imply that I expected the music to 'put me to sleep' but rather was hoping for music that would be soothing while I was decompressing after a stressful day. I do realize that you can't be all things to all people so I'll keep my CD player handy the next time you play Bartok. :-)))) Peggy Fishburn On - Computer Listener Sunday, September 02, 2007 Although only 60 miles south of San Antonio, I am unable to get radio reception for KSTX. The ONLY way I can listen is via my computer. Why do some shows refuse to be broadcast via the computer? Since I don't have the option of listening on the radio, it means I don't hear those shows at all. K. Chapman PS I am a paying member of KSTX. Dear Ms. Chapman, I'm sorry you are not able to currently hear the entire KSTX broadcast schedule online. Due to a decision earlier this year by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB), KSTX is not streaming programming that features pre-recorded music prominently. Here's the background: on March 2 the CRB released a decision that would dramatically increase the royalties payments owed to rights holders to stream sound recordings of music offered on the internet. This includes public radio websites. The decision by the CRB affects all public radio stations because it has the potential to make streaming music over the internet extremely costly, even for public radio stations. The decision also requires complicated record-keeping that will place a huge burded on stations. No distinction between commercial and public radio is being made in this decision, despite public radio's mission of bringing culturally enriching programming to the public. NPR and other webcasters are currently negotiationg with the CRB and SoundExchange (SX) to make these fees and procedures more manageable for public radio stations and webcasters. In the past few weeks representatives from CRB and NPR (the negotiating team) have met with SX twice. These meetings have been constructive, but there is still much to be done. We hope a resolution will be reached soon. Until that time, we will err on the side of caution and not stream music-based programs through TPR.ORG. If you would like to follow this issue more closely, you may visit these
websites: Thanks for your support of Texas Public Radio! Best wishes, Nathan Cone Terrific Traffic Thursday, August 30, 2007 The new, improved traffic is great. Don't change a thing about it. Clear, in-depth, the direction the traffic is flowing. I now have another reason to stay with you on my 25 minute ride to work. Traffic News Monday, August 27, 2007 Thank you. What a delight this morning to listen to San Antonio traffic news that one could actually understand. We have been so frustrated with Ms. Betty Davis broadcasting the traffic news in a bizarre gabble that surely few could comprehend. She wasted time announcing herself (so that her name was heard twice for each bulletin) and identified her sponsors at length; however the meat of the traffic content was a shambles. We have lived elsewhere and never before heard such poor quality rubbish. The active roadworks currently in around the city make the content of this news item more important at present. The approach today was a breath of fresh air and....normal! We hope that the change is permanent. Yours sincerely, Karl Haas recordings Monday, August 20, 2007 Dear Sir/Madam: Dear Mara, WW2 San Antonio GIs Sunday, August 12, 2007 To whom it may concern... The story is that when the call came to go, the unit dropped whatever they were doing, picked up their equipment, and left... Interstitial Music Thursday, July 26, 2007 To Whom It May Concern, I don't know whom I should be thanking but I just want to say that I've been loving the bits of My Bloody Valentine that keep popping up during the evening broadcast whenever there's a pause for station identification or local announcements. The same goes for the early morning broadcast last week when bits of the Marie Antoinette soundtrack showed up during segment pauses and local announcements. Just one more reason why I love KSTX. Sincerely, Memory program yesterday?? Friday, July 27, 2007 I was driving yesterday at around 7:30 p.m. and heard a part of an interesting program on memory. I was wondering if you could send me a link for that or let me know which program that was so that was so that I can find it online. Thanks!! Dear Erin, Lost Reporter Thursday, July 26, 2007 This note is in response to part of yesterday's program [Day to Day] that featured a reporter [Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell] who decided against joining the Catholic church. I love your station, but ... Tuesday, July 24, 2007 ... Please stop referring to "advance reservations" -- usually in the plugs for your movie screenings. Good point. And it saves me two syllables in my script.
I'll make that change in the Cinema Tuesdays promos. Traffic Music Friday, July 20, 2007 While we are enthusiastic listeners to TPR in the morning, we can often not understand the traffic report because of a music overlay. Please quit the background music while the traffic report is on. Thanx. Dear Ms. Sheehy, "The Gates of The Alamo" Music Thursday, June 14, 2007 I have been listening to the broadcast of "The Gates of the Alamo" and I was wondering what the music played at the beginning of the broadcast is. I really like it. I looked at your web page about the broadcast of the book, but you do not mention the music. I love this station! Thanks, Lashelle Wilson Dear Ms. Wilson, I apologize for the very, very long delay in getting this answer back to you. Your email got lost on my computer, and I recently found it again. Dave Davies, producer of the series, writes: "I'm glad people liked that music. It took me a long time to find the right tune for this project. The music was the 'Alamo theme' from the John Wayne movie performed by the 50 Guitars of Tommy Garrett. It's from his album 'Six Flags over Texas.'" The song is available through Amazon as an mp3 download. Here is a link for more information. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Book reading Wednesday, June 13, 2007 I love your selections and I loved hearing John Philip Santos. However, since I live in Kerrville, the reception is iffy at home though good in my car. So I hear only some of the reading. Is it available on CD or DVD or tape or something I can hear on a more convenient schedule at home and thereby save mileage and gasoline????? Thanks. Mary L. Malakoff, devoted listener. Dear Ms. Malakoff, "1 Book 1 San Antonio" podcast Thursday, May 31, 2007 Just wondering, any plans to podcast the "1 Book 1 San Antonio" summer book like you did last year? I really hope so, I was great hearing the author read his own book. I was able to pause and come back to it when it was convenient for me and even rehear the good parts! Dear Ms. Grove, Report from Ft. Carson aired on 24 May 07 Friday, May 25, 2007 I listened with great interest to your report on continuing issues surrounding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how the Army is facing this continuing problem at Ft. Carson. I found the human interest side of the story to be nothing short of tragic. This problem is not new, of course. A great-uncle of mine sufferred PTSD from service in the trenches of WWI. They called it "shell shock" then. This phenomenon was known in WWII. My father supported the family of a PTSD victimized soldier for years following that war. The cost of combat is horrible and, perhaps, underappreciated by the public at large. Sometimes it is underappreciated by the people who fight those wars (see: Patton, LTG, Sicily, Soldier, slapped). My ClassiCard Wednesday, May 23, 2007 How do I know which places will give me a discount and I also need to know about my other benefits??? Can you help? Mosh R. Farokhi DDS, MPH, FAGD Dear Dr. Farokhi, Is it still possible to take the listener survey? Tuesday, May 08, 2007 I hope I haven't procrastinated too long to take the survey. Please let me know if and where it's possible to do that. I especially love the BBC news every night (wish I could hear it on weekends at the same time). Also couldn't do without All Things Considered, Morning Edition, This American Life, Car Talk, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, Garrison Keillor, Talk of the Nation, Terry Gross, Afropop, and so many other programs. Katharine Cartwright, Ph.D. Pledge Drive Monday, May 07, 2007 I had been a member of TPR until last year. I was a member because I found the programs and news infomative, engaging, and at times moving. I was happy to contribute financially for those reasons. However, I ha to cancel my membership because of being frustrated by the sheer volume of solicitations during the pledge drive. I found it tantamount to pandering. Scott Peters Dear Mr. Peters, Listener Concern Tuesday, April 24, 2007 Dear Sir or Madam, About the survey-extra notes Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Took the survey. No place to tell you that among the most valuable features to me- never mind thank you gifts- are the community calendar and the website. And dear Joe G's "Thank you for your support" Ellen Tisdale Book Reviews Tuesday, April 17, 2007 I am a member and regular listener of KSTX. I especially like the first hour of the DR show from 9 to 10 AM weekdays. My second favorite show is THE WORLD in the afternoon. My least favorite is the Click and Clack brothers phony laughathon. Also, I am saturated with the number of interviews with authors touting their latest creation. Surely there is something that would be of more interest to a larger audience than hearing the cliff note version of a book that would have, at best, a very narrow audience appeal. Overall I am a big fan of NPR but it would sure be good if you would 'ban the books' and 'click off the clackets.' Eugene New Dear Mr. New, Thanks for writing, and especially for being a member of KSTX. I'm glad you enjoy the Diane Rehm Show. I believe many people in San Antonio share your admiration for this program, as hardly a day goes by that I don't hear a San Antonio caller on the show. I understand that interviews with authors, or book discussions, are not to everyone's liking, but I believe author interviews nevertheless provide a unique insight into the creative process, and a monthly readers' discussion (as on the Diane Rehm Show) can deepen our understanding of literature. As for Car Talk... what can I say? To some, Click and Clack are loads of fun. To others... not so much. Best wishes, Nathan Cone Thank You Tuesday, April 17, 2007 This afternoon I was listening to TPR at 2 p.m. when the Community Affairs Calendar was aired. It was very refreshing to hear the announcer correctly pronounce words in Spanish. I do hope she continues to be the voice of the community affairs calendar especially as, here in San Antonio, so many of the events have words in Spanish in their titles. Great job and I hope this continues!! A TPR member, Texas City Explosion Monday, April 16, 2007 Thank you for your coverage of the 60th anniversary of the Texas City explosion. My mother was a 16-year-old high school student in Texas City at the time of the explosion and I grew up hearing her stories of that terrible day and the months taht followed. I am always surprised how few people my age and younger have never heard about this event. My mother died two years ago, but I am grateful she recounted her memmories of this event to me. Musica Antiqua on-line? Sunday, April 15, 2007 I love your programming, but often, I am unable to listen at the given time that Musica Antiqua airs, a show which I really love. Is there a way to listen to previous shows online? I've noticed that Pipe Dreams has a link whereby past shows are available to listeners. Thanks, Irene Van Winkle Dear Irene, I wish we could offer Musica Antiqua and our other music programs online or as a download, but unfortunately, music rights issues prevent us from doing so. In fact, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) on March 2 released a decision that will dramatically increase the royalties payments owed to rights holders to stream sound recordings of music offered on the internet. This includes public radio websites. Responding to requests from several parties (including NPR), the Board granted a rehearing on the issue earlier this month. The decision by the CRB affects all public radio stations because it has the potential to make streaming music over the internet extremely costly, even for public radio stations. The decision also requires complicated record-keeping that will place a huge burded on stations. No distinction between commercial and public radio is being made in this decision, despite public radio's mission of bringing culturally enriching programming to the public. If you would like to follow this issue more closely, here are some websites that may provide more information: Letter to morning programming director(s) Tuesday, April 03, 2007 Dear Sirs and/or Mesdames: I congratulate you on your choice of Mr. Jim Leonard for anchoring the week-day morning prime listening hours! Kudos! I greatly enjoy his sprightly, pleasant manner of hosting the national morning programmes. Since he has replaced the previous host, I have enjoyed TPR in the mornings much more immensely. Mr. Leonard, in my opinion, has a vocal presence that is infinitely more compatible with the national hosts, Steve Innskeep and Renee Montagne, making the morning programming on TPR a more seemless, cohesive, and thereby, a more pleasurable presentation. Three cheers for Mr. Leonard! I submit my request for the management to consider repositioning the evening's re-broadcast of the perennially excellent programme, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, back to the 9:00 p.m. time slot. I make this request in order that I may also fully enjoy the new programme, Fair Game, which, as it turns out, has become a great good fortunate spot of comic relief for me before delving into the grave, serious matters brilliantly brought forth by the BBC. And please, however you may dare to defy us, the fastidious, exacting lot of listeners we all out here are, please, do not change Saturday's and Sunday's programming again! Unless of course, it is to squeeze in a few sprinklings of good old My Word broadcasts like you used to do ten years back. What a dream come true that'd be! Best seasonal wishes to the entire of the beloved at TPR! Matt Benecke Commentary: Fund the Troops? Friday, March 30, 2007 The phrase, "fund the troops," has worked its way into nearly every discussion, news story, and debate over the $122 billion spending bill to fund the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, but I don't have an idea of what it means. Am I supposed to think that "failure to fund the troops" means that the troops will not be paid? Will they not be given food or bullets, medical care or a place to sleep? I don't think so. What I do think is that "failure to fund the troops" is a very clever phrase inserted into the national debate over the war by the Current Occupant and his five star propaganda team. It implies that if we don't continue to shovel unprecedented amounts of United States Dollars to the Occupant's friends via the combat in the Iraq and Afghanistan, we will somehow be hurting the troops. In place of "fund the troops," let's call it what the spending bill really is; "funding the war." It is especially important for media to stop borrowing the phrase "fund the troops." If anyone really cared to fund the troops in a way which would do the troops some good, they would buy each of them a one-way air ticket home. I'd even be willing to make those tickets first class. Let's call the phrase "fund the troops" what it really is, a cheap attempt to use the dying and suffering of our nation's young men and women as the reason they need to keep on dying and suffering. Dave Stokes Texas Public Radio, Thank you for your support, events for contributors Friday, March 30, 2007 Would the newsletter tell of upcoming events which are open to members? When is the next event? Thank you. Dear Barb, Coming up for Texas Public Radio, we'll be broadcasting live from the Fiesta Pooch Parade on April 28, in May our annual Business Members gathering is scheduled to take place, and we'll be helping to kick off the "1 Book 1 City" project in early June with an event featuring The Gates of the Alamo author Stephen Harrigan. Our next family "Hands On" event is also tentatively scheduled for June. So be sure and sign up for our e-newsletter, Keynotes, and keep looking to tpr.org for the scoop on upcoming events! Thanks for your interest, and thank you for your support! Sincerely, Fair Game? Thursday, March 29, 2007 I am a long time Public Radio listener and supporter. The Fair Game program is unlistenable. Faith Sailie is annoying as she giggles her way through each broadcast and appears to be a Tina Fey wannabe. The cast’s snarky comments seem forced and the attempts at humor largely fall flat. As a 50 year old military officer I’ll concede I am not the demographic you are going after with Fair Game, but I’m a Howard Stern listener too so think I’m pretty tolerant. This show is a failed experiment. If you are committed to keeping it change it’s time slot to later in the evening and let the insomniacs suffer. Tom Duquette Save Fair Game Thursday, March 15, 2007 My name is Meg Cullip and I am a college freshman at UTSA. I am writing in regards to "Fair Game," this new brilliant and hilarious program. Please keep this program on the air, it is one of the only resources available to people who like witty humor and suave pop-culture... all right so what if that sounds a little pompous, "Selected Shorts" anyone? Thank you, Fair Game Wednesday, March 14, 2007 It is certainly a breath of fresh air to hear a show that targets the 25-39 age group. To confess, we love almost everything on TPR, but this show is truly unique and a perfect change-of-pace program in the evening hours. By 11 PM, we're ready for the BBC, but please keep "Fair Game" on the air for a long time to come and let's give it some time to find its footing. Even NBC's "Seinfeld" wasn't that funny until seasons 2 and 3. -Kirsten and Jacob Burkholder Fair Game Comment Monday, March 12, 2007 This program "Fair Game" with Faith Saile... Just what is this supposed to be? The anchor is flippant, arrogant, shallow and with such a misplaced sense of humor so as to the be most irritating nonsense you have ever aired. I understand trying to expand your demographics... But with this ...I can not classify this program... It is not news; not informative; not funny; not entertaining... Just what is this worthless drivel with which you have interrupted your programming... I am now listening to a bit on making a Dennis Kucinich voodoo doll in order to make him more popular!!! Before this, the staff actually called a City Councilwoman, accusing her of setting up a nuclear weapons lab in her town in Florida in order to cover the story of a pound of "yellow cake" uranium found in a local pawn shop!!! PLEASE STOP This Waste of my Public Radio Dollars... Regards, Lost to XM Monday, March 05, 2007 After all these years I have had to give up on KPAC because of your move in direction to so much more vocal and opera. I have really appreciated your presence and service but do not enjoy the move you have made. I realize you have to go with who your support comes from and my support votes no to the new move. Thank you, Dear Mr. Morris, Be assured that at KPAC we are striving to present a broad range of music that inspires, entertains, and enlightens the listener. Some of the most treasured pieces of music in our library feature the human voice, whether it is Thomas Tallis' "Spem In Alium," Puccini's "Nessun Dorma," or Dawn Upshaw waxing nostalgic with James Agee's words in Barber's "Knoxville: Summer of 1915." Vocal music on KPAC takes up a smallish percentage of the average broacast day, and while vocal music may not be to everyone's taste, we do try to present vocal music that is listenable and tuneful. I do hope you will continue to listen to KPAC from time to time, and that you will eventually reconsider support for your local source for the classics. Fair Game Saturday, March 03, 2007 I just read some of the letters you have received about Fair Game, and must write! I love it! I am a 57 year old woman, professional going strong and I have a 20 year old daughter in college in NYC. Fair Game makes me feel closer to her. It is the type of humor she loves and shows the intense caring and intelligence her generation has. Please keep it on the air. I don't agree with everything - but thank goodness there are things on the air I don't agree with! If it were not that way, something would be wrong. It is still fun. Thank you for providing it for us! Song ID Friday, February 16, 2007 This has been a few months ago, but it was an afternoon program and the host played a melody that was the music used for the diamond jewelry commercial that is mostly violins and builds to a crescendo (sp?)... I wrote down the artist and name but of course have lost it.... Any luck you can identify the song? And artist? Dear Shawn, Thanks for Fair Game Thursday, February 15, 2007 Nathan, 2/11/07 Sunday, February 11, 2007 I just heard a song on 89.1 San Antonio, between 6:30-6:45 for sure, and I loved it. It had a country/folk sound, the vocalist sounded like he was singing in French possibly, and it kind of had an Appalachian feel to it... an Irish folkish sound. Any way to get back to me with who this was? Corey Cott Dear Mr. Cott, I believe you were listening to "American Routes," and the song you heard was "Le Grand Bleu," the title cut from a 1991 album by the Cajun band The Bluerunners. I'm glad you enjoyed the music, and thanks for listening to KSTX 89.1 FM! Sincerely, Nathan Cone Farewell to TPR! Thursday, February 08, 2007 We are relocating to Florida where the NPR programs are sadly very limited! We have enjoyed TPR from the very beginning (26 years) and welcomed the various programs with such pleasure! Just to name a few favorites: Wishing you continued succcess! Best regards, Traffic Reports Wednesday, February 07, 2007 I am great fan of both KSTX and KPAC radio. However, when it comes to traffic, I turn 89.1 off to listen to another station. I am truly sorry that your traffic reports totally neglect the 281 corridor. I realize that there is constant traffic, but this makes it all the more imperative that conditions be reported! I have been listening to Ms Davis’ reports and actively comparing them to other stations (i.e. 1200, 104.5, 99.5, 96.1) for the last 6 weeks. Generally, I can almost always find better information on these stations! Country and rock stations! Come on! I know you can do better! As a “commute veteran” of the D.C. and Atlanta areas, I expect more from the stations to which I contribute! If additional information is needed, please feel free to contact me. Thank you, Keynotes Wednesday, February 07, 2007 I received your Keynotes on February 1, 2007. This was to late for me to plan an evening with Selected Shorts, on February 3. A more timely newsletter would be appreciated. Stella Dear Ms. Perez, Fair Game Monday, February 05, 2007 I stumbled upon Fair Game for the first time last week and I listened. I'm afraid that I must join the group that won't return. The segment was about the fellow who had written a provocatively entitled piece (something like American Women Are Responsible For The Middle East Problem - or something like that) about understanding culture. While I found the title of his work mildly disturbing, the message that he conveyed - that it wasn't that freedom and democracy were being rejected by so many muslims, but our western concept of freedom which includes so much vulgarity and an apparently increasing paucity of taboos or morals in our society - including the business sector (a la Enron), political sector (pick one!), and even theologian pedophiles, not to even mention more explicit Hollywood or entertainment-associated debauchery that is taken so lightly in our country. While our country's (and my own) approach may be to take a cautious, if nervous stance of tolerance, over this cultural turn, the host of the show was clueless as to why another country, countries or cultures might reject our cultural "experiment" and say instead, "If that's your view of freedom, then, we want no part of it!" The guest's point was that the middle east problem is not just a battle between freedom and tyranny, but is also seen by middle eastern folk as a battle of cultural values. I believe that we need to find a way to respect other cultures and I failed to see the humor, or the point of the host's condescension and ridicule heaped upon the guest. Thanks for listening. [Anonymous KSTX Listener] Is "Fair Game" worthy of TPR? Sunday, February 04, 2007 Hello Mr. Cone, I'm an avid listener, and a shamefully negligent supporter, of Texas Public Radio. TPR's audience is probably the most diverse of any station's listening audience, and It would be arrogance on my part to presume that my tastes are more discerning than those of my peers. In the spirit of the arrogance of youth, here's my opinion. In the short list of TPR programs that I avoid, "Fair Game" has risen to the top. Ms. Salie's glib, juvenile commentary is more painful to listen to than nails on a blackboard. She somehow convinces interesting people to submit to her interviews, and then derails the process with a series of "um..."s that make her sound like a 5th grader giving a class presentation on Moby Dick - all the while making irrelevant jokes and asides. I used to think that Diane Rehm would be the death of me. Waiting for her to piece together a sentence is like watching Da Vinci paint the Sistine Chapel - ALL FOUR YEARS OF IT! The result is flawless, but watching (or listening to) the process can be excruciating for the observer. As intelligent as she is, has it ever occurred to her that she could be more persuasive in the medium of print? There you have it. The rookie Faith Salie has taken Pole Position from the veteran Diane Rehm. How much would I have to donate to TPR for you to play an encore of "The Diane Rehm Show" in place of "Fair Game?" Sincerely, Dear Mr. Monney, Thanks for your honest opinion, I really appreciate it. Along with a handful of other Program Directors across the country, I'm still in contact with the producers and writers of "Fair Game" to help them improve the show and make it something truly different that stands out (in a good way) on public radio. Is everything working with this program? No. But is it a worthy effort that deserves a little time to develop? Yes, I believe so. And listener feedback is a crucial aspect of this development process. I've shared all of the emails I've received about "Fair Game" with the show's producer, Kerrie Hillman. Most recently she was the producer of "Studio 360," a terrific show, and so I believe she has the talent to pull this one off. Nighttime has traditionally been a dumping ground on public radio stations across the country, and one of the goals of "Fair Game" is to capture a new audience at night that is using radio, but not necessarily using public radio. I realize that any non-traditional public radio show on KSTX is going to rock the boat a little, but I hope that you'll continue to listen every now and then, and give the show some more feedback as they find their legs. If it doesn't work, then so be it, at least we will have tried something new. But it does take time. I thought "Day To Day" was a lousy newsmagazine at first, but they've settled down into a good rhythm. Patiently yours, Nathan Cone Hello Mr. Cone, Thanks for taking the time to respond to my letter. I can appreciate the fact that TPR is both trying to reach a new demographic and giving a new show time to develop. I never thought about the differences between morning/daytime programming and nighttime programming. I should have reached the conclusion that "Nighttime has traditionally been a dumping ground on public radio" after listening to "New Dimensions" a few times. (Of course, you didn't keep "New Dimensions" on the air very long, did you?) I'm only 31, but since I usually vote Republican, I suppose my adjusted age is 51. That may account for my inability to empathize with Faith Salie. If the producers of "Studio 360" are running "Fair Game," Ms. Salie may yet have a career in radio. "Studio 360" is a great program - well produced and well hosted. I'm willing to wait and see if "Fair Game" reaches that standard. Sincerely, New Affiliation? Friday, February 02, 2007 Why is Performance Today announcing itself as "American National Media?" What's the story there? Janis Erwin Dear Ms. Erwin, Wow! Thursday, February 01, 2007 I subscribe to your newsletter, and I have a personal love of and academic interest in African American history. I just want you to know that your BHM 2007 lineup took my breath away! Fair Game Monday, January 29, 2007 Regarding the new program "Fair Game" please get rid of it! Maybe I am too old (in my early 30's) but this is the first time that I have turned off your station because I was disgusted with what I was hearing. Although some segments are amusing, having the host making fun of what others wear (in this evening's case- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran) is not entertaining nor enlightening. After trying to listen to this program on 3 different days I have given up. I will just keep the radio off for the hour that this show is on. It appears that PRI and NPR are trying to reach a new, younger audience. However, dumbing down the programming will not gain that audience nor please your current listeners. I wish to remain anonymous. Thanks to TPR and Abra Schnur Monday, January 29, 2007 We thanked Abra personally, but wish to thank you also for the great press on Rachel Laven and the BBC's "Next Big Thing" competiton. We are still running into people, friends and strangers alike, who "heard it on TPR" and voted for Rachel. As a follow-up, while she didn't place in the top seven necessary to win the trip to London she did place in the top ten thanks to 3,000 voters who went online. The press she received brought many new music fans to The Cove to hear The Lavens on Friday nights. Thanks so much to Abra and TPR, "Fair Game" vs. "Fresh Air" Friday, January 26, 2007 Dear TPR.org: I have been a supporter since Day 1. I'm all for innovative radio. However... I personally would prefer that "Fresh Air" be returned to the 9:00 p.m. slot at 89.1. I am 55 years old. I have adjusted to "Selected Shorts" being moved to Saturday afternoon. However, if a vote is taken, I vote to have "Fair Game" and moved to the 10:00 p.m. slot and have "Fresh Air" moved back to 9:00 p.m. Let the young ones stay up with Faith and the hipsters. my opinion, Dear Caren, To begin, I would like to thank you for your long-time support of Texas Public Radio! I'm always happy to hear from people like you who are continuing to help KSTX grow. In making our decision to schedule "Fair Game" at 9:00 p.m. and "Fresh Air" at 10:00 p.m., we considered several factors. Research indicates that the audience that we hope to reach with "Fair Game" uses the radio in the evening at a higher rate than other audience segments... so we knew we would be scheduling the program in a later timeslot. Because there are several different programs scheduled in the 7:00 and 8:00 hours on KSTX, we did not want to blank out several programs at once, or push all of them to a later timeslot, and so that left "Fair Game" at either 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. Becasue "Fair Game" is meant to be a program that hopefully will to attract a new audience to public radio, we also considered the local broadcast television schedule when placing this show on our schedule. We did not want to go up against "The Daily Show" at 10:00 p.m., nor did we want to face powerhouse programs like "Grey's Anatomy" that air at 8:00. Before it aired at 9:00, "Fresh Air" used to be repeated at 10:00 p.m., and so we felt this was kind of a return home for this repeat of the program. I know that any program change causes disruption, as there are always listeners who depend on their favorite show being on at a certain time. But I hope that with this explanation you might at least understand the thought process that went into scheduling "Fair Game" and re-scheduling "Fresh Air." Thanks again for being a member and listener of KSTX! Sincerely, Nathan Cone The Methane Sisters' As Filthy as it Gets Friday, January 19, 2007 It appears that whoever was in charge of "bleeping" out the profanity in this news piece was negligent. I don't mind hearing that people choose to entertain themselves with profanity, but my son was present when the piece came on and frankly I was appalled! Dear listener: Mindless IH-10 road closure Wednesday, January 17, 2007 I sent the following letter to TxDot: This I Believe series Wednesday, January 10, 2007 I applaud you for trying to create an interest in this series among the Spanish speaking community, but couldn't you have found somebody who really knows Spanish to help you with the Spanish version of the title? First of all, Esto lo creo is a Spanglish translation probably done by someone who just opened a dictionary and found an approximate translation to the English words. A more idiomatic translation would have been "Esto es lo que yo creo." I know that it is longer than the original English title, but one cannot translate one language into another word by word and come up with something that makes sense in the second language. Oh, and, by the way, there is no accent on "creo!" Luis Torres Dear Mr. Torres, Although Keynotes goes through a half-dozen pairs of eyes before it goes out, typos still occur, and you caught us on one! The title "Esto lo creo" was corrected on the website today after our newsletter went out. I also realize the difficulty in translating one language into another, both from living in San Antonio and by the fact that one side of my family is from Poland. So I guess that means my children will hopefully grow up tri-lingual! (myself, I've got a handle of English, but I'm still working on Spanish and Polish) But while we considered a longer, more exact translation for our title as you suggest, we eventually decided to go with the shorter version. Is it as correct as "Esto es lo que yo creo"? No. But does it represent the bi-cultural nature of our community? Yes. I hope you will consider submitting an essay to our upcoming series! Sincerely, Nathan Cone KTXI programming Wednesday, January 10, 2007 We have had it explained to us that the programming we get on KTXI in Ingram is a mix of the two stations in San Antonio, with the heaviest emphasis on all-day classical music. I respectfully request that this station also include more talk/conversation programs, such as the new "Fair Game," "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me," and "Fresh Air," as well as Saturday "All Things Considered." The music is appreciated, but it would be nice to hear shows that we hear touted throughout the day. Thank you for your consideration. Elaine Payne Dear Ms. Payne, Thank you for your letter regarding the programming mix on KTXI. We will take it into consideration when making future programming choices for that station. You are correct that KTXI as originally conceived was meant to be a station that brings classical music to the Hill Country, along with the best of public radio's newsmagazines and most popular programs, "Car Talk" and "A Prairie Home Companion." With our current system of operating KTXI, using a computer to automate the switchover times, it is a little difficult to switch the programming from that of KPAC to KSTX and back. Those set switchover times on our broadcast schedule are matched to where KSTX and KPAC's programming synchronize to hit a time post, so the transition will be (hopefully) seamless. Because of where "Fair Game," "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" and other programs fall on the KSTX schedule, it would be difficult to make that automated switchover without abruptly interrupting the classical music on KPAC, especially, for example, on Saturdays, when "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" airs, at 1:00. On KPAC, we're right in the middle of the Metropolitan Opera, so that would be a difficult transition to make, for sure! For now, I hope you will take advantage of KSTX's streaming audio online. You'll find it at tpr.org, and you can listen anytime. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Rollergirls, Fire in the Sky podcast Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Thanks TPR... Abra's podcast on the Alamo City Rollergirls, and Fire in the Sky was very informative and fun!!! I remember televised roller derby matches years ago. It's nice to know the sport is still alive! Thank you Abra! Also, Fire in the Sky is a wonderful band! A new listener Les Preludes Friday, December 22, 2006 I just wanted to say thanks for playing Les Preludes on Friday. I spent this past summer at Interlochen Arts Camp, where Les Preludes is the piece that we use to close the camp season with every year. All 400+ high school musicians gather together to play Les Preludes before we head off to all different parts of the world again. Needless to say, that piece is filled with so much emotion and so many memories, and after playing it this summer, I am convinced that it is the most beautiful piece of music I have ever heard in my life. Thanks again for playing such an amazing piece of music! Katie Lemmon Alamo City Rollergirl Segment Thursday, December 21, 2006 Greetings! I just had to drop a quick line thanking ya'll for the Alamo City Rollergirl Segment you ran a couple of days ago! It's really exciting that there's a ladies' derby here in town, and I thought it was covered very well! Kudos, TPR! Great programming! :) MonaLisa Ooops, I forgot! Friday, December 15, 2006 In my earlier feedback note, I forgot to mention my disappointment with music scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. There may be reasons for this programming decision that I do not understand, however, I ask that consideration be given to: (1) The fact that we live in a rapidly changing time of war and international turbulence, and listening to music does not help our awareness of important developments. (2) Music ranks a very distant second in the importance, if that, compared to news and information. (3) Music is so plentiful and ubiquitous in countless forms, and through a broad array of venues, is it really necessary to provide yet another source of this music commodity on public radio? (4) Texas Public Radio is often promoted to contributors as the source for news and information. Many of us TPR supporters feel betrayed by the replacement of news and information by music, much of which is not even of exceptional quality. Has music on TPR become a "filler" because the TPR News Department does not have sufficient resources to use this time on weekends? Thank you again, Bob Meshanko Dear Mr. Meshanko, Thanks for expressing your opinion about the program scheduling on KSTX. Our TPR Mission statement states: "The MISSION of Texas Public Radio is to engage in the non-commercial broadcasting and production of informational, educational, cultural and entertainment radio programs for the listening audience in the Hill Country, South Central and South Texas." The music programming on KSTX falls within our mission statement. A few examples: "World Music" on Sunday nights is a program that entertains to be certain, but also educates the public about other cultures, as does "Afropop Worldwide." And "Blues Before Sunrise" is one of the few places on the radio that brings to life our country's rich blues heritage, thanks to the shows knowledgeable host, Steve Cushing. The music on these shows is far from a commodity. I would argue that its scarcity on other radio stations is what makes it valuable to the KSTX audience. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Listening Differences Thursday, December 07, 2006 I have been listening to your station for years. I was a contributor to the station also, but since you started to play all sorts of pseudo-classical music, I have gien up on you as far as that goes. It is amazing how easy it is to go on the computer, any time of the day and night and get REAL classical music to listen to with great pleasure. Ever since Ms. McClain left, the station has become too liberal in its idea of what classical music is suppoed to be. Now that Mr. Gwathmey has left it probably will get worse. I hope you all take this to heart and bring back good honest classical music to your listening public. Joseph Moser Dear Mr. Moser, I am sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with the music selection on KPAC. Please be assured that we do try to program the best music to reach a wide audience. I am not sure what you mean by pseudo-classical music, but perhaps you are referring to occasional selections of music from the movies, classical works performed by unsual combinations of instruments, or even new music. We feel these little bits of "spice," if you will, are all part of the growing world of classical music. And that's just it, classical music, contrary to popular belief, is growing. New performers continue to be enchanted by old and new works alike. We're happy to be part of the great tradition of classical or concert music that embraces new ideas. Of course, the vast majority of our broadcast day is made up of the familiar and established masters. From Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Mozart, and Rossini, to Copland, Delius, Strauss and more. The wide variety of music you hear on KPAC is one of the strengths of this station. Not every piece you hear is going to be your favorite -- and that's true even for me -- but perhaps you'll find yourself enjoying enough of what you hear on KPAC to consider listening regularly, and maybe even become a contributor again to your local source for classical music. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Unaccompanied Minors' screening Tuesday, December 05, 2006 While I'm a devoted listener, and long-time member, I have rarely taken advantage of the member's activities (except for the annual McClain Circle events). I wanted you to know that my son Will (who's 12) and I thoroughly enjoyed last night's screening, and he laughed almost the entire way through the last half of the show. Your enthusiasm is catching. Thanks for all you and the other staff of TPR do. Kathleen A. Hurren Dear Ms. Hurren, Sincerely, Experimental Radio Thursday, November 23, 2006 Radio Lab and Fair Game are keepers. Turn down the lights, tune in and take a trip. Jerry
Hi Jerry, Hands On Drums Monday, November 20, 2006 I attended the Hands On Drums function on Saturday with my family and some friends. We had a wonderful time and hope you will be having another such event soon. As the first event we attended as members (new member this year), it was great to know you host such quality family events. Please do more and we’ll come! LML Larisa M. Langley Radio Lab Feedback Wednesday, November 15, 2006 Good Morning! I wanted to drop a line about the new 'experimental radio' on Thursday nights: I LOVE IT!! Especially Radio Lab... I tuned in last week and was like, "What is this awesome show?!!" I found it to be interesting, engaging and formatted in a way that is attractive to the ear (does that make sense?) I stayed tuned in for Fair Game and was pleasantly surprised by that one as well, I like the host and how she conducted the progress of the show. So, I hope that my comments help the 'experimental radio' become a success on the TPR program lineup! Thanks again! I couldn't live without TPR and I appreciate EVERYTHING you do!! MonaLisa Broadcast Segment on Oct. 3, 2006 on KSTX Wednesday, October 04, 2006 Dear TPR: Between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. on the 3rd, I pray you didn't have a large audience of persons ready to begin chemo treatments for cancer. The essay or monologue by your former (or current) employee at NPR was a "downer" way of starting the day if I ever heard one! It was absolutely awful to hear him tell of his nausea and that there's no cure and he's just buying time. Heaven's sake, it is time to have hope and think positively. I've just completed 2 years of chemo (had nausea only once) and expect I will have another round of chemo beginning in a couple of months. My advice is that if you're having trouble with nausea -- consult your oncologist and he can probably add something to your chemo fluids to ward off nausea. It really upset me to hear such talk on NPR, or elsewhere. Sincerely, Ruth Peeters Dear Ms. Peeters, Leroy Sievers (the gentleman whose commentary your heard) shares his personal experience with cancer montly on NPR, and daily at NPR.org through a blog. The goal behind these commentaries, and Mr. Sievers' blog, is to share stories, experiences and emotions, both good and bad. Some of these discussions and essays may be diffiicult, others life-affirming. Here is a little introductory text written by Mr. Sievers from his blog site at npr.org: "This blog is a chronicle of my fight with cancer. As we go forward, no topic, no matter how painful, is going to be off limits. Because if we don't talk about it, who will?" Thanks for listening to KSTX. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Sunday Night Session on September 17 Stuck indoors due to some much needed rain, I tuned in to your station. I highly enjoyed the Sunday Night Session. I absolutely loved it. American Roots and then HAAM... I couldn't move till it was over. Angela Dotsenko of San Antonio Switching from Regular Programming Friday, September 15, 2006 Nathan, I already sent this plaint to the NPR ombudsman and wanted to express it with you good folks at TPR as well. I was upset this morning when regular programming on The Diane Rehm Show was interrupted to bring us live coverage of President Bush's political speech and press conference from the Rose Garden. I don't know if the decision to do so was done locally or at the national level, but I was getting much more useful and new information from Susan Page's interview with James Fallows than hearing the president give the same justifications for his policies. I've heard that already. We don't need to hear the President's every word! I'd prefer my media of choice, NPR and TPR, mediate such speeches through their usual fine coverage after the speech is given in most cases. All the best, J. Michael Short Dear Michael, Thanks for writing us regarding coverage on KSTX of President Bush's speech last Friday morning. The decision to air NPR's special coverage was made locally. On Friday, I was out of town at the annual Public Radio Program Directors' conference; in my abscence, our on-air hosts are given instructions to air all spcecial coverage from NPR when that coverage is anchored by an NPR host. NPR's description of the news event prior to its coverage was this: "The subject of the speech is expected to be about the administration’s rules regarding interrogation and trying of terror suspects housed at Guantanamo Bay." Had I been working the board that day, would I have made the same decision to air the speech, given the fairly open nature of the above subject line? Probably so, especially when President Bush, in his most recent speech prior (September 6), acknowledged the CIA's network of secret prisons. On a completely different note, I want to tell you that I visited your photography website and very much enjoyed the aerial photos of San Antonio! Best wishes, Nathan Cone Book Mentioned on September 6th Thursday, September 07, 2006 Good morning – My father and I are huge fans of Texas Public Radio and listen while driving to / from work everyday. I wasn’t able to listen to yesterday’s 5.00PM program and need your help. My father was telling me of an interview with an author that has written books on stopping terrorism. The gentleman in question was contacted by the FBI to come and work within their “think tanks” to help America be better prepared to prevent future attacks. My father was very interested in purchasing this authors book; unfortunately didn’t catch the name of the gentleman or the name of the book. Could you please point me in the right direction with getting this information? I have looked all over the TPR.org website and wasn’t able to find it. I appreciate your time! Please feel free to contact me if you need additional information. Marsha Morris Dear Ms. Morris, I had the same experience as your father as I listened to yesterday's edition of All Things Considered. For me it was a real "driveway moment," as they call them, only I was sitting in the parking lot at HEB to hear the end of this fascinating interview. The author you are searching for is Brad Meltzer, whose new novel The Book of Fate is a thriller about a presidential aide and a 200-year-old code invented by Thomas Jefferson. He was also enlisted by the government to take part in the Red Cell Program, "a way for the Department of Homeland Security to brainstorm different ways that terrorists are trying to attack us," according to yesterday's interview. You can hear the entire interview online here, and here is a link to an Amazon page for more information about The Book of Fate. Thanks for listening! Nathan Cone Hi Nathan – Thank you for the quick response! I’ve sat in the driveway many times to listen to the conclusion and the news. Wonderful station!! I’ll order my father and I copies of the book! He will be thrilled!! Thanks again! Marsha Presidents' Speech Wednesday, September 06, 2006 I am listening, as I write, to an interview of Patrick Leheay, (D) Vermont who, by his own admission, did NOT hear President Bush’s speech. Among other things, he is making proclamations about how “we” previously wanted these programs as proposed by Mr. Bush today. The implication is that Mr. Bush has been dragging his feet to bring to justice those who are responsible for killing so many of our citizens both at home and abroad. From what I can understand this has not been possible for a number of reasons –as outlined in Mr. Bush’s speech. I protest the interviewing of a person from “the other side” to evaluate a speech not even heard for the seeming sake of promoting an agenda. I furthermore protest the interruptions of the speech for an explanation of what I turned in to as well as a station break, thereby not allowing me to hear words I was interested in hearing from our President. As a regular subscriber, I hope you will present such speeches with out interruption in the future. Thank you for hearing my concerns, Dear Ms. Amann, I will forward your email to NPR so they may see your comments regarding Senator Leheay and his analysis. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Focus On the Environment Thursday, August 31, 2006 TPR Team, Hello all. First of all kudos to your entire staff for providing such a breath of fresh air on the Texas airwaves. It is so fantastic to have an informative alternative to the mundane babble that plagues our dials. I will keep this brief. I moved to San Antonio this past week and and found your station on my drive out from San Diego. I was hooked right away. My family and I are opening up a store in the Medical Center area called Cartridge World that specializes in recycling and refilling ink and laser printer cartridges. I heard about your Focus on the Environment Week and would love to know if there would be a place where I could get some information out to the public as to what we are all about. If not, I also saw on your website that you have Recycling Options and Drop off Centers. I would love it if we could get our store listed under the Computers and eWaste category. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work! Mike Edinger Theme from Star Wars Friday, August 18, 2006 Thank you for playing that beautiful piece of music! When watching the movie, one doesn't get to hear the piece in its entirety. That was wonderful. I only wish my children (ages 11, 10 & 5) had been with me to hear it as well. They love your station, too! Thank you for the wonderful music. Lori Spahn Kudos Monday, July 31, 2006 World's greatest composer (Mozart) + world's greatest classical music announcer/educator (Bill McGlaughlin) = a fantastic week of programming last week. Thank you very much from an avid listener. Has anyone given any thought to the idea that such broadcasts might make great material for iPods? (I don't have one, so I don't know anything about it...) I prefer to listen to KPAC in San Antonio for something like 8 hours a day. The staff at KPAC also produces excellent classical music programming that deserves wider distribution. Many thanks, and Best Wishes, "Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin" is heard weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on KPAC and KTXI. Great Listening! Sunday, July 30, 2006 I was visiting San Antonio a couple of weeks ago and came across 88.3 FM. I just wanted to say that to my ears you have the hippest classical music station I have ever heard thus far! Keep up the good work and keep the Bartok and Stravinsky coming! Michael Grammar - Houston, TX Military Working Dog Program Friday, July 28, 2006 While I thoroughly enjoy listening to NPR and TPR on my morning drive in, I'd like to call attention to one fact that was left out during Elizabeth Castro's piece on Lackland's military working dog program. The working dog program has been in place at Lackland for decades, long before "global war on terrorism" became such a catchphrase. These dogs and their handlers have been in use all across the planet long before 2001, and their portrayal should include those many years of service they've provided. A link to Lackland's fact sheet on the military working dog program is included below. http://www.lackland.af.mil/pa/Fact%20sheets/MWD%20Fact%20Sheet-Jan%2006.pdf Thanks, Dear Mike, I'm glad you enjoyed the piece about the military dog program at Lackland. I do not think Ms. Castro intended to imply that the program was started in the wake of 9/11, but you are correct that the handlers and canines have provided many years of service to our country. We'll post your letter on our website with the link you provided. Thanks for listening! Sincerely, Nathan Cone What is that "Noise"? Friday, July 21, 2006 I listen to your station exclusively and frequently listen for a while after going to bed. Tonight, there is no way I can possibly sleep with that dreadful 'racket' you're putting over the airwaves tonight! Please, please give us main-line classical music for those of us who are trying to sleep. If you insist on playing the weird stuff at least do it some other time of the day. P. Fishburn, San Antonio Dear Ms. Fishburn, Thanks for writing to us. I'm sorry to hear you were disturbed by some rather progressive music on Friday night. We do reserve that 11pm - 1am time slot on Fridays for our program "Alternate Routes," which is designed to offer a space on the radio for modern concert music. That late-night time slot may be inconvenient for sleeping to the music on Friday nights, but perhaps you can understand that from a programming standpoint, having a modern music show on in, say, the afternoon, is not the best strategy for retaining listeners either. Traditionally, late nights are the time when classical stations have the opportunity to stretch the boundaries a bit. Fewer people listening late at night means we can take a few more chances by playing some modern works, and by offering an intelligent presentation, we will hopefully grant the listener some insight into these challenging works. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Biased News Monday, July 17, 2006 This afternoon, I heard on your news that Israel killed 40 people in Lebanon today, while the death toll in Israel 'for the past few days' is 24. You may be kidding yourselves that your news coverage is unbiased, but you can't kid me. - Listener Looking for Truth, June Hurme Dear Ms. Hurme, I did not hear the specific broadcast you are referring to, nor do you refer to which program you heard it on, so I cannot speak to the meaning behind the language and reporting used. I do encourage you to voice your comments and concerns to this address at NPR: ombudsman@npr.org. Sincerely, Nathan Cone Keynotes, Jeffrey Dworkin and Ombudsmanship Thursday, July 13, 2006 Dear TPR: I was so happy to read that NPR will have a new ombudsman/person soon. Thanks to the editor who saw fit to include that item in my Keynotes e-mail newsletter. Well done! I have much respect for Mr. Dworkin's journalistic experience and abilities - but I felt he was a poor fit as an ombudsman. I wish him every success in his new ventures. When NPR was heavily reporting the Saddam Hussein capture, and NPR/TPR carried live coverage of that at the expense of regularly scheduled programming, some listeners objected and felt NPR/TPR was dancing to the Bush administration's tune. Instead of doing his job of listening to members, Dworkin used his position to air his own opinion, and I felt that was a misuse of his visibility there. I'm completely in favor of NPR and TPR having champions within the organization - I hope and expect that your internal champions are many, talented, effective and well rewarded. But I want the NPR ombudsman to be primarily a listener, who restates positions without adding his or her own passion and heat to the discussion. Here's a suggestion for the next NPR ombudsman: Use an email address or contact tagline that doesn't require people to spell "ombudsman" - such as letters@tpr.org or feedback@tpr.org. My husband tried to respond to Dworkin a couple of times, but ran up against the spelling barrier. :) I greatly appreciate and support NPR and TPR in all you do. Randy Anderson, Nathan Cone, Deidre Saravia, Joe Gwathmey and company -- you are some of our favorite folks, pouring light, learning and happiness into San Antonio through our radios, and we celebrate you all! Sincerely yours, Mundo Latino! Sunday, July 09, 2006 Dear Senor Brun, [Henry Brun, host of Ritmos del Mundo] Loved the liveliness of your 7/8 show! Wave on! [Listen to Ritmos del Mundo Saturday night from 10 p.m. to midnight on KSTX 89.1 FM.] Narnia Tuesday, June 27, 2006 Thanks for the plug for Ingram's Point Theatre's production of The Magician's Nephew (based on C.S. Lewis's novel of the same name which depicts the creation of Narnia). I play Queen Jadis, who appeared in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (which the Point put on last year; I played the White Witch then, too) and my daughter is a Rabbit (last year she was the Unicorn). I have been an avid listener of NPR/TPR for almost a decade and wouldn't be able to commute from Center Point to Ingram (where I teach 6th grade language arts) without going batty with boredom. Our last shows are this weekend, with our final performance on July 1st. Any talk y'all can generate is welcome! With a cast of almost 50 (mostly aged 9-16), the production is quite a spectacle. We've got good and evil, drama and comedy, and all things in between. Hopefully you and yours will come out to the hills and view it. (Call the box office at (830)367-5122). If you have kids, bring them... my nieces and nephews from S.A. were mesmerized. They couldn't believe that I (in my make up and costume) was their Aunt Pam. :) You're welcome! I hope our public service announcements will help generate some interest for the Point Theatre. Click here to submit your organization's announcement KPAC Programming Tuesday, June 13, 2006 KPAC, You are currently playing classical music selections which I actually enjoy. I mean, good. And appropriate for the time of day. What happened to the orchestra warm-up pieces & the afternoon middle east wedding music? XM? Hmmm. Grandpere Highlight of my Listening Week Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Sunday Night Session is the highlight of my listening week and I am as grumpy as an old bear for days whenever circumstances force me to miss it. Kind regards, Robert Great Show! Sunday, April 23, 2006 Dear David, [David Furst, host of "Sunday Night Session"] Thanks so much for the excellent choice of music spanning Roy's career [Roy Orbison]. I had the privilege of seeing Roy in concert in Houston, TX at the Tower Theater in 1976 or 1977, way after the remarkable Monument years and before his 'comeback' (was he ever really away?) before his death. That night, he wore an Elvis type jump suit and stood still before the microphone as he did his set. He was so pleased with his reception in the old theater, did the conclusion to 'Crying' twice. My most poignant memory was his Elvis tribute song 'Hound Dog Man' which he introduced with a simple, "Here is a song about a friend of mine." I have in recent years picked up CDs of the music he recorded late in his career and I feel his greatness was undiminished to the end. Again, many thanks for a fine tribute. Alonso Jasso ["Sunday Night Session" airs on KSTX Sundays at 7 p.m.] No Longer do I Have to Wait Wait... Thursday, April 13, 2006 Dear Nathan Cone, Thank you for airing "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me." I can't tell you how much my wife and I enjoyed the program last week. I hope it is able to hold on and remain on the air for a long time. I find myself walking around with a Walkman radio while taking care of weekend chores. Thanks again. Stephen Colley NPR’s "Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!" airs Saturdays at 1 p.m. on KSTX 89.1 FM. My So-Called Lungs Tuesday, March 28, 2006 Your feature "My so-called lungs" was superb. As a Pulmonary physician who works at a hospital where we have an adult cystic fibrosis clinic, I am quite familiar with the multidisciplinary approach that needs to be undertaken when caring for CF patients. Moreover, I have several patients who have had bilateral lung transplants. One, recently passed away 11 years out from her surgery. I appreciated the fact that your report emphasized that CF patients are living longer, more fruitful lives now than they were just two decades ago. Several of my patients are in their late thirties and early forties and I have one CF patient who is in his mid fifties and doing relatively well. One point that I felt your report left out was that when we (as Pulmonary physicians) think of taking a CF patient to transplant, basically the tradeoff is one disease state for another. Approximately 50% of all lung transplant recipients die within 5 years of their transplant, but they usually die of complications and conditions related to chronic graft rejection, infection and immunosuppression and sometimes (as in the case of Laura Rothenberg), lymphoma. Lung transplantation can be an option for patients with CF who have severe disease or rapid declines. It is not, however, a treatment for CF. That does not yet exist. I thank you for bringing this story to the attention of the general public. I feel strongly that only with better public awareness about just how common CF is will we get further future support for research into treatments for this very complicated and humbling disease. Chris Kelley, DO More information about the "My So-Called Lungs" program is available at the Soundprint website at soundprint.org Irish Accent Thursday, March 23, 2006 Mrs. Saravia, [Sent to program host Deirdre Saravia] I moved recently from San Francisco to San Antonio and was delighted to tune into 88.3 and be greeted by a lady with an accent that reminded me of my father who was born and raised in Motherwell, Scotland and who died in WW2 in the Philippines in 1945 when I was 11 years old. I thought at first you must be a Scott, but today discovered on the Texas Public Radio web site you are from Ireland. Well I was close. But it is still wonderful that you remind me of my father every time I hear you speak. It warms my heart. David Lindsay Listener Comment Tuesday, January 31, 2006 Just a quick comment/question. Why is NPR in San Antonio broadcasting in its entirety a boring speech by the Mayor on child abuse? I could understand a few select portions but the entire thing is really, really boring. Poor decision making in my opinion. San Antonio NPR unfortunately doesn't hold a candle to Austin NPR. I live in the Hill Country so I'm familiar with both. Thank you for listening. While I agree with you that a more judiciously edited version of the speech would have been better for the air, I do think that it was an important statement from the mayor of the city to acknowledge the problem of child abuse in San Antonio and to offer the beginnings of some ideas for how to lessen the problem. Thanks for listening, and for your feedback. I appreciate it when people take the time to write. Sincerely, Wednesday, February 01, 2006 Dear Mr. Cone, Thank you very much for your responsive and prompt reply. I've been a loyal NPR listener for years. To be fair, I'll email one of these days about one of the many wonderful things I hear on NPR. Nyckelharpa Saturday, November 19, 2005 Dear Deirdre, I remember when I began to listen to your world music program about 8 months ago. Every session is such an adventure! It was so relieving to find a good, tasteful world music venue in San Antonio. I do almost everything to the sound of music nowadays - homework, projects, spare time... and before discovering your program I hadn't been able to turn to a source of renewing music I liked. Great Interview! Monday, November 07, 2005 Hi, Deirdre, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for the absolutely wonderful segment you produced last evening highlighting the Csardas - Tango of the East dance spectacular. Not only did you play Hungarian music, but your interview with Kalman was very informative and you both did a fabulous job of presenting the features. I appreciate that you made it a point several times to make certain that your audience knew this gem of an event was coming to our city. And I was so glad to hear that the tickets were well received by your listeners, too. I hope you will be able to join us as well. On a more personal note, I thought your show was great. I listened to it from beginning to end and thoroughly enjoyed all the music you played and your knowledge of it. Thank you for enlightening San Antonian's with your "World Beat." Take care, Fresh Air Tuesday, October 4, 2005 I really appreciated hearing Teri Gross's conversation today about Evolution. Her and the guest we very respectful of both sides of the argument. Plus the discussion of the history of it was fascinating. Its nice to see a balanced discussion. This compliment is coming from a religious right winger. Thanks Exploring Music Dear Sirs: I was initially a little apprehensive to learn that the avuncular Karl Hass' afternoon slot on KTXI was to be replaced with Exploring Music. However, Bill McGlaughlin's program has proven to be invariably interesting. The well-chosen works are discussed with wit, intelligence and good taste. Great choice! Sincerely, Movie Reviews I had not listened to NPR since leaving Dallas in 1998. Prior to that time, I would spend only an occasional Saturday morning or spend some 'drive time' with NPR... I wasn't very interested in too many world events but the comedy shows like "Car Talk" and "What do you know" kept me interested. About two weeks ago I realized that these programs may still be around, and with internet broadcasting now a part of daily life in the office, I found your website and have devoted some of my listening time to your programs. I had forgotten how informative NPR broadcasts can be, this morning I was reminded how stuffy some of your commentators can be... I am referring to the review of the new movie "Dukes of Hazard." Please pass this on to your reviewer - The "Dukes" television program was a drama/action/comedy/romance (o.k., maybe not so much romance, but for those of us who loved fast cars, owning a car like the General Lee was our dream). It appears that your reviewer was looking to this movie to help him find some long unfulfilled dream (did I mention the General Lee?) of his. There were few, if any, serious situations that weren't settled within the single weekly episode, and even those ended with some tongue-in-cheek humor. So please, tell your reviewer that if he wants aesthetic qualities accompanied by symphony music and people standing in an open doorway or by open windows staring longingly at the vast emptiness and solitude that is outside, review some foreign or dramatic film. Not the slap stick comedy antics that the Dukes have always been known for. The only longing he will find is those belonging to some of us who fondly remember pretending our bicycles and first beat-up jalopies were the General Lee. Fondly reminiscently yours, Greg Indian Named Sports Teams Dear TPR, I am a long time member in San Antonio and heard a story this morning about the naming of sports teams that as a Native American, I felt compelled to comment on. Below is the letter I sent to NPR. I hope they will also publish this opinion of the naming of sports teams after Indian tribes and warriors. I am an enrolled member of the Osage tribe and disagree with Frank Deford's opinion of sports teams using Indian names for their teams. In a warrior society it is a compliment and a sign of respect to have these names given to sports teams. The fact is that this practice honors the memory of Indian warriors who fought, though in vain to protect their people and property. In fact in most cases, if you would disrespect the name of any of these teams to an ardent fan, you might have a fight on your hands. Americans did not name their sports teams after Indians because they wanted to make fun of them, or disrespect them. They named their teams after them because they respected Indian warriors, and considered them to be great fighters with the hearts of champions. Today's Indian activists cannot get press by pointing out the sad facts of poverty, unemployment, and alcohol addiction on reservations. They can however get on TV by dressing in ceremonial garb and beating the drum outside sports stadiums. I as an American Indian say Go Chiefs!, Go Seminoles!, and Go Frank Deford!, go have lunch with sad group of people who have nothing better to do than beat the drum and gather the bleeding hearts to take away one of the last signs of respect that we as a warrior society have. Jim Ryan Book on the Diane Rehm Show Dear Mr. Cone, [Nathan Cone, Director of Operations & Programming] Yesterday, I was listening to the Diane Rehm show and tried to remember a topic of beasts and diseases? which was about animals giving diseases to us humans. May I have the name and author of that book please. Thank you, Thanks again, The Social Security Debate Those of us who are avid NPR supporters sometimes forget to thank you for all the work you've done and continue to do to make public radio a great source of news and information. The holiday season certainly is an appropriate time to offer that appreciation. This season has also brought us a developing debate on Social Security that has consequences for all Americans. It's at once fascinating and alarming to see how this healthy, historically successful program -- a prime example of responsible and foresighted fiscal management that benefits our entire society -- is being spun as a looming catastrophe. Social Security is a sound social program protecting millions of Americans. It will thrive in a healthy economy, and can be maintained by lifting caps on payroll contributions, restoring federal fiscal discipline, and investing broadly in education and innovation to keep improving long-term productivity. As experts have reported everywhere from Bloomberg News to the New York Times to NPR itself, Social Security will require only gradual adjustments and a return to government fiscal responsibility to keep it healthy and successful as our population ages. NPR plays a key role in helping the public to understand this important issue. Thanks again for all you do to advance balanced, thoughtful, and factual reporting. Very truly yours, TPR tops XM radio As an early Christmas gift, I received an XM (satellite) radio receiver for my car. I have a one hour, round-trip commute each morning, and I've been trying to listen to XM radio for the last week, but I keep switching back to Morning Edition and All Things Considered! I even have XMPR, but so far it hasn't lured me away from ME or ATC. All the other stations are nice, but for variety, humor, and thoughtfulness, it doesn't beat TPR. Thanks!  |
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