VPR Requests:
Bear with Us

As you have reported, Vermont Public Radio recently made changes to its programming in direct response to years of listener requests. VPR now provides an expanded line-up of news and information and entertainment. And classical music that had previously been on VPR is now exclusively on VPR Classical, an expanded network of stations that provides classical music 24 hours a day.

By offering two distinct services, VPR doubles the amount of time available to broadcast the programming listeners have been asking for—which means better public service to our region. However, this change to two distinct services left some listeners without access to the classical music on VPR. And all of us associated with the leadership of VPR, board and management alike, are very sorry that we’ve disappointed them.

For our classical music listeners, I want to assure you that expanding the availability of VPR Classical is a major priority for VPR. Unlike most public radio stations, which are abandoning classical music, Vermont Public Radio is adding classical programming and stations and is committed to building a statewide network. VPR launched two new classical stations this year and the station is applying to the FCC as new frequencies become available.

Please know that I am continuing to work on my own reception of VPR Classical, and I’m doing what VPR is asking many of its passionate classical listeners to do—try new ways to access VPR Classical even as the VPR staff and the board work hard to return classical to uncovered areas in the region through traditional radio frequencies.

Please consider how you might utilize high-quality streaming on the internet (vpr.net). And, you may find that if you try HD digital radio, you’ll never go back to traditional radio. If you receive any of VPR’s frequencies (89.5 FM out of Windsor, 88.7 FM out of Rutland, 107.9 FM out of Burlington), you can listen to VPR Classical on HD channel 2. There is information about HD digital radio on VPR’s Web site, vpr.net.

Vermont Public Radio prides itself on being an organization devoted to its public and our statewide community. Our programming changes have been years in the making, and we believe this change ultimately will best serve all of our audiences. Please give the new VPR a try and bear with us as we do our best to extend VPR Classical to the entire region.

Amy Hastings

Middlebury

Board Chair

Vermont Public Radio