KBCS Launches New Weekly Schedule
This past Monday, KBCS 91.3 launched their slightly contested new programming schedule. The changes include the addition of several syndicated programs, including: the new weekly show by Michael Eric Dyson, noted cultural scholar and author based out of Baltimore; the Berkeley-based Hard Knock Radio which focuses on underground hip-hop and grassroots social movements; and The Takeaway, Public Radio International's new morning talk show that partners with, among others, the New York Times and BBC World Service.
The Caravan, a long-time weekly KBCS program hosted by John Gilbreath (the director of Earshot Jazz Festival), will expand to fill each weekday morning from 9 AM to noon; the station also adds a new program, The Outskirts, from noon to 3 PM. Sabrina Roach, KBCS' Development and Outreach Director, describes The Outskirts as a more contemporary mix of folk and Americana than the previous Lunch With Folks, with the inclusion of R&B and soul. The evening schedule and weekend schedule have not changed. You can view all of the new changes on their website.
It's worth noting that a cohort of KBCS volunteers and supporters have organized to rally against the changes that went into effect this week, arguing that the cancellation of volunteer-run programs such as Daily Planet and Drive Time Jazz "homogenizes" the station's perspectives. They have set up a website at savekbcs.org for fellow listeners to voice their opinions and petition against the changes.
4 comment(s)
david stoesz says:
Hmm, sounds like a move to become slightly more hip and professional=bad news indeed. The dorkiness of KBCS's programming is one of its really endearing qualities. We're choking on hip already. John Gilbreath is a good DJ, but this could be too much of a good thing.
Posted On: Saturday, Aug. 29 2009 @ 6:17PM
Robby Barnes says:
Until August 24, 2009 KBCS was a refuge from the Puget Sound region's radio equivalent of last week's oatmeal. Yes, I had my preferences and didn't listen to all their programming all the time, but it was refreshing just to know that, whatever the toxic influences of big-money foundations elsewhere, we could still count on one station--backed by endless hours put in by tireless volunteers--to provide essential diversity and listening choices.
I'm not sure where the KBCS management think they are going with their new, homogenized audience and experiments in non-democratic decision-making; but I hope those to whom listening diversity has meant something will make it know that stale oatmeal doesn't have to be our future. Save KBCS!
Robby Barnes
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 30 2009 @ 10:12AM
Name Withheld says:
It would be nice if you put this article in print. Many people still don't know about the protest site www.savekbcs.org - this is important because the station is planning more changes to the evening and weekend shows (news at the site). DJs are forbidden to speak about this.
Posted On: Saturday, Sep. 5 2009 @ 1:14PM
Name withheld says:
I don't necessarily agree with the new changes but listeners should remember that currently a lot of diversity studs the airwaves on KBCS 91.3 FM both in the music and behind the mic. This is not to defend what happened; the actions undercut the jazz and folk communities, long-time listeners and supporters of KBCS and the decisions were not transparent. Yet there is still much left to appreciate about the diverse programming at KBCS - provided by volunteers music lovers all. It's OUR world of music and ideas.
Posted On: Monday, Sep. 7 2009 @ 2:21PM