Controversy at Classical Radio

So, I opened my e-mail the other day and boy, did I get a tirade from longtime opera fan Eugene Saenger over WGUC's Christmas Eve programming. It seems WGUC-FM (90.9), our beloved all-classical, all-the-time radio station, is NOT broadcasting the world premiere of "An American Tragedy" at the Metropolitan Opera at 1:30 p.m. this Saturday, conducted by Cincinnati May Festival music director James Conlon.

WGUC.org says the Met broadcast that day won't take place here due to holiday programming (although other stations are airing the premiere).

"This is just an example of more of our cultural exclusion, not inclusion," says Saenger.

He says the station told him to listen to the live internet streaming from WQXR in New York.

"Which raises the question, why would I ever send another $$$ to WGUC when I can listen to WQXR?" Saenger poses.

Good point. Not to mention the sound quality off ones computer leaves something to be desired.

Saenger wants to know why WGUC doesn't air the opera on its other station, WVXU, which it purchased earlier this year, you recall, and which is now all talk radio.

"Why, with two bands of FM, can they not put this on the other station like WLW did in the past (to 550) when they had a Bengals game and a Reds game to broadcast at the same time on a Sunday, or when UC and XU both had basketball games at the same time? It's done all the time in radio."

Hmmm. Interesting point. Got answers? Let me know!!