VPR Is Breaking
Its Promise

I just received Vermont Public Radio's fall newsletter and learned for the first time that as of Oct. 1 my wife and I will only be able to listen to VPR's classical programming if we can receive the signal for their classical station. We cannot.

When I called the station this afternoon Robin Turnau, VPR's vice presidnet for development, told me that roughly one third of the state is currently unable to receive the new classical station's signal.

I found that interesting because when I spoke with Jody Evans, VPR's Director of Programming, roughly a year ago on the same subject I was told that Vermont Public Radio would not make the switch until the entire state could receive the signal. When I probed further today I learned that VPR really has no idea when the rest of us will be able to tune in again.

Those of us non-receivers who have already called VPR are being told that we would be able to listen to VPR Classical on our computers, if we have a high speed Internet connection, or by buying a new HD radio.

I am one of the lucky ones in Vermont who does have DSL but I cannot imagine curling up with Peter Fox Smith or Robert Parker and my Dell. From what I have been able to learn, HD Radios will not produce the same quality audio signal as the traditional FM bandwidth. OK for the kitchen or the office but probably not up to the standards of a decent sound system.

So my suggestion, for all the rest of you about-to-be non-receivers, is that you remember VPR the next time that fund raising request comes in the mail - and write a check instead to Vermont Public Television, The Vermont Foodbank or any number of other very worthy causes. Send the VPR form back with the words: "Ask me again when I am able to receive your classical signal.". And for those of you who do decide to buy that HD radio, maybe you should deduct the cost of the radio from you next several gifts to VPR.

Lincoln G. Clark

Royalton