Maine Public Radio Betrayed Public Trust --- Comments by those who once supported MPBN
http://prpd-news.blogspot.com/2008/12/main-public-brodcasting-cuts-people.html
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PRPD News for Programmers
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2008
Maine Public Broadcasting Cuts People & Salaries
The Maine Public Broadcasting Network today announced it was laying off eight people -- 7 percent of the staff -- and asking employees at all levels to take temporary pay cuts. Network President Jim Dowe -- who had his pay cut by 20 percent -- blamed the cuts on the sagging economy and the state's failure to fully fund the network, according to a news release posted on MPBN's Web site.
MPBN is also shutting down a television transmitter in Calais for six months, and radio transmitters in Calais and Fort Kent.
The reduction in salaries are to last through the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Three executives besides Dowe will lose 15 percent of their paychecks, while most other senior managers will have their salaries cut 10 percent. Pending approval by the union membership, the rest of the staff will see their pay cut by 5 percent.
MPBN is also suspending contributions to employees’ retirement plans.
MPBN Vice President David Morse says some financial problems date back to 1992 when the network was formed. He says the state agreed to pay for the network's construction and operation. But, while costs have gone up, the state's contribution has declined slightly, leaving MPBN to cover a $1.3 million annual shortfall, according to Morse.
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Posted by Hollis at 1:57 PM
Labels: Maine Public Broadcasting, Personnel
52 comments:
Bill Miller said...
MPBN is one of the very worst run public radio stations I have ever heard...it consistantly ignores the very people who support it. The Humble Farmer being fired for not signing a gag order is but one example...shameful. I would glady send money (as I know quite a few people would) if Beck gets the axe and Humble gets an apology. Until then...I guess I ll listen to radio on the internet. Good luck to Beck at Fox !
December 26, 2008 4:05 PM
Anonymous said...
MPBN lost $180,000 dollars when they censorsed their home grown humorist off the air. Put him back and the station won;t need to lay off or turn off anybody. I'll never give them a penny until he's back and I am one of many.
Olga Skorapa, PhD
Kennebunk, ME
December 26, 2008 4:10 PM
Gareth said...
I dropped my membership because of the shameful way that long time Jazz host, Robert Skoglund (The Humble Famer)was treated.
If Charles Beck issues an apology, I'll rejoin.
December 26, 2008 4:15 PM
Gareth said...
I dropped my membership because of the despicable way the "Humble Farmer" issue was handled.
If Charles Beck apologises to obert Skogland, I'd be glad to rejoin.
December 26, 2008 4:17 PM
Chris said...
How about this?
More Jazz! Bring back Humble Farmer!...maybe you'll get more money from US the people, who you say you are there for!
December 26, 2008 4:33 PM
arthurharvey said...
I often appreciate Maine Public Radio, but have not contributed since the Humble Farmer was kicked off, and for such flimsy reasons.
After Humble is restored, I will look kindly on your financial needs.
December 26, 2008 4:38 PM
hermit said...
This goes to illustrate just how corrupted MPBN has become. Imagine it ! - their top administrators are paid well in excess of $100,000 each and their assistants and their other assistants all highly paid individuals who don't produce nor present anything ! They have several fund raising weeks (beggarthons) every year just to raise money to cover their own salaries for that year. Now, they want to CUT access to PUBLIC media to the most needy. I say fire all of the brass who aren't actually in the production or presentation of programming and use the money to purchase even more quality programs.
Why,MPBN don't even list the income they get from ads placed by outfits who want to clean up their image after being reported for questionable practices in the news (i.e Plumb Creek, Archer Daniels etc etc).
Make the news then pay to sponsor the news and everything will look fine ! Not !
With broadband streams available from 1,000s of stations over the Internet - free, probably MPBN ought to reconsider their mean spirited, greedy and self serving maneuvers in these difficult times.
Time for a change !
December 26, 2008 4:41 PM
Anonymous said...
It's really too bad that mpbn was behind the political curve, bringing a right-wing agenda to a basically progressive state. Mpbn lost us as contributors when, among other transgressions, they fired the humble Farmer for speaking the truth. We won't be back.
December 26, 2008 4:48 PM
kilgorestudge said...
Brilliant leadership!
They have innovative ideas such as terminating the humble farmer (rather than issuing a disclaimer)who cost them almost nothing for 30 years ($35 a week for 3 years)alienating the many contributors who listened to his show for many years and costing thousands in contributions. Sixty legislators (who decide how much money MPBN gets from the state) and the Secretary of State signed a petition protesting humble’s dismissal by Jim Dowe and Charles Beck but in their wisdumb Dowe and Beck did not relent! They knew they couldn't afford to fill that one hour slot for the egregious price of $35! It would just be....well..... wrong!
I'm sure the employees taking pay cuts or getting terminated are brimming with compliments for their brilliant leaders when they get home at the end of the day.
David Spahr
Washington, Maine
December 26, 2008 4:58 PM
kilgorestudge said...
Brilliant leadership!
They have innovative ideas such as terminating the humble farmer (rather than issuing a disclaimer)who cost them almost nothing for 30 years ($35 a week for 3 years)alienating the many contributors who listened to his show for many years and costing thousands in contributions. Sixty legislators (who decide how much money MPBN gets from the state) and the Secretary of State signed a petition protesting humble’s dismissal by Jim Dowe and Charles Beck but in their wisdumb Dowe and Beck did not relent! They knew they couldn't afford to fill that one hour slot for the egregious price of $35! It would just be....well..... wrong!
I'm sure the employees taking pay cuts or getting terminated are brimming with compliments for their brilliant leaders when they get home at the end of the day.
David Spahr
Washington, Maine
December 26, 2008 4:59 PM
Anonymous said...
Personally when they gave Humble Farmer the business, wanted him to sign the equivalent of a loyalty oath and restricted his right to free speech that was the final straw for me. I stopped contributing at that point. He is a Maine icon and to think he did that all those years for little money.
Public has gone more and more conservative and the programming now is really annoying. I am a Brit Comedy fan and the times got changed and then they have had infomercials on for two saturday nights in a row. That did it. I decided that public tv did not need me. I was willing to contribute for those two things on tv and radio. So I have bought the Brit comedies so I can watch them any time I please and not be disappointed.
Another thing that really gets to me is the constant interruptions for weather warnings right at the important parts of the shows. The idea of public serving as the emergency station is kind of ridiculous. WHen we had the ice storm or any storm they are off the air first. There was a little radio station in Bangor that stayed on 24 hrs through the ice storm. They were wonderful.
I hate to see public broadcasting go but the way it is going perhaps it is time. I used to be a constant listener to public radio. I had it on 24 hours a day because I love classical music. Now they feel they have to be everything to everybody and they aren't doing most of it well. Perhaps it is time for an overhaul and some new management.
December 26, 2008 5:19 PM
Anonymous said...
MPBN has lost contributions since their brutal treatment of Robert Skoglund, who broadcast for 25 years as The Humble Farmer. They attempted blatant censorship and forced him from the air, leading in part to a petition from the Legislature with 80 signatures protesting the station's tactics. In claiming only expenses as a reason for cuts, the station is being thoroughly dishonest about its situation and policies. If this is "public" broadcasting, the media are in a sad - and self-deceptive - state.
December 26, 2008 5:23 PM
Greg McCullough said...
I am one of hundreds, I am sure, who has stopped donating to MPBN in response to its censorship of the Humble Farmer. We will not resume our financial support until the Humble Farmer returns without censorship. When will MPBN acknowledge that this protest is a principal reason if not the sole reason for its financial difficulties?
-Greg McCullough, attorney,
Sanford, Maine
December 26, 2008 5:40 PM
Anonymous said...
The economy is a convenient excuse for the execution of plans long in place. MPBN has been systematically pursuing the desertion of Eastern Maine for some time. Moving TV production and radio control out of Bangor to southern Maine, building a digital TV station to replace channel 12 in Bangor that has a directional pattern aimed south so it doesn't even reliably serve its city of license Orono, all these show the lack of commitment to serve ALL of Maine. I imagine they miss the revenue that was lost from eliminating long-time popular programming like The Humble Farmer. Say, what company actually owns the TV tower in Dixmont that was paid for by a government grant to MPBN? Perhaps someone should look into that.
December 26, 2008 5:51 PM
r.w.hannemann said...
Might the drop in donations be related to censoring the humble farmer off the air? It stopped mine.
December 26, 2008 6:38 PM
Bill said...
I suggest that you could help MPBN out of the current financial morass by bringing back The humble Farmer. His loyal listeners contributed significant $$$ but they don't no more. You could just quietly re-instate him and we wouldn't even make a crow pie for your lunch
December 26, 2008 7:00 PM
Anonymous said...
If Jim Dowe and Charles Beck do not have enough money to run MPBN they should reconsider their dismissal of Robert Skogland and his Humble Farmer music show rather than shutting down facilities and cutting off service to listeners.
I know for a fact, from my own personal experience, that they do not have $190. of my money (two year's contributions) because of this single unreasonable action on their part. There are many many others in Maine who feel the same, including sixty state legislators who vote on funding for MPBN.
Only Dowe and Beck know in their own hearts why they dismissed Mr. Skogland, but it appears to me that it was without logical reasonable explanation and that it seems to me they are in the business of slowly turning down the volume on open public radio here in the good State of Maine. Will anyone notice what is happening before the volume on free speech is all the way down to "off?"
John Leeke
Portland, Maine
December 26, 2008 7:19 PM
john said...
If Jim Dowe and Charles Beck do not have enough money to run MPBN they should reconsider their dismissal of Robert Skogland and his Humble Farmer music show rather than shutting down facilities and cutting off service to listeners.
I know for a fact, from my own personal experience, that they do not have $190. of my money (two year's contributions) because of this single unreasonable action on their part. There are many many others in Maine who feel the same, including sixty state legislators who vote on funding for MPBN.
Only Dowe and Beck know in their own hearts why they dismissed Mr. Skogland, but it appears to me that it was without logical reasonable explanation and that it seems to me they are in the business of slowly turning down the volume on open public radio here in the good State of Maine. Will anyone notice what is happening before the volume on free speech is all the way down to "off?"
John Leeke
Portland, Maine
December 26, 2008 7:19 PM
Jeff said...
Granted that Maine public broadcasting is facing a severe budget crisis, is cutting off the signal in part of the state an appropriate response? I say no, that it is a betrayal of the public trust to do so. Probably they hope that the state legislature will help, but that is unlikely for two reasons: (1) the drastic budget cuts the state legislature must enact because of the recession will prevent them from giving more to Maine public broadcasting, and (2) resentment that the legislators feel, both personally and after hearing from constituents, over Maine public radio's firing, last year, of a state treasure, humorist Robert Skoglund, aka The humble Farmer, which also cost them a tremendous amount of dollars in individual contributions from people who refused to renew membership because Skoglund's radio program and Maine humor had been taken away from them. Instead, I believe that Maine public broadcasting should cut back strongly in the area of public television, which is expensive, and where they do not compete well. They should restore the radio signal, where they do reach a wide audience. If they keep the stations off in Washington and Aroostook Counties, can they expect any more listener and business contributions from these areas? They are "cutting off their nose to spite their face." Reinstate The humble Farmer, turn the radio stations back on, and cut back on the tv programming to save money.
December 26, 2008 7:27 PM
Anonymous said...
I have diverted my funds for public radio to WMPG. This is a direct result of the censorship of Robert Skoglund aka the humble farmer. I know I'm not alone. I feel badly for the people who have now lost their jobs because of this (indirectly). I hope that either NH public Radio or someone like minded can find room for these people on their staff.
December 26, 2008 8:22 PM
Anonymous said...
Very interesting. Has MPBN considered how much money it would have in pledges if they had not cancelled The Humble Farmer? I for one have not pledged since and will not again until he is back on the air. Thankfully I can pledge to New Hampshire Public Radio who appreciates my donation.
December 26, 2008 9:00 PM
Anonymous said...
I stopped giving money to MPBN due to their lack of stewardship of their user community. The process by which they excised the Humble Farmer from the lineup & lack of response to community concerns was the last straw. In this day of multi-channel distribution, I choose to give money to the stations that produce the programming I enjoy: WBUR, WBEZ, etc. rather than feeble local networks.
December 26, 2008 10:05 PM
Ron Huber said...
Maine Public Broadcasting has made several poor choices over the past few years, that have contributed to their now-shaky fiscal situation.
Chief among these was the decision in June 2007 to terminate the immensely popular weekly comedy and jazz show "The Humble Farmer" after 28 years at the station, for show producer/comedian Robert Skoglund's refusal to end his occasional satirical pieces about the president's decision to invade Iraq, said satire being apparently offensive to President George W Bush, whose family has a home in Maine.
Maine Public Broadcasting Network could easily restore about $200,000 yearly to their coffers by bringing Skoglund back on air. This sum is based on the number of listeners and sponsors who left following his dismissal and would almost certainly return if he does.
-RH
December 26, 2008 11:10 PM
Anonymous said...
I think it is pretty obvious the MPBN is being incompetently run. It can't make up its mind what it wants to be and has deteriorated into a hobby for overpaid commercial network wannabees. It's pretty obvious they don't care much for the "public" in their name (just their wallets).
I think the best thing would be for MPBN to shut down completely, get rid of the rotten management, and start over building a real public radio network like they have in the rest of New England.
December 27, 2008 1:30 AM
Rick Alexander said...
I'm sure revenue is down in this economy...which necessitates some hard choices, like MPBN is considering.
But it is worth considering that MPBN revenue decreased ~$175,000 following pulling a statewide, very popular personality off the air about 18 months ago for an opinion that was really much less controversial than many other regular commentators.
I will continue to be a donating member but a very suspicious one.
Rick Alexander
December 27, 2008 10:36 AM
Anonymous said...
I will never give another dime to MPBN radio or tv until you put The humble farmer back on the air.
The person(s) who kicked him off the air do not know the maine people and should either resign or be disnissed because they blew this one big time.
December 27, 2008 11:04 AM
Anonymous said...
no humble - no money from me
December 27, 2008 11:05 AM
Anonymous said...
There are plenty of ways to cut costs without cutting off listeners. Service to all, limited if necessary, is MPBN's real mandate and must be held inviolable.
December 27, 2008 11:15 AM
Anonymous said...
The most popular program, at least for me, was the humble Farmer with his unique mix of humor/satire and excellent vintage jazz. This was the reason I became a subcriber to MPBN several years ago. When humble was ousted, I left. 'Nuff said.
December 27, 2008 3:01 PM
editor said...
I second some of the above recommendations. Cut the salaries of the people at the top. And keep serving all of Maine.
December 27, 2008 6:12 PM
Jack Scotland said...
I like huMble
I like Tea
I like MPBN
But it doesn't like me
MPBN shut of huMble
MPBN stifled free speech
MPBN cries money wolf
And expects me for my wallet to reach
I like huMble
I like Tea
I like MPBN
But it doesn't like me
Graham in Portland, Maine
December 27, 2008 8:53 PM
Anonymous said...
Maine Public Broadcasting made a huge mistake when they tried to strangle Humble Farmer. From the Live Free and Die State...I never never listen to MPB now...just on damn principle! That was just hugely wrong!
Apologize nationally and then follow up with a donation week hosted by Humble. You will see a huge increase in contributions.
December 27, 2008 9:15 PM
Anonymous said...
I disagree with nost here. Humble Farmer did a good job of presenting jazz but his comment and "Rants" are inane and boring. Why was he the only one not to sign the agreement on show format? It was not censorship.
December 27, 2008 9:29 PM
canoeman said...
I was disgusted the way the Humble Farmer was treated by the management at MPBN. Not only does he deserve an apology, but his show should be reinstated with back pay!. My membership in MPBN will cease till he is back.
The management at MPBN has successfully taken the PUBLIC out of PUBLIC radio. Shame on YOU!
If the Prairie Home Companion is next to be axed, I will stop listening altogether.
Bill Miller, Nictau, NB
December 27, 2008 9:48 PM
Jim said...
MPBN seems to be living in the past. Too much staff, not enough streamlining of operations. I don't understand why they continue to purchase increasing amounts of expensive content from elsewhere, and then try to save money by turning off towers and stations in northern Maine, loosing any support and contributions there. I think the audience base would be perfectly happy to have more repeats of some content (like how Car Talk and Praire Home are repeated), especially if it meant that with the savings (from not buying so many unique programs) they could keep the other stations on the air. Really, not everyone watches or listens to MPBN for 30 or 50 hours a week. I would actually argue that repeats in the schedule would actually be an improvement for many folks, making it easier to catch your favorite shows. I do watch and listen to some programming each week, probably less than 8 hours in total. But much of what I want is available via podcasts.
MPBN needs to cut their staff further (unfortunately) and reduce the number of studios, offices, and production locations. They probably should be outsourcing some of their engineering and technical operations, if they can be done for less expense that way. Keep the quality news organization, but streamline the hours of manned operations everywhere. In essence, act like every competitive organization has to act in the 21st century. Oh, and actually listening to their "customers" might be a good start.
I used to support MPBN both personally and corporately, but I have not in several years, and I will not again until the current management changes.
December 27, 2008 10:08 PM
Anonymous said...
My wife and I were big supporters of MPBN until the gagging and firing of humble.
MPBN has lost many hundreds in donations from us for this reason alone.
Apparently MPBN does not care what it's donors and supporters think, regardless of the lip service they give,
Bring back humble, or no dollars for you!
Duncan Potter
Cape Elizabeth
December 27, 2008 11:13 PM
Anonymous said...
Maine Public radio bears the imprint of the personalities who control its programming, Beck and Dowe, and the result is not attractive. The network is increasingly run as a private club by those who control it, and God help the on-air staff who might dare to poke fun at the fading political party that has so thoroughly damaged America.
Sadly, MPBN radio has become least of all about Maine. The shameful hounding off the air visited on veteran broadcaster Robert Skoglund was one more step in removing what interests Maine people from MPBN's airwaves. Heaven forbid that we should have a genuine Maine humorist on the air when we can fill the airtime with more NPR fluff. Skoglund was, of course, forced out for refusing to sign what amounted to a "confession," such as the East German STASI used to demand of those it threatened to silence.
As MPBN's programming has pathetically narrowed,its loud announcements of self-congratulation have grown more numerous. I stopped contributing the day the Humble Farmer was made to leave, and I have also removed a very substantial planned bequest to MPBN from my will.
MPBN's Board, apparently an arm of the Maine Republican Party, remains silent and allows Beck and Dowe to proceed with the damage.
December 27, 2008 11:30 PM
Martin McIntosh said...
When I took the time to write a letter to MPBN to share my concerns for the sacking of the Hunble Farmer I got an arrogant form letter in return. Beck and Morin were nothing but hypocritical in their defense of their actions. That did it for me--my company no longer sponsors MPBN. Instead we're sending our money to WERU, where at least if we don't agree with what is being said we can simply turn it off. When the facists at MPBN go and Humble is allowed back on the air without having to sign some sort of ridiculous pledege to behave I'll open up my pocketbook again.
December 27, 2008 11:45 PM
rodporte said...
I have a friend who has been a regular contributor to MPBN over the years. She sent in money every year even though she was mainly here as a summer resident. When she heard that the humble farmer was fired she asked me to contact the station for her. I was treated very dismissively by the station. They rather obviously valued neither my opinion nor that of my friend. I was a very irregular contributor while my friend represented a good steady amount of money each year. I started listening to other stations over the Internet. My friend stopped sending money to MPBN radio and was more selective about supporting the TV station. I became a member of WERU,one of our state's alternatives to MPBN. Even now, when MPBN needs money they do not ask for or offer to respect our opinion. They make excuses, but they don't ask what they can do to get more listeners to contribute money again.
December 28, 2008 12:47 AM
Anonymous said...
Has MPBN considered how much money it would have in pledges if they had not cancelled The Humble Farmer? I have not pledged since and will not again until he is back on the air.
When I told them I canceled because they canceled The humble Farmer they did not care. I don't think they had any idea of the financial impact of the firing of humble.
I am sorry for the folks losing their jobs and will again support MPBN as soon as humble is back on the air.
Tom Falciglia
Harpswell,ME
Bonita Springs, FL
December 28, 2008 5:47 AM
LFNeilson said...
No humble, no money. It's that simple.
Larz Neilson
East Boothbay
December 28, 2008 7:37 AM
A Native Mainer said...
I am appalled at the way the Maine Public Broadcasting Network has treated one of its most popular, and exceptionally creative, freelance radio-show hosts, Robert Skoglund (affectionately known as the Humble Farmer). I have been following the disturbing saga of the censorship of his wonderful show for months and still cannot believe that MPBN's administrators would show such poor judgment.
While I realize that MPBN is not WERU, I have always believed it was a far more enlightened and progressive source of news and commentary than most other national broadcast outlets. What has happened to Humble has convinced me that I was sadly mistaken.
To make matters even worse, as I was astonished to learn from a recent article in Harper's magazine, the News Hour with Jim Lehrer prohibits its commentators from using the word "torture" with reference to the Bush administration's interrogation policies. In other words, if one wishes to appear on that show, one must accept a preemptive muzzling.
It begins to seem, alas, that something is rotten at the core of "public" broadcasting.
December 28, 2008 7:53 AM
Vicky Fimiani said...
MPBN has lost my $$contribution due to the dismissal of Humble Farmer. I have to snicker when during their pleas for contributions they gush about how they offer "opinions that you may not otherwise hear". They say their station is a platform for discussion. I am a registered democrat, but consider myself a libertarian. I was never offended by Humble's rants about George Bush (even though I voted for him) I really miss his show. I loved to do some late night baking while listening to him. I now have to question everything I hear on NPR (is this person too being censored?) What a bummer
December 28, 2008 8:16 AM
Brad from Bayside said...
I used to donate to the auction at MPBN every year, but have switched my support to WERU when MPBN dumped The Humble Farmer. His crime; he didn't approve of the Bush administration! Beck is cut from the same cloth as Bush and Cheney and can go wherever they go when they die.
Beck, be sure to post these comments on your resume.
Brad Williams of Bayside Maine
December 28, 2008 9:05 AM
Keith F said...
It appears that the corporations and thin-skinned individuals who were supposedly protected by MPBN's decision to censor the humble Farmer's humor are not stepping up with funds. Perhaps in the next year when it becomes popular and acceptable to comment on the fecklessness of the past president and administration, MPBN will be able to invite the humble Farmer back without losing face.
December 28, 2008 9:10 AM
Peggy Gannon said...
I see a lot of angry people here, and I'm another. I have told Charles Beck multiple times, in person and electronically, that my wallet remains closed until Karl Skoglund, the humble Farmer, is restored. Biffing off Skoglund was more than an attack on free speech: it was intimidation, nothing less. "Sign your oath of allegiance to our politics, or your career in Maine Public Radio is over." Those who signed had much at stake; Skoglund, at $30/week (and that only for the last year or so -- look at the years they got out of him for free!) -- could afford to thumb his nose at their attempts to silence him.
I've been a listener for about 30 years, and a member for many of them. I've witnessed public radio's downward slide. Remember Morning Pro Musica? Afternoon music spots? Brilliant educational pubic affairs hours? Now we have foisted on us "Speaking in Maine" and tedious recycled call-in shows. If talk radio was what I wanted, I know where to go for that. I valued my pubic radio station for its former thoughtful programming.
Skoglund could be re-scheduled for $30/week. Like your fundraising pleas say, that's less than management spends at Starbucks. I keep reading estimates of the $180 k/year you'd pick up by bringing him back. Not a bad trade.
Of course it was never about the money anyway.
Peggy Gannon
Palmyra, Maine
December 28, 2008 10:12 AM
Matt Power said...
I'm yet another former listener who abandoned MPBN when in the past few years they quite clearly decided to embrace right-wing corporatism. Instead of asking hard questions about disastrous "trickle down" politics coming out of Washington, they gave the neocons an even bigger radio megaphone than they already had on talk radio--and threw away what little honest content they had left. Charles Beck's decision to force the Humble Farmer off the air was not just arrogant but supremely idiotic--he's probably thrown himself out of a job. Why is it that the most incompetent people seem to be the last ones to go?
December 28, 2008 10:18 AM
Doug said...
I support MPBN Radio because I like much of the programming. (There isn't much worth listening to on commercial radio in Maine.) That having been said, however, I agree with my fellow-bloggers: the way MPBN is run leaves much to be desired. Interesting, isn't it, that several years ago historically upper-crust Camden got its own MPBN station --- which it didn't need, as the Orono and Portland stations come in loud and clear there --- while we in west central Maine, one of the poorer areas of the state, continue to struggle with a lousy signal. I can barely receive MPBN in my car (which has a very good radio), and wouldn't be able to at home if it weren't for the internet and my radio being hooked up to the TV cable. I've complained numerous times; the response has always been "We're working on that." Yeah, right. MPBN operates in much the same way as many Maine state services operate: on the supposition that there are "two Maines." The regions of the state that are able to provide the greatest budgetary support get the perks. The rest don't.
As for my friend the humble Farmer, his treatment was duplicitous and shoddy. MPBN has, it would seem, a double standard. Garrison Keillor can remain on the air despite his blatant jibes at George Bush; Robert Skoglund, on the other hand, got slapped with a gag order because of mere inferences. But then, Keillor is NATIONALLY popular and MPBN wouldn't want to lose him . . .
December 28, 2008 10:30 AM
Anonymous said...
MPBN actually compares well with sister systems elsewhere in the country, contrary to what has been alleged here. However, MPBN is too insular for its own good and, as always, organizational leadership ignores membership at its own peril. It is high time that at least some of MPBN's Board Members be elected directly by membership vote. The Board has become monochromatic and, unbelievably, no Board Member resumes are available online. Jim Dowe, still a relative new-comer, could distinguish himself by pushing for much needed reforms but to do so he will have to take on the very people who were counting on him to not rock their boat.
December 28, 2008 1:43 PM
Susan and John Gold said...
We would like to support our state's public radio station, but we had to withdraw our pledge after MPBN showed its disdain for free speech and viewers' opinions by axing the humble Farmer's show. Instead, we send our contributions to other charities that have earned our trust. As a young teenager, our son developed his love for jazz listening to humble's show and gave his first contribution to MPBN when he was 15 to show his appreciation for the program. Bring back humble and we will rejoin as members.
Susan and John Gold, Biddeford, ME
December 28, 2008 1:50 PM
Anonymous said...
Dismissing a commentator for his opinion on a publicly funded media is a despicable action, unworthy of the values of this community. MPBN is a fraud.
December 28, 2008 4:42 PM
Robin from Maine said...
I am another long-time member who stopped contributing because of the Humble Farmer. I put up with the homogenization of programming, the increasing fluff on the national news programs, and the intrusion of PBS into Airplay. The recent 2008 retrospective=pledge drive would have been more convincing if they had had Bob Edwards on rather than touting Steve Insipid and Renee Monotonous, but the disgraceful termination of Humble was the last straw, and squarely down to Maine Public Radio, rather than NPR.
December 28, 2008 6:19 PM
Is your letter on this web page?
PRPD News for Programmers
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2008
Maine Public Broadcasting Cuts People & Salaries
The Maine Public Broadcasting Network today announced it was laying off eight people -- 7 percent of the staff -- and asking employees at all levels to take temporary pay cuts. Network President Jim Dowe -- who had his pay cut by 20 percent -- blamed the cuts on the sagging economy and the state's failure to fully fund the network, according to a news release posted on MPBN's Web site.
MPBN is also shutting down a television transmitter in Calais for six months, and radio transmitters in Calais and Fort Kent.
The reduction in salaries are to last through the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Three executives besides Dowe will lose 15 percent of their paychecks, while most other senior managers will have their salaries cut 10 percent. Pending approval by the union membership, the rest of the staff will see their pay cut by 5 percent.
MPBN is also suspending contributions to employees’ retirement plans.
MPBN Vice President David Morse says some financial problems date back to 1992 when the network was formed. He says the state agreed to pay for the network's construction and operation. But, while costs have gone up, the state's contribution has declined slightly, leaving MPBN to cover a $1.3 million annual shortfall, according to Morse.
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Posted by Hollis at 1:57 PM
Labels: Maine Public Broadcasting, Personnel
52 comments:
Bill Miller said...
MPBN is one of the very worst run public radio stations I have ever heard...it consistantly ignores the very people who support it. The Humble Farmer being fired for not signing a gag order is but one example...shameful. I would glady send money (as I know quite a few people would) if Beck gets the axe and Humble gets an apology. Until then...I guess I ll listen to radio on the internet. Good luck to Beck at Fox !
December 26, 2008 4:05 PM
Anonymous said...
MPBN lost $180,000 dollars when they censorsed their home grown humorist off the air. Put him back and the station won;t need to lay off or turn off anybody. I'll never give them a penny until he's back and I am one of many.
Olga Skorapa, PhD
Kennebunk, ME
December 26, 2008 4:10 PM
Gareth said...
I dropped my membership because of the shameful way that long time Jazz host, Robert Skoglund (The Humble Famer)was treated.
If Charles Beck issues an apology, I'll rejoin.
December 26, 2008 4:15 PM
Gareth said...
I dropped my membership because of the despicable way the "Humble Farmer" issue was handled.
If Charles Beck apologises to obert Skogland, I'd be glad to rejoin.
December 26, 2008 4:17 PM
Chris said...
How about this?
More Jazz! Bring back Humble Farmer!...maybe you'll get more money from US the people, who you say you are there for!
December 26, 2008 4:33 PM
arthurharvey said...
I often appreciate Maine Public Radio, but have not contributed since the Humble Farmer was kicked off, and for such flimsy reasons.
After Humble is restored, I will look kindly on your financial needs.
December 26, 2008 4:38 PM
hermit said...
This goes to illustrate just how corrupted MPBN has become. Imagine it ! - their top administrators are paid well in excess of $100,000 each and their assistants and their other assistants all highly paid individuals who don't produce nor present anything ! They have several fund raising weeks (beggarthons) every year just to raise money to cover their own salaries for that year. Now, they want to CUT access to PUBLIC media to the most needy. I say fire all of the brass who aren't actually in the production or presentation of programming and use the money to purchase even more quality programs.
Why,MPBN don't even list the income they get from ads placed by outfits who want to clean up their image after being reported for questionable practices in the news (i.e Plumb Creek, Archer Daniels etc etc).
Make the news then pay to sponsor the news and everything will look fine ! Not !
With broadband streams available from 1,000s of stations over the Internet - free, probably MPBN ought to reconsider their mean spirited, greedy and self serving maneuvers in these difficult times.
Time for a change !
December 26, 2008 4:41 PM
Anonymous said...
It's really too bad that mpbn was behind the political curve, bringing a right-wing agenda to a basically progressive state. Mpbn lost us as contributors when, among other transgressions, they fired the humble Farmer for speaking the truth. We won't be back.
December 26, 2008 4:48 PM
kilgorestudge said...
Brilliant leadership!
They have innovative ideas such as terminating the humble farmer (rather than issuing a disclaimer)who cost them almost nothing for 30 years ($35 a week for 3 years)alienating the many contributors who listened to his show for many years and costing thousands in contributions. Sixty legislators (who decide how much money MPBN gets from the state) and the Secretary of State signed a petition protesting humble’s dismissal by Jim Dowe and Charles Beck but in their wisdumb Dowe and Beck did not relent! They knew they couldn't afford to fill that one hour slot for the egregious price of $35! It would just be....well..... wrong!
I'm sure the employees taking pay cuts or getting terminated are brimming with compliments for their brilliant leaders when they get home at the end of the day.
David Spahr
Washington, Maine
December 26, 2008 4:58 PM
kilgorestudge said...
Brilliant leadership!
They have innovative ideas such as terminating the humble farmer (rather than issuing a disclaimer)who cost them almost nothing for 30 years ($35 a week for 3 years)alienating the many contributors who listened to his show for many years and costing thousands in contributions. Sixty legislators (who decide how much money MPBN gets from the state) and the Secretary of State signed a petition protesting humble’s dismissal by Jim Dowe and Charles Beck but in their wisdumb Dowe and Beck did not relent! They knew they couldn't afford to fill that one hour slot for the egregious price of $35! It would just be....well..... wrong!
I'm sure the employees taking pay cuts or getting terminated are brimming with compliments for their brilliant leaders when they get home at the end of the day.
David Spahr
Washington, Maine
December 26, 2008 4:59 PM
Anonymous said...
Personally when they gave Humble Farmer the business, wanted him to sign the equivalent of a loyalty oath and restricted his right to free speech that was the final straw for me. I stopped contributing at that point. He is a Maine icon and to think he did that all those years for little money.
Public has gone more and more conservative and the programming now is really annoying. I am a Brit Comedy fan and the times got changed and then they have had infomercials on for two saturday nights in a row. That did it. I decided that public tv did not need me. I was willing to contribute for those two things on tv and radio. So I have bought the Brit comedies so I can watch them any time I please and not be disappointed.
Another thing that really gets to me is the constant interruptions for weather warnings right at the important parts of the shows. The idea of public serving as the emergency station is kind of ridiculous. WHen we had the ice storm or any storm they are off the air first. There was a little radio station in Bangor that stayed on 24 hrs through the ice storm. They were wonderful.
I hate to see public broadcasting go but the way it is going perhaps it is time. I used to be a constant listener to public radio. I had it on 24 hours a day because I love classical music. Now they feel they have to be everything to everybody and they aren't doing most of it well. Perhaps it is time for an overhaul and some new management.
December 26, 2008 5:19 PM
Anonymous said...
MPBN has lost contributions since their brutal treatment of Robert Skoglund, who broadcast for 25 years as The Humble Farmer. They attempted blatant censorship and forced him from the air, leading in part to a petition from the Legislature with 80 signatures protesting the station's tactics. In claiming only expenses as a reason for cuts, the station is being thoroughly dishonest about its situation and policies. If this is "public" broadcasting, the media are in a sad - and self-deceptive - state.
December 26, 2008 5:23 PM
Greg McCullough said...
I am one of hundreds, I am sure, who has stopped donating to MPBN in response to its censorship of the Humble Farmer. We will not resume our financial support until the Humble Farmer returns without censorship. When will MPBN acknowledge that this protest is a principal reason if not the sole reason for its financial difficulties?
-Greg McCullough, attorney,
Sanford, Maine
December 26, 2008 5:40 PM
Anonymous said...
The economy is a convenient excuse for the execution of plans long in place. MPBN has been systematically pursuing the desertion of Eastern Maine for some time. Moving TV production and radio control out of Bangor to southern Maine, building a digital TV station to replace channel 12 in Bangor that has a directional pattern aimed south so it doesn't even reliably serve its city of license Orono, all these show the lack of commitment to serve ALL of Maine. I imagine they miss the revenue that was lost from eliminating long-time popular programming like The Humble Farmer. Say, what company actually owns the TV tower in Dixmont that was paid for by a government grant to MPBN? Perhaps someone should look into that.
December 26, 2008 5:51 PM
r.w.hannemann said...
Might the drop in donations be related to censoring the humble farmer off the air? It stopped mine.
December 26, 2008 6:38 PM
Bill said...
I suggest that you could help MPBN out of the current financial morass by bringing back The humble Farmer. His loyal listeners contributed significant $$$ but they don't no more. You could just quietly re-instate him and we wouldn't even make a crow pie for your lunch
December 26, 2008 7:00 PM
Anonymous said...
If Jim Dowe and Charles Beck do not have enough money to run MPBN they should reconsider their dismissal of Robert Skogland and his Humble Farmer music show rather than shutting down facilities and cutting off service to listeners.
I know for a fact, from my own personal experience, that they do not have $190. of my money (two year's contributions) because of this single unreasonable action on their part. There are many many others in Maine who feel the same, including sixty state legislators who vote on funding for MPBN.
Only Dowe and Beck know in their own hearts why they dismissed Mr. Skogland, but it appears to me that it was without logical reasonable explanation and that it seems to me they are in the business of slowly turning down the volume on open public radio here in the good State of Maine. Will anyone notice what is happening before the volume on free speech is all the way down to "off?"
John Leeke
Portland, Maine
December 26, 2008 7:19 PM
john said...
If Jim Dowe and Charles Beck do not have enough money to run MPBN they should reconsider their dismissal of Robert Skogland and his Humble Farmer music show rather than shutting down facilities and cutting off service to listeners.
I know for a fact, from my own personal experience, that they do not have $190. of my money (two year's contributions) because of this single unreasonable action on their part. There are many many others in Maine who feel the same, including sixty state legislators who vote on funding for MPBN.
Only Dowe and Beck know in their own hearts why they dismissed Mr. Skogland, but it appears to me that it was without logical reasonable explanation and that it seems to me they are in the business of slowly turning down the volume on open public radio here in the good State of Maine. Will anyone notice what is happening before the volume on free speech is all the way down to "off?"
John Leeke
Portland, Maine
December 26, 2008 7:19 PM
Jeff said...
Granted that Maine public broadcasting is facing a severe budget crisis, is cutting off the signal in part of the state an appropriate response? I say no, that it is a betrayal of the public trust to do so. Probably they hope that the state legislature will help, but that is unlikely for two reasons: (1) the drastic budget cuts the state legislature must enact because of the recession will prevent them from giving more to Maine public broadcasting, and (2) resentment that the legislators feel, both personally and after hearing from constituents, over Maine public radio's firing, last year, of a state treasure, humorist Robert Skoglund, aka The humble Farmer, which also cost them a tremendous amount of dollars in individual contributions from people who refused to renew membership because Skoglund's radio program and Maine humor had been taken away from them. Instead, I believe that Maine public broadcasting should cut back strongly in the area of public television, which is expensive, and where they do not compete well. They should restore the radio signal, where they do reach a wide audience. If they keep the stations off in Washington and Aroostook Counties, can they expect any more listener and business contributions from these areas? They are "cutting off their nose to spite their face." Reinstate The humble Farmer, turn the radio stations back on, and cut back on the tv programming to save money.
December 26, 2008 7:27 PM
Anonymous said...
I have diverted my funds for public radio to WMPG. This is a direct result of the censorship of Robert Skoglund aka the humble farmer. I know I'm not alone. I feel badly for the people who have now lost their jobs because of this (indirectly). I hope that either NH public Radio or someone like minded can find room for these people on their staff.
December 26, 2008 8:22 PM
Anonymous said...
Very interesting. Has MPBN considered how much money it would have in pledges if they had not cancelled The Humble Farmer? I for one have not pledged since and will not again until he is back on the air. Thankfully I can pledge to New Hampshire Public Radio who appreciates my donation.
December 26, 2008 9:00 PM
Anonymous said...
I stopped giving money to MPBN due to their lack of stewardship of their user community. The process by which they excised the Humble Farmer from the lineup & lack of response to community concerns was the last straw. In this day of multi-channel distribution, I choose to give money to the stations that produce the programming I enjoy: WBUR, WBEZ, etc. rather than feeble local networks.
December 26, 2008 10:05 PM
Ron Huber said...
Maine Public Broadcasting has made several poor choices over the past few years, that have contributed to their now-shaky fiscal situation.
Chief among these was the decision in June 2007 to terminate the immensely popular weekly comedy and jazz show "The Humble Farmer" after 28 years at the station, for show producer/comedian Robert Skoglund's refusal to end his occasional satirical pieces about the president's decision to invade Iraq, said satire being apparently offensive to President George W Bush, whose family has a home in Maine.
Maine Public Broadcasting Network could easily restore about $200,000 yearly to their coffers by bringing Skoglund back on air. This sum is based on the number of listeners and sponsors who left following his dismissal and would almost certainly return if he does.
-RH
December 26, 2008 11:10 PM
Anonymous said...
I think it is pretty obvious the MPBN is being incompetently run. It can't make up its mind what it wants to be and has deteriorated into a hobby for overpaid commercial network wannabees. It's pretty obvious they don't care much for the "public" in their name (just their wallets).
I think the best thing would be for MPBN to shut down completely, get rid of the rotten management, and start over building a real public radio network like they have in the rest of New England.
December 27, 2008 1:30 AM
Rick Alexander said...
I'm sure revenue is down in this economy...which necessitates some hard choices, like MPBN is considering.
But it is worth considering that MPBN revenue decreased ~$175,000 following pulling a statewide, very popular personality off the air about 18 months ago for an opinion that was really much less controversial than many other regular commentators.
I will continue to be a donating member but a very suspicious one.
Rick Alexander
December 27, 2008 10:36 AM
Anonymous said...
I will never give another dime to MPBN radio or tv until you put The humble farmer back on the air.
The person(s) who kicked him off the air do not know the maine people and should either resign or be disnissed because they blew this one big time.
December 27, 2008 11:04 AM
Anonymous said...
no humble - no money from me
December 27, 2008 11:05 AM
Anonymous said...
There are plenty of ways to cut costs without cutting off listeners. Service to all, limited if necessary, is MPBN's real mandate and must be held inviolable.
December 27, 2008 11:15 AM
Anonymous said...
The most popular program, at least for me, was the humble Farmer with his unique mix of humor/satire and excellent vintage jazz. This was the reason I became a subcriber to MPBN several years ago. When humble was ousted, I left. 'Nuff said.
December 27, 2008 3:01 PM
editor said...
I second some of the above recommendations. Cut the salaries of the people at the top. And keep serving all of Maine.
December 27, 2008 6:12 PM
Jack Scotland said...
I like huMble
I like Tea
I like MPBN
But it doesn't like me
MPBN shut of huMble
MPBN stifled free speech
MPBN cries money wolf
And expects me for my wallet to reach
I like huMble
I like Tea
I like MPBN
But it doesn't like me
Graham in Portland, Maine
December 27, 2008 8:53 PM
Anonymous said...
Maine Public Broadcasting made a huge mistake when they tried to strangle Humble Farmer. From the Live Free and Die State...I never never listen to MPB now...just on damn principle! That was just hugely wrong!
Apologize nationally and then follow up with a donation week hosted by Humble. You will see a huge increase in contributions.
December 27, 2008 9:15 PM
Anonymous said...
I disagree with nost here. Humble Farmer did a good job of presenting jazz but his comment and "Rants" are inane and boring. Why was he the only one not to sign the agreement on show format? It was not censorship.
December 27, 2008 9:29 PM
canoeman said...
I was disgusted the way the Humble Farmer was treated by the management at MPBN. Not only does he deserve an apology, but his show should be reinstated with back pay!. My membership in MPBN will cease till he is back.
The management at MPBN has successfully taken the PUBLIC out of PUBLIC radio. Shame on YOU!
If the Prairie Home Companion is next to be axed, I will stop listening altogether.
Bill Miller, Nictau, NB
December 27, 2008 9:48 PM
Jim said...
MPBN seems to be living in the past. Too much staff, not enough streamlining of operations. I don't understand why they continue to purchase increasing amounts of expensive content from elsewhere, and then try to save money by turning off towers and stations in northern Maine, loosing any support and contributions there. I think the audience base would be perfectly happy to have more repeats of some content (like how Car Talk and Praire Home are repeated), especially if it meant that with the savings (from not buying so many unique programs) they could keep the other stations on the air. Really, not everyone watches or listens to MPBN for 30 or 50 hours a week. I would actually argue that repeats in the schedule would actually be an improvement for many folks, making it easier to catch your favorite shows. I do watch and listen to some programming each week, probably less than 8 hours in total. But much of what I want is available via podcasts.
MPBN needs to cut their staff further (unfortunately) and reduce the number of studios, offices, and production locations. They probably should be outsourcing some of their engineering and technical operations, if they can be done for less expense that way. Keep the quality news organization, but streamline the hours of manned operations everywhere. In essence, act like every competitive organization has to act in the 21st century. Oh, and actually listening to their "customers" might be a good start.
I used to support MPBN both personally and corporately, but I have not in several years, and I will not again until the current management changes.
December 27, 2008 10:08 PM
Anonymous said...
My wife and I were big supporters of MPBN until the gagging and firing of humble.
MPBN has lost many hundreds in donations from us for this reason alone.
Apparently MPBN does not care what it's donors and supporters think, regardless of the lip service they give,
Bring back humble, or no dollars for you!
Duncan Potter
Cape Elizabeth
December 27, 2008 11:13 PM
Anonymous said...
Maine Public radio bears the imprint of the personalities who control its programming, Beck and Dowe, and the result is not attractive. The network is increasingly run as a private club by those who control it, and God help the on-air staff who might dare to poke fun at the fading political party that has so thoroughly damaged America.
Sadly, MPBN radio has become least of all about Maine. The shameful hounding off the air visited on veteran broadcaster Robert Skoglund was one more step in removing what interests Maine people from MPBN's airwaves. Heaven forbid that we should have a genuine Maine humorist on the air when we can fill the airtime with more NPR fluff. Skoglund was, of course, forced out for refusing to sign what amounted to a "confession," such as the East German STASI used to demand of those it threatened to silence.
As MPBN's programming has pathetically narrowed,its loud announcements of self-congratulation have grown more numerous. I stopped contributing the day the Humble Farmer was made to leave, and I have also removed a very substantial planned bequest to MPBN from my will.
MPBN's Board, apparently an arm of the Maine Republican Party, remains silent and allows Beck and Dowe to proceed with the damage.
December 27, 2008 11:30 PM
Martin McIntosh said...
When I took the time to write a letter to MPBN to share my concerns for the sacking of the Hunble Farmer I got an arrogant form letter in return. Beck and Morin were nothing but hypocritical in their defense of their actions. That did it for me--my company no longer sponsors MPBN. Instead we're sending our money to WERU, where at least if we don't agree with what is being said we can simply turn it off. When the facists at MPBN go and Humble is allowed back on the air without having to sign some sort of ridiculous pledege to behave I'll open up my pocketbook again.
December 27, 2008 11:45 PM
rodporte said...
I have a friend who has been a regular contributor to MPBN over the years. She sent in money every year even though she was mainly here as a summer resident. When she heard that the humble farmer was fired she asked me to contact the station for her. I was treated very dismissively by the station. They rather obviously valued neither my opinion nor that of my friend. I was a very irregular contributor while my friend represented a good steady amount of money each year. I started listening to other stations over the Internet. My friend stopped sending money to MPBN radio and was more selective about supporting the TV station. I became a member of WERU,one of our state's alternatives to MPBN. Even now, when MPBN needs money they do not ask for or offer to respect our opinion. They make excuses, but they don't ask what they can do to get more listeners to contribute money again.
December 28, 2008 12:47 AM
Anonymous said...
Has MPBN considered how much money it would have in pledges if they had not cancelled The Humble Farmer? I have not pledged since and will not again until he is back on the air.
When I told them I canceled because they canceled The humble Farmer they did not care. I don't think they had any idea of the financial impact of the firing of humble.
I am sorry for the folks losing their jobs and will again support MPBN as soon as humble is back on the air.
Tom Falciglia
Harpswell,ME
Bonita Springs, FL
December 28, 2008 5:47 AM
LFNeilson said...
No humble, no money. It's that simple.
Larz Neilson
East Boothbay
December 28, 2008 7:37 AM
A Native Mainer said...
I am appalled at the way the Maine Public Broadcasting Network has treated one of its most popular, and exceptionally creative, freelance radio-show hosts, Robert Skoglund (affectionately known as the Humble Farmer). I have been following the disturbing saga of the censorship of his wonderful show for months and still cannot believe that MPBN's administrators would show such poor judgment.
While I realize that MPBN is not WERU, I have always believed it was a far more enlightened and progressive source of news and commentary than most other national broadcast outlets. What has happened to Humble has convinced me that I was sadly mistaken.
To make matters even worse, as I was astonished to learn from a recent article in Harper's magazine, the News Hour with Jim Lehrer prohibits its commentators from using the word "torture" with reference to the Bush administration's interrogation policies. In other words, if one wishes to appear on that show, one must accept a preemptive muzzling.
It begins to seem, alas, that something is rotten at the core of "public" broadcasting.
December 28, 2008 7:53 AM
Vicky Fimiani said...
MPBN has lost my $$contribution due to the dismissal of Humble Farmer. I have to snicker when during their pleas for contributions they gush about how they offer "opinions that you may not otherwise hear". They say their station is a platform for discussion. I am a registered democrat, but consider myself a libertarian. I was never offended by Humble's rants about George Bush (even though I voted for him) I really miss his show. I loved to do some late night baking while listening to him. I now have to question everything I hear on NPR (is this person too being censored?) What a bummer
December 28, 2008 8:16 AM
Brad from Bayside said...
I used to donate to the auction at MPBN every year, but have switched my support to WERU when MPBN dumped The Humble Farmer. His crime; he didn't approve of the Bush administration! Beck is cut from the same cloth as Bush and Cheney and can go wherever they go when they die.
Beck, be sure to post these comments on your resume.
Brad Williams of Bayside Maine
December 28, 2008 9:05 AM
Keith F said...
It appears that the corporations and thin-skinned individuals who were supposedly protected by MPBN's decision to censor the humble Farmer's humor are not stepping up with funds. Perhaps in the next year when it becomes popular and acceptable to comment on the fecklessness of the past president and administration, MPBN will be able to invite the humble Farmer back without losing face.
December 28, 2008 9:10 AM
Peggy Gannon said...
I see a lot of angry people here, and I'm another. I have told Charles Beck multiple times, in person and electronically, that my wallet remains closed until Karl Skoglund, the humble Farmer, is restored. Biffing off Skoglund was more than an attack on free speech: it was intimidation, nothing less. "Sign your oath of allegiance to our politics, or your career in Maine Public Radio is over." Those who signed had much at stake; Skoglund, at $30/week (and that only for the last year or so -- look at the years they got out of him for free!) -- could afford to thumb his nose at their attempts to silence him.
I've been a listener for about 30 years, and a member for many of them. I've witnessed public radio's downward slide. Remember Morning Pro Musica? Afternoon music spots? Brilliant educational pubic affairs hours? Now we have foisted on us "Speaking in Maine" and tedious recycled call-in shows. If talk radio was what I wanted, I know where to go for that. I valued my pubic radio station for its former thoughtful programming.
Skoglund could be re-scheduled for $30/week. Like your fundraising pleas say, that's less than management spends at Starbucks. I keep reading estimates of the $180 k/year you'd pick up by bringing him back. Not a bad trade.
Of course it was never about the money anyway.
Peggy Gannon
Palmyra, Maine
December 28, 2008 10:12 AM
Matt Power said...
I'm yet another former listener who abandoned MPBN when in the past few years they quite clearly decided to embrace right-wing corporatism. Instead of asking hard questions about disastrous "trickle down" politics coming out of Washington, they gave the neocons an even bigger radio megaphone than they already had on talk radio--and threw away what little honest content they had left. Charles Beck's decision to force the Humble Farmer off the air was not just arrogant but supremely idiotic--he's probably thrown himself out of a job. Why is it that the most incompetent people seem to be the last ones to go?
December 28, 2008 10:18 AM
Doug said...
I support MPBN Radio because I like much of the programming. (There isn't much worth listening to on commercial radio in Maine.) That having been said, however, I agree with my fellow-bloggers: the way MPBN is run leaves much to be desired. Interesting, isn't it, that several years ago historically upper-crust Camden got its own MPBN station --- which it didn't need, as the Orono and Portland stations come in loud and clear there --- while we in west central Maine, one of the poorer areas of the state, continue to struggle with a lousy signal. I can barely receive MPBN in my car (which has a very good radio), and wouldn't be able to at home if it weren't for the internet and my radio being hooked up to the TV cable. I've complained numerous times; the response has always been "We're working on that." Yeah, right. MPBN operates in much the same way as many Maine state services operate: on the supposition that there are "two Maines." The regions of the state that are able to provide the greatest budgetary support get the perks. The rest don't.
As for my friend the humble Farmer, his treatment was duplicitous and shoddy. MPBN has, it would seem, a double standard. Garrison Keillor can remain on the air despite his blatant jibes at George Bush; Robert Skoglund, on the other hand, got slapped with a gag order because of mere inferences. But then, Keillor is NATIONALLY popular and MPBN wouldn't want to lose him . . .
December 28, 2008 10:30 AM
Anonymous said...
MPBN actually compares well with sister systems elsewhere in the country, contrary to what has been alleged here. However, MPBN is too insular for its own good and, as always, organizational leadership ignores membership at its own peril. It is high time that at least some of MPBN's Board Members be elected directly by membership vote. The Board has become monochromatic and, unbelievably, no Board Member resumes are available online. Jim Dowe, still a relative new-comer, could distinguish himself by pushing for much needed reforms but to do so he will have to take on the very people who were counting on him to not rock their boat.
December 28, 2008 1:43 PM
Susan and John Gold said...
We would like to support our state's public radio station, but we had to withdraw our pledge after MPBN showed its disdain for free speech and viewers' opinions by axing the humble Farmer's show. Instead, we send our contributions to other charities that have earned our trust. As a young teenager, our son developed his love for jazz listening to humble's show and gave his first contribution to MPBN when he was 15 to show his appreciation for the program. Bring back humble and we will rejoin as members.
Susan and John Gold, Biddeford, ME
December 28, 2008 1:50 PM
Anonymous said...
Dismissing a commentator for his opinion on a publicly funded media is a despicable action, unworthy of the values of this community. MPBN is a fraud.
December 28, 2008 4:42 PM
Robin from Maine said...
I am another long-time member who stopped contributing because of the Humble Farmer. I put up with the homogenization of programming, the increasing fluff on the national news programs, and the intrusion of PBS into Airplay. The recent 2008 retrospective=pledge drive would have been more convincing if they had had Bob Edwards on rather than touting Steve Insipid and Renee Monotonous, but the disgraceful termination of Humble was the last straw, and squarely down to Maine Public Radio, rather than NPR.
December 28, 2008 6:19 PM
posted by The humble Farmer at 5:07 AM
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