Jazz pushed aside in Boston’s public radio wars

From the Boston Globe – 6/30/2012

Since Boston considers itself a brainy town, WGBH’s desire to be a champion in high-end talk is understandable. But its decision to cut the airtime of Jackson and Schwartz diminishes Boston’s prime-time jazz programming — and makes the airwaves less cosmopolitan relative to other big cities. Jazz, as trumpeter Wynton Marsalis said, “is music that really deals with what it means to be an American.” Thankfully, Eric Jackson is not completely disappearing from the airwaves. But in de-emphasizing jazz, WGBH diminished its soul.

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Jazz programming on WGBH-FM being scaled back, a blow to local jazz fans

To the consternation of loyal listeners, WGBH-FM (89.7) is dropping jazz programming on weeknights, moving longtime host Eric Jackson to weekend duties only, and eliminating Steve Schwartz’s Friday show.

The changes, some of which take effect July 2, come amid an expansion of National Public Radio programming on WGBH, including additional broadcasts of “Marketplace” and extending “Morning Edition” to four hours per weekday.

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• WGBH FM Boston Cuts Prestigious Jazz Programs featuring Eric Jackson and Steve Schwartz - PR Log