Why am I feeling incredibly skeptical about this…?
Joan says:
Sad, Sad, Sad!!! We are left with one classical station that tends to repreat itself endlessly, or transferring our allegiance to WNED Buffalo radio in the GTA area. The ongoing profound discussions, ideas, and music are a thing of the past. I swear CBC will regret this as listeners migrate to other stations which are less confused at least.
Bob from Burnaby says:
“Download a full-size image suitable for printing.”
Someone have shares in a printer-ink company? That page is solid color. Please be nice to us cheap users, and use color outlines, not solid blocks, on schedules. They’re easier to read, too.
Emily G says:
“A mix of music you won’t hear anywhere else.”
And I wonder if there’s a good reason you won’t hear it anywhere else…
Randall says:
Better known as the plan to Kill Western European Culture
sidenote: In the Key of Charles…worst cbc radio program ever.
Kelly in Toronto says:
Just had to say a big thank you to Tom Allen for all the enjoyment he has brought to me on Music and Co.
With two young children to drop off in different areas of the city and rush hour traffic, Tom and his classical music selections added a gentle, interesting, educative and comic note to many a stressful morning: calming and civilized.
As a faithful listener, and a tax payer, I am disconcerted by the changes and the move away from classical music, and the important role CBC played in enhancing my access to and understanding of the genre. If something isn’t broken. … don’t try to fix it.
Jim Cressman says:
No more Studio Sparks; no more Disc Drive; no more Jim Cressman.
Adios CBC Radio 2.
RIP
I won’t comment further on the new Radio Two schedule at this time, but one thing I don’t understand is why the CBC in general doesn’t announce its seasonal programming farther in advance. If I didn’t read this blog, I would have had no clue about the summer schedule before it started. I have no clue what is changing on Radio One next week, outside of what I have read on this blog about the Q move to 10:00. What exactly is going to be on at 2 pm next Tuesday on Radio One?
I would like to have this information farther in advance. While I think the Radio Two situation actually has been decently handled from this perspective, could we not have had this schedule posted here on the MAIN web site at least some weeks ago?
I found it rather interesting how the staff of “Sounds Like Canada” managed to get in their voices into the introduction today and how they ended with Glass Tiger’s “Don’t Forget When I’m Gone”… it was a subtle way to say goodbye without doing so, and I give them a lot of style credit. Still, I rather wish they had been allowed to be less subtle.
Marjory L. Dacidson. says:
The new programming with its lack of culture and its total ignoring of faithful classical music listeners (not just “Golden Oldies” !!) makes me feel CBC
musical standards are heading on a downward spiral. The result, I believe , will be that CBC2, will
not only lose its classical music listeners but will lose listeners in general.. Believe me, by changing to the “general type of music” programmes instead of the former classical ones, CBC will not persuade , for one second, the masses who enjoy “light ” programmes..These music lovers will still adhere to the many other radio programmes to which they have always been faithful and they will not be encouraged for one second to switch to CBC2’s new programming Quality is what will retain (and add!!) listeners to CBC2 not lowering of standards. I shall continue to
be a listener for the next month in order to give the
new programming a chance and shall then write
another comment!!!
Marjory L. Davidson. says:
Please note that the comment starting
“The new programming with its lack of culture” etc. etc.
from Marjory L. Dacidson was actually from
Marjory L. Davidson (just a typing error!!) . My e-mail
is marjoryd@dccnet.com
Anna Babinska says:
Shame on the publicly funded CBC for dumbing-down CBC Radio 2 and eliminating the CBC Orchestra. I acquired my musical education (and that means ‘classical’) by listening to the CBC. Sadly, my granddaughters will no longer have the same opportunity. Here’s one listener who will no longer tune in.
Barbara Acheson Cooper says:
Please ‘fess up, CBC Radio2: Is Sephen Harper secretly behind this crazy cultural crackdown on classical music?
Jeannette Pyrch says:
So the philistines at CBC have won. How sad for all of us.
Adieu CBC.
Alexia says:
I’m puzzled at the obvious disdain new management at the CBC shows towards its most devoted listeners. How can a pubically-funded radio station turn its back on the public, in favour of some abstractly-conceived notion of “progress” and programming geared towards a “younger demographic”? Ironically, new management is proving to be out of touch!
I’m sorry to see all of the wonderful programs and hosts that I’ve grown up with leave but hopefully CBC will come to its sense eventually and something can be salvaged from this mess.
Honestly, the music they’re offering is available on lots of other stations. Modern music is exactly what we need less of on the airwaves.
And ‘Classical music to keep you company at work’? How many companies do you know that allow you to listen to the radio while working? To me, it’s just a way to effectively bury what classical music is left on Radio 2, ensuring that it won’t reach a large audience.
Congratulations CBC, you’ve just cut off another way for young people to hear and possibly learn to enjoy classical music. There’s a reason people my age think classical music is dusty and boring; there’s no exposure, no understanding how it’s influenced modern music.
For example, Dead Or Alive’s 1985 number one hit “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)”, borrowed from Wagner’s “Ride Of The Valkyries”.
Rea says:
Wow.
I was blissfully unaware of all the changes, until now.
Huge crushing blow!
The previous programs soothed my mind, soul, and spirit through may difficult days.
I used to think, “thank God for CBC 2″, when I would scan the radio and find just the same, same, same, same, same, same, same, same, boring, regurgitated, mind numbing noise.
You had some really fun and original programming there. Particularly with Disc Drive and Studio Sparks.
It was exciting to listen to see what unusual turn the programs would take. It was never the same from moment to moment, hour to hour, or day to day. Just really smart, diverse, entertaining sounds.
I guess it’s on to just CD’s and the i-pod now. I’ll have to make may own eclectic mixes.
Rea
David T. Brown says:
Today (the last day of Music and Company, Studio Sparks, and Disc Drive, among others) was a sad, sad day. I look at the pathetic mess our cherished Radio 2 has become, and remain incredulous and flabbergasted that a move so sweeping and so wrong-headed has actually transpired. The notion that a bunch of disparate and feeble musical constituencies can be stapled together in this fashion and magically generate a coherent audience is as surreal as it is laughable - except the outcome makes me feel a lot more like crying. And it’s at the expense of a core audience that was probably one of the most dedicated, proud and supportive in radio history. To dull my angst, I suppose I can now tune in to CBC TV and watch Wheel of Fortune, or learn more about American Presidents on Jeopardy. Bloody brilliant…
Jim Murray says:
I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. Should a public broadcaster limit itself to one genre of music? Should a public broadcaster ignore the musical tastes of a wider audience?
Shouldn’t a public radio service attempt to introduce new musical forms to its audience, and shouldn’t it also provide an outlet for a nation’s singers, songwriters and musicians? The private sector simply isn’t doing what Radio 2 is attempting, and never will. If we had a decent private sector we might have a variety of musical forms being presented on our “public” airwaves, but instead we have nothing but crap from the commercial radio outlets.
This is a new Radio Revolution, and the ultimate benefits will resonate with listeners for as long as did the first Revolution.
Quite frankly, as comfortable as I am with the old Radio 2, I’m looking forward to something different in the morning, and Tom Allen might be the right person to pull it off, if only he would speak more slowly. I think the new afternoon Drive might become as welcome in my life as the old (and woefully tired) Disc Drive. Already Tonic has become a regular nightly fixture in my household.
I remain unconvinced about “In the Key of Charles” and “The Signal”, but I will certainly reserve judgment on the new programming until I give it a chance.
Paul says:
I thank CBC management for recognising that in a country with only two terrestrial radio networks, you shouldn’t turn one of them almost entirely over to one musical genre. Now, whether they can actually execute the plan successfully is a separate issue from whether it was a good idea in the first place! I’m willing to give it a chance and realistically, there are bound to be hits and misses. Audience share can’t get much lower frankly. I mainly listened to Brave New Waves in the old days, so I suppose I’m bound to increase my hours on Radio 2. I did turn into Studio Sparks occasionally and I will miss that. I look forward to the day when all this radio stuff moves to digital and then we can finally get Radio 3 over the airwaves and maybe another dedicated network for all the Classical listeners.
Randall K says:
Jim Murray, your points are valid.
However, consider the passion and outcry these changes have inspired. New music is fine, no one is asking for it to be the same every day. But to change every single program from morning to night within a one-year period, most of which are happening on one day? Poor, poor judgment and a serious disconnect with Radio 2’s most loyal audience.
The voice of each and every host cracked and cried at the end of today’s programs. They seem as sad to go as we are to see them go.
It’s amazing how something so seemingly simple and insignificant as a radio program can make such an impact on a person’s daily routines, and have a great soothing effect when needed.
Shelley, Catherine, Erik, Jurgen, and Danielle: I will miss you all greatly. You have been loved very much, and your work has been so very much appreciated. Tom, I hope you can help redeem some of this mess with your new program.
Mike Heenan says:
Who is the bull who is smashing up the Radio2 china shop? Change from time to time is all very well and I have seen and welcomed many over the years but the slashing of “Studio Sparks”, “Here’s to You”, and Tom Allen’s morning show is insane. This was the best line up on CBC since I started listening many years ago. I will reserve judgement on the new stuff until I hear it but I suspect that my radio dial will find a new home!
Gail says:
Classical music isn’t “one genre.” Early music, chamber music, art songs, choral music, symphonies…
What CBC has said is that the new weekday morning and afternoon shows will play every possible genre of music - except “classical music” - as if to reassure the mythical young listener that their ears will not be sullied by contact with something that requires them to think.
It’s ghettoization of a whole range of musical genres.
The barbarians are running the institution.
Andrew Kantner says:
I have been a faithful CBC Radio 2/Stereo listener for over 40 years. While I’m no longer Toronto-based, I still often stream Radio 2 during the day while working away at my office in Washington DC. Losing programs like Studio Sparks (Eric Friesen is quite simply the best radio music presenter in North America), Sound Advice, and Disc Drive is a major blow. Even more distressing is the CBC’s curtailment of funding support for Canada’s young classical musicians, composers, and the CBC Radio Orchestra. Once the new Radio 2 format has crashed and those responsible sent packing, I hope the network will once again attract the resources and talent needed to restore its distinguished legacy. It will be a long road back (both for Radio 2 and Espace Musique), but I’m confident there is enough outrage across the land to make that wished-for “some other time” come to pass. .
Vancouver Guy says:
This is “multi-genre” and “multi-target-audience” programming and management strategy. Taken to a new height, I think.
We can trace this trend back to Radio 1 (CBC AM) back in the 70’s when we started losing specialty shows like “90 Minutes With a Bullet”, and going to broad genre entertainment shows.
Now we have programs like Tonic, which contains some fraction of great jazz, but mixed in with many other things, from pop covers to stylized R&B remakes.
By mixing so many genres and packing them into a single show, things get watered down, and people appreciate excellence and depth. Jazz and classical are the most obvious victims, because Radio 2 to some extent served the serious followers of these genres well.
Perhaps this is a “mini-max” risk strategy on the part of CBC senior management… Play it safe, be inclusive as possible by touching all genres, but packaging for broad audiences. In this way, CBC management can always defend their actions by pointing to the “inclusiveness”, w.r.t. both music genre *and* audience demographics.
Maayan Kreitzman says:
I have nothing against “eclectic mixes” of things, singer songwriters, and independant music. In fact I very much enjoy them. That’s why I tune into CBC radio 3.
Radio 2 turining its back on classical music makes so little sense. Instead of establishing another FM channel for various genres, CBC is instead diluting radio 2 into an incoherent mashup that few of its core audience will tolerate. Whether such a risky move will pay off by attracting swaths of new listeners is doubful. One thing that’s certain is our cultural loss when children will no longer hear classical music on the free airwaves.
On Friday, April 11 I was at a demonstration at the CBC building in Vancouver, joining hundreds of others in support of classical music at CBC, and the Radio CBC Orchestra. (Similar demos took place across the country, from Victoria to St. John’s.) There were all kinds of luminaries in attendance: Judith Forst, Jon Washburn, Linda Lee Thomas, many other musicians, and composers, high-profile members of the arts community, and also many devoted listeners. Someone had a sign that read, “Classical music is NOT elitist!”
Later that day I was listening to Eric Friesen’s interview with the wonderful Anne-Sophie Mutter on Studio Sparks, another of the many fine programs now gone forever. This remarkable artist said exactly the same thing as the person carrying the sign: that classical music (a complete misnomer, but the best term we seen to have at the moment) gives us everything we need in terms of spiritual and aesthetic nourishment, that it’s “soul food,” but that it’s also sexy! I sincerely wish that Ms Mutter’s opinions could have formed some part of the argument about the fate of Radio Two, and the CBC Radio Orchestra!
I believe that the “changes” that have been proposed to Radio Two amount to nothing less than the destruction of a great network. I would like to draw your attention to recent cogent and well-written articles in The Globe and Mail by Russell Smith and Jeffrey Simpson which say essentially the same thing: that which has taken decades to build up ought not to be wiped away in the interests trying to “broaden” the CBC’s audience.
One of the many crackbrained decisions that has been taken would condemn Classical music to a 10 am to 3 pm slot, when, as someone said today, children will not be able to listen to it! What about all the children and young people in this country who are passionately engaged in learning how to play “Classical” music on any given orchestral instrument? Where will they get the inspiration and example they need to pursue their dreams? or simply to play as well as they can, reaping all the well-recognized benefits such activity bestows? These Canadian children growing up today, from any number of ethnic backgrounds, are the CBC’s future audience? What is being done to include them?!
I further believe that the CBC is making a grave mistake in dismantling the Radio Orchestra. Let’s remind ourselves how this wonderful Canadian ensemble has been an extremely vital and productive force in the service of Canadian musicians, performers, of new and experimental ideas in composition and of the CBC Radio audiences in all the provinces of our country, as well as internationally.
The issues related to the CBC Radio Orchestra ought to have been part of a public debate, a discourse open to all the productive forces who have been contributing to the relevant work that the CBC Radio Orchestra has been producing, supporting and presenting in the last seventy years. The CBC Radio Orchestra fosters musical dialogue and exchange of ideas and has been extremely important in making contemporary music practices a vital part of Canada’s cultural life. The CBC Radio Orchestra is and represents something more than just an orchestral ensemble; it embodies that desire of exploration that is lacking in many national and international orchestral ensembles. It embodies and fosters the desire of sharing and assimilating older and newer music traditions together with the purpose of understanding various contemporary music styles and ideas, presenting them to the national collective appreciation while working to the advantage of an enriched awareness of valuing our differences.
This is the real value of a living tradition that Canadian musicians, composers and artists at large still feed with great passion and imagination. And this is a value which no corporate profit will ever be able to buy or even produce.
I am appalled and frustrated by these insensible decisions that undermine the real values of creative work. These are my tax dollars you are messing with!
Well said Jim, I’m very excited about the changes myself and feel quite insulted every time I’m told I listen to “dumbed down” music.
It looks to me like we are getting a radio service more reflective of our country. The horror.
One Canadian says:
So I just listened to Tom Allen’s spot that samples the kind of music some Canadian’s will be listening to in the morning. Hey, I’m happy for Tom, he’s a great host and I’ve enjoyed listening to him for years but as good as Tom is the music, more Canadian than before or not, in a word, sucks. The samples tell it all, ZERO CLASSICAL MUSIC IN THE MORNING. Thank goodness I can get BBC3 on the Internet. Good for Tom, he’s still got a pay cheque that my tax dollar is paying for. You’ve got my dollars but not my ears.
I survived Brave New Waves’ cancellation, and I’ll get through this. It might be good. I dig the addition of Mr. Terfry to the sked. The man is a knowledgeable college radio vet and well-traveled performer. I’m looking forward to his show.
I am sad to have to say goodbye to my favorite programs and hosts, including Jurgen Gothe and Tom Allen.
I’ve been a regular listener to CBC Radio for almost all of my adult life, and I cannot imagine an afternoon without Disc Drive. I cannot imagine waking up to the jolts of popular music instead of the soothing and gentle strains of some of my favourites like Bach or Mozart. I don’t mind it so much other times, but not first thing!
Ruth, another commenter says it for me too… I do NOT want to hear popular music — I want Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical.
I guess I am thankful for the squeezed in few hours of the more classical sounds Tempo from 10 -3, but you have lost me as a regular listener from here on.
First you have moved the jazzy from midnight to afternoon (with Ms. Malek) – hard to adjust to but in time, well I managed to schedule my classical music auditions for afternoon say, somewhere else. Now the jazzy moved in the morning too with your new program arrangement. I cannot believe that the only radio channel in BC trying to keep alive this music genre is giving up. I cannot believe that passionate broadcasters live you have nothing to say about these programs and about all these shuffling around and all the destroying of all the good programs. The BBC radio orchestra is now almost gone or gone already, and I know that classical music is unfortunately in decline, precisely the reason to keep it alive. Good jazz music is surely to be appreciated but there are so many radio channels to do this. Mr. Allen, I cannot believe you agree to broadcast in your show these Latino rhythms, (Lai Lai? Somalia? Are you serious? Lean on me? Ain’t no sunshine? Plastic Toilet Seets? … Sir, where is the classical music you love, where are your wonderful comments… what happened?
With all respect
Anca Halip – I already miss your past shows.
You will do something about it I am sure - … please don’t follow the pattern already used in every aspect of our lives where all good things are put aside and replaced only to please the crowds.
Don & Marg Leman says:
We listened to Radio 2 Morning today… for about 10 minutes. That was all we could take.
Please give us back our classical music mornings.
We also tried logging on to the streaming classical channel but couldn’t get by the buffering stage.
N. McKay says:
I tried hard to give Radio 2 Morning a chance, but I just can’t take that kind of music first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, no other station on the dial had anything better to offer — in fact, Radio 2 sounded just like rest of them (without the commercials). I have strong hopes for a vigorous round of sackings at the CBC to get rid of those responsible for this foolishness.
Treava Kellington says:
I’ve listened to CBC 2 almost daily for 10 years, but now I doubt I’ll be tuning in for anything other than Tempo. Jurgen, Eric and Catherine will all be sorely missed. I agree with several of the other commentators — when I want to hear jazz, I listen to KPLU; when I’m in the mood for roots and folk, I tune into CKUA; I don’t need CBC doing a halfway job when other stations already have those areas covered. Looks like I’ll be on the hunt for a new station for my daily Classical fix. Shame.
Eric Williams says:
Today I have listened to CBC 2 as background music . The entire revamping exercise at CBC 2 seems pretty vapid.
There were not any significant problems with the old hosts or the old music formats. Some updating is always desirable but CBC is destroying its brand with its current antics.
Where are the news and weather casts? One of the reasons I listen to radio is to get timely updates, otherwise I might just as well listen to CD’s.
A case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. A varied musical menu is very desirable, but why so little classical music?
Is Laurie Brown now one of CBC 2’s flagbearers? I can remember when she hosted on Much Music in the late 1980’s. She must be middle aged by now, but she still sounds like a spacey 20 year old. She probably more intelligent than she sounds but she doesn’t want to show that side on The Signal.
CBC 2? I might as well go back to listening to college radio.
Tom says:
CBC2 has been there most of my life offering informed, intelligent, and soothing hours. The angst that jolted me out of bed and drove me home at an unusually high rate of speed today, is not what I tune in for.
Emily G. says:
Do you know what infuriates me about the New CBC Radio 2?
The fact that when I go on Youtube and watch videos, there’s a Radio 2 ad in the corner of every single video page.
Please, someone stop the barrage of Radio 2 ads!
George Humble says:
My alarm clock radio used to wake me gently by beautiful sounds of classical music. What a wakeup this morning by sounds not even remotely approaching the genius of the old masters. The afternoon drive home in an insane traffic with an insane radio programs sealed the fate of CBC2. Thanks God, there is still one classical station left in the GTA. I will have to learn, how to tolerate their excessive advertising, still better than what I hear on The Late CBC2.
Sorry to first say good-bye to third classical station, which went to a good Jazz years ago, now even more sorry to say good-bye to the best radio broadcast Canada had to offer for years.
The educational value, of your programs started to beautifully imprint on the young minds of my children - first with some resentment but now they actually miss them also.
Please contact me if you ever decide to stop fixing, what was not broken, because I already took The Late CBC2 of all my radio dials.
Anne R says:
So what do I do and where do I go to listen to Classical music (of all genres) before 10am and after 3pm? I have so enjoyed the discussions and comments presented by Tom, Eric, and Jurgen over the years. BC doesn’t have an alternative station where we can listen to Classical music. CBC Espace has good jazz in the afternoon but their Classical music disappeared as well. I listened to some music on Radio 2 this morning before 10am and turned it off. How depressing. There are classical music stations in all Western countries (banal or not at least they are available). Sorry guys, I think you’ve blown it.
Veronica says:
I would like to thank the CBC hosts for all the lovely classical programs in the past. You have introduced me to many artists and composers that I would not have found on my own.
I did try to listen to the new programs today, but did not really enjoy them. I will be moving to internet streaming audio and iPOD from now on.
As for seeking a younger demographic, I’m currently 35 years old, and have listened to CBC Radio Two by choice since I was 10. Perhaps I am now too old for CBC’s new desired demographic.
Goodbye, and good luck, CBC!
Elva Kellington says:
I have decided to give your new Radio 2 format a week.
So far, two good shows - Tempo and Drive. However, Tom Allen’s new show was very disappointing. Classical music to start the day and Disc Drive to bring us home was perfect.
One week and then I search for something new.
(Regular CBC listener for 43 years).
Dave Warner says:
You have effectively killed the last reasons I had to support the CBC. Music and Company was the only decent classical music program on the local airwaves and with it’s loss, I’m forced to switch to the buzzer or buy an alarm clock which can play CDs, and with Disk Drive gone expect more road-rage. Do you people have taste anywhere but in your mouths? I intend to ask my MP to help stop this waste of taxpayer’s money and shut down the increasingly irrelevant CBC.
Alex says:
I work in a piano technicians shop. We do everything pertaining to the upkeep, restoration and rebuilding of pianos.
The most effective radio station for listening to while working had been radio 2. Through trial and error we found radio 2’s “classical” mix to be the most beneficial in assisting us with focusing on our tasks.
September the second will be remembered as the day the radio went silent. We were degraded for a full hour (9:00-10:00am) before my colleague and I decided that this new diverse listening experience was not going to be tolerated.
Think about it. If one is to listen to a type of music, which I know a lot people do. You find the source for that music and you immerse yourself in it; hoping to learn as much as possible about that type of music. Rarely does a listener find a conglomeration of jarringly, drastically different genres an effective way of enjoying their listening experience.
Radio 2 has successfully launched a new listening experience, Mish-mash.
Whether or not this brings new listeners into the fold makes no difference. There will be no consistent listener base. It will become the radio station that you notice while flipping through the channels. You’ll hear a song you like, in a style you like; then the next track will shoot over the radio waves and shatter the mood that had just been created. You’ll think to youself; shucks, that was a great Latin groove and now it’s wrecked by the blues sounds I’m hearing.
Moving on to the next radio station.
Sorry radio 2. It’s not me, it’s you.
A sorrowful ex-listener, Alex.
Barbaera says:
oooh! Tom, I just heard you on your new morning show.
I’m sorry Tom, but it’s over between us. I used to love being with you but you’ve changed, and not for the better. I heard flashes of the witty, fun, intelligent guy I used to know, but your new friends are driving us apart. I’ll miss you Tom. You were the best.
Ed says:
Bia and the New Pornographers on Tuesday’s “Drive”. Bia and the New Pornographers on Wednesday’s “Radio 2 Morning”.
And these are just the repeats that I noticed (couldn’t take much of Tom’s new morning show). Hello, who’s setting the “hip” playlist for Radio 2, and why is it for all shows??
“Drive” quite lost me when Richard said “here’s some bluegrass” but at best it was some modern urban art-school newgrass. Steve Pritchard would never play anything of the sort on his bluegrass show “Radio Boogie” (CKLN, 10-midnight Wednesdays), and rightly so.
I guess the “New 2″ is geared to people who have a low level of discernment and think that satellite radio channels are just awesome.
Carol Littleton says:
So…in Canada the impassioned pleas of thousands of devoted listeners have not had the slightest impact - we are taxpayers and pay dearly for the CBC - and our preferences are ignored. And programs built up carefully over the years are just abandoned ! I, for one , resent my tax dollars going to support these ill begotten changes. I do not want more Canadian content - I want excellence no matter where it originates .
I am currently listening to Tempo with a very odd host who seems to be striving for humour - she keeps laughing over nothing and is playing pops concert music - this is going to be very tiresome.I am feeling jealous of the Maine Public Radio Station I hear on my frequent visits to the US - I never thought I would feel ashamed of the CBC - after 60 years of pleasurable and stimulating listening - is this a way for our conservative govt to get rid of listeners so they can finally cancel the public broadcast station completely ?
I think the opprotunity to provide feedback on this site should continue - why will it be closed on Sept 18th - are you afraid the negative comments will continue ? Can you not face the consequences of your willful destructiveness?
If I hear that new slogan one more time I will scream - another way to make CBC sound like a private radio station - branding - ugh! And I share the shock expressed by the early morning and late evening listeners , and agree with those who realize the young are now tuned into their Ipods and other devices and have ablsolutely no interest in CBC radio no matter what you serve up ! You are truly out of touch
Paul M says:
What incredible garbage. The tragedy of it all is that CBC radio 2 had achieved so much in the last few years, particularly with programs such as Studio Sparks and Disc Drive. A combination of intelligent music and intelligent commentary, focused on (but not limited to) so-called “classical” music. What an achievement. The “classical music” bloc that now exists is (so far) almost entirely confined to greatest hits and “easy listening” material, with nothing even remotely challenging. What I heard this morning was some of Grieg’s Peer Gynt, Beethoven’s Fifth, something from what the announcer referred to as “the baroque composer Albinoni.” God help us.
I feel bereft. After 30 years of listening to CBC Radio, it’s over for me.
Michèle Dorais says:
How sad…. If these changes are anything like what the french cultural Radio-Canada underwent a few years ago, well every music and culture lover here is going to go through a long long journey of mourning.
No matter how talented and appreciated Tom Allen is, and how much I loved Music and Company…. it is no longer the same as I cannot listen to jazz and world music early in the mourning… it does not work for me. This is the second time I’m forced to switch to another station… we still have a classical station in Montreal, but nothing close to what CBC was offering. I’m afraid I’m also saying goodbye, with much regret !
A movement in Quebec is pushing for the creation of a cultural radio. I’ve joined them and hope for the best. Any hope for any such movement in English Canada ? I’ll join !
Michèle Dorais
Montréal
Kamloops says:
The decision to throw everything out at once is mystifying. Reminds me of ‘New Coke’. But they saw their folly. While we wait for the return perhaps reruns of the ‘Old 2′ could be offered as a separate webcast. Won’t help in the car but better than nothing.
Mark Stewart says:
First they replaced the news with “newslite” and they got rid of Joe Cummings. I guess he and Tom Allen wer ehaving too much fun and who needs the real news. Then the elevator music jazz took over the evenings and now the best announcer on radio, Tom Allen, has been reduced to playing bland middle of the road jazz, blues(At 6AM without being up all night???) and white world music. I assume that Tom needs the job, but even he sounds hesitent and embarrassed by the music. Many of the familiar songs he plays are cover versions by inferior Canadian musicians. Presumably he couldn’t play the real versions because then he would be just anothor oldies show, and this is the new???? inovative??? Radio2 playing music you can’t hear anywhere else.
My car radio has gone from being constantly on radio 2 to switching back and forth from 2 to radio 1. Now it will be primarily cds and some radio 1.
This is a sad time to be a Canadian. One of our wonderful assets has been all but destroyed. Is this the Harperites behind the scenes continuing their destruction of any culture that isn’t the Calgary Stampede or is it just some misguided management types that don’t realize that they have just turned their backs on one of the most loyal audiences in Canada.
Chris Warburton says:
I agree with so many of the comments. I loved Music and Co while driving to the gym at 6 in the morning and listening until around 8 am before work. I loved Disc Drive (and its eclecticism) at the end of the day. I loved Music for Awhile until that was savaged. Since retiring last year I came to really appreciate Eric Friesen and Catherine Belyea. Now it’s all gone. I’ll give the new stuff a chance but I’m already switching Tom Allen off (of all people). This from someone who likes Sting, Neil Young, Rufus Wainwright and the likes. I’ve listened to CBC2 and its predecessor since I was 22 and am now 64, so it’s not an age thing.
LeonT says:
What interesting reading. Perhaps CBC management should read its mail more often rather than make decisions based on ratings.
But the new shows are here and the change is fresh, exciting and welcome. We need CBC Radio to reflect the diversity of our population. What better way than to do so with the sound of music?
That said, the Radio 2 Morning show is a little too heavy handed first thing in the morning. When Tom Allen first debuted, back in 1998, the show was far more eclectic drawing on contemporary jazz, classical and modern sounds particularly those heard on ECM records. They should re-tool it to sound like Togni’s Weekender a few years back: a great way to start one’s day.
Radio 2 Drive is the strongest out of the gate: a solid mix of contemporary Canadian music with a dash of gospel and blues. It swings baby! And what’s with all the banjo music?
Richard Lillie says:
The new clasical programing is guaranteed to put you to sleep and the host is out of her element. Should stick to something she does well. Who could possibly follow in Eric’s footsteps?
As to Disc Drives replacement only two words can describe it, banal and inane. If this is a program showcasing Canadian talent worth listning to what will they do after the first week? Harper wont be getting my vote this time arround.
Music and Company was a small opportunity to learn about the several genres of music that are often lumped together as “classical”. The new show’s music selection sounds like all the other has-been aging hippie stations glutting the airwaves.
So if the CBC really wanted a change why didn’t they try something really different - like how early punk music evolved into new wave in the 80s? The stuff you’re playing on Radio 2 I can listen to when I’m in the elevator, at the dentist, watching TV ads or “House”. This is painful. I can’t believe someone as clever as Tom Allen could enjoy hosting a show that has such a tired old format.
Woke up to Crosby Stills and Nash two mornings in a row. Yuk, that’s enough!
Harmon Gottlieb says:
I”m a 67 year-old with broad musical tastes. I grew up listening to CBC radio and, over the years, the FM network, hosted by some outstanding personalities, has been an exceptional source of classical music enjoyment,
Of course I miss Jurgen Gothe’s quintessential Canadian laidbackness, but, after 23 years of listening to Disk Drive, I was willing to accept the change. Unfortunately, Jurgen’s mixed bag format (always an interesting stretch from Billie Holiday to Mozart string Quartets to French yodellers) has now been replaced by an exceptionally dull playlist of up-tempo fluff.
After a few days with the new schedule (which includes the popification of Tom Allen’s morning program) I get the impression that it is the work of market research experts who think Radio 2 can survive the loss of listeners.
As I write this I’m listening to my new classical feed—KBPS 89.9 FM. I also listen to jazz on KPLU from Seattle. That’s something I thought could never happen—dropping CBC for two American stations!
Tremendously sad says:
I have been watchig the CBC sliding into oblivion. It now is competing with the worst part of my dial. Tax-funded culture propagation is going obverboard.
There was a time when my dial would not be moved. It was permanently locked on the CBC station. The dumbing down of it is so sad. Reporters, well into maturity, trying to sound like adolescents. It just doesn’t work. My young adult sons find them “odd” and ridicule them. (Ms Rodgers?) Mr Gomshi advancing political opinins? Give me a break!
Is the CBC trying to survive at all cost? Are their programming directors in touch with reality? Do they consider the Canadian long term or just their short term careers?.
Myself? A year ago I bought an XM satellite radio… It is a sad farewell to my beloved CBC .
Alex says:
I work in a piano technicians shop. We do everything pertaining to the upkeep, restoration and rebuilding of pianos.
The most effective radio station for listening to while working had been radio 2. Through trial and error we found radio 2’s “classical” mix to be the most beneficial in assisting us with focusing on our tasks.
September the second will be remembered as the day the radio went silent. We were demoralized for a full hour (9:00-10:00am) before my colleague and I decided that this new diverse listening experience was not going to continued.
Think about it. If one is to listen to a type of music, which I know a lot people do. You find the source for that music and you immerse yourself in it; hoping to learn as much as possible about that type of music. Rarely does a listener find a conglomeration of jarringly, drastically different genres an effective way of enjoying their listening experience.
Radio 2 has successfully launched a new listening experience, Mish-mash.
Whether or not this brings new listeners into the fold makes no difference. There will be no consistent listener base. It will become the radio station that you notice while flipping through the channels. You’ll hear a song you like, in a style you like; then the next track will shoot over the radio waves and shatter the mood that had just been created. You’ll think to yourself; shucks, that was a great Latin groove and now it’s wrecked by the blues sounds I’m hearing. (Nothing against blues in particular.)
Moving on to the next radio station.
Sorry radio 2. It’s not me, it’s you.
A sorrowful ex-listener.
Josh Gould says:
I’ve so far avoided listening to the new shows… it would be too sad. Like Brenda Leyland, I don’t want to wake up to popular music - fine at other times, but not first thing in the morning. My only alternative at the moment is to have Radio One come on, but I’m not crazy about talk/news/radio that early in the day.
To add insult to injury, Jurgen Goethe was cut off at the very end of his very last DiscDrive show (I’m glad he’s not leaving the airwaves entirely, though). While I enjoy The Signal from time to time, Tonic is beyond watered-down, and a very, very poor substitute for After Hours. It seems that most of the new shows lack any particular theme or mandate - they’ll just play whatever mismash of indie monotony, combined with the odd “roots” or annoying folk tunes, though we mustn’t forget trendy (unlistenable) world music.
To a large extent, this is all about personal taste, but it goes without saying that the vast, vast majority of Radio Two listeners, present and (increasingly) past, are not going to take to the new programming.
Arguably, the largest problem is the “multi-genre” format - try to do a bit of everything and you’ll end up doing nothing well, but a focus on, say, classical (encompassing everything from baroque to opera), contemporary concert music, jazz (real jazz, not Tonic garbage), and perhaps some experimental stuff late at night would work well. In fact, it did work well a few years ago when the weekday schedule after 6 included Music for a While, In Performance, After Hours, and the weird stuff after midnight that I seldom listened to.
I am optimistic though - given the pace of changes of late, it won’t be long before Radio Two is redone yet again, and I expect it will probably get better - the worst had to come first, though.
Barry Shaw says:
As a longtime constant listener cant believe what is happening. Bring back Eric Friesen Shelly Solmes, Andrea Ratusky, Danielle Chrbonneau,Jurgen Gothe. If they wan to move on for personal reasons find replacements but if this is someones idea of progress my only response is “CLICK”
Lola Walser says:
I’m terribly disappointed by the killing of the one ad-free early morning classical music show. I like Tom Allen, as a classical music lover who’s also a working scientist I had a huge affection for his science stories, and I’ll miss him–but I can’t listen to the new show. I just can’t. I tune in on the hour for the weather prognosis, then go back to my CDs for the accompaniment of my routine.
A city like Toronto, supposedly an international metropolis of some standing, cannot provide a decent full working day of classical music programming on PUBLIC RADIO? What am I saying–not even half a day?
For shame.
POIRE says:
I ache for the companionable, warm, intelligent Eric Friesen. What a loss. I’m tuning out more and tuning in less. I’ll give some eartime to the classical program and continue to enjoy most of Tonic. Otherwise, new 2 is irritating.
Debby says:
I’m surprised there are so few comments!
I find the new programming too difficult to tolerate. My clock radio wakes me with the news (I’m pleased that a little local news has returned) but I now turn the radio off after only one or two songs, the lyrics of which I have difficulty deciphering. My mornings now begin with agitation and confusion instead of with humor and peace. Sure, Tom Allen continues as host, but he has been relegated to AM-style DJ. I am sorely displeased.
Carolyn Bennett (not the M.P) says:
Tom Allen is reduced to being a DJ. I miss his wit and erudition.
This borders on sickening.
Jan Maynes says:
I think the changes are dreadful. I loved listening to the gentle humour of Tom Allen and classical music on my way to work. It was enriching and educational. The current mix is more suitable for the interior of an elevator and I won’t be listening to it. Can’t you change it back?
Jerry Whalley says:
Well if they at CBC believe this Radio2 to be the new FACE of Canada than they’ve not really looked at our faces but in a mirror with Orwellian propaganda that says this is the People — ugh you’ve lost a long time listener — don’t push the river CBC, flow with it
Chris Woodward says:
I was very disappointed to see that the Tom Allen morning show no longer caters for classical music. This was listening for my regular morning commute. Will tune to Access (Alberta) for the time being.
I haven’t found out what other damage has been done to the schedule.
Why on earth change such a successful format?
Roberta J. says:
These changes have broken my heart. I especially loved Eric Friesen and “Studio Sparks.” This whole thing reminds me of the movie “Amadeus.” Mediocrity trying to squelch true talent. And succeeding. Shame on you.
Eric…I’m hoping you’ll turn up elsewhere soon!
Perhaps in the U.S., or somewhere on the Internet.
I’ll be Googling!!!
God Bless,
Roberta
Donna Tredway says:
I’m afraid you’ve lost me as a listener. I tried, I really did. But, though they might be “cool” and “edgy”, the new hosts don’t offer much substance. And the music … sigh. Jangly, pop stuff. Nothing really challenging or rousing. Most of all I miss the sense of connection that I used to feel to a community of articulate, thoughtful Canadians of diverse backgrounds who shared a common interest in really good classical music and jazz. Worse yet - I’m a 31 year-old urban professional, just the kind of listener the CBC wants to secure for the future. But I’m leaving, with a sad and heavy heart.
There are hundreds (if not nearing one thousand - just in the last 4 days) of comments on the Radio 2 blog (on the CBC Radio 2 site: http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/blog/)
The comments posted overwhelmingly decry the changes to the programming.
FYI there is an organisation Friends of Canadian Broadcasting that I have learned of (through reading the Radio 2 blog) that seems committed to challenging this. You can visit their site at http://friendscb.org/.
Emily G says:
Today, I heard Tempo (the new weekday classical show) advertised as “a mix of classical music you won’t hear anywhere else.” This is a blatant lie. On most commercial classical stations across Canada, you can hear a bland mix of overplayed popular classics similar to what Tempo plays.
I am mourning the loss of so many quality programs on Radio Two. Studio Sparks and Disc Drive were simply the best. The new Radio 2 is awful - I can’t imagine anyone is listening. Please bring back the music.
Nora Abercrombie says:
How much do I despise the new Radio 2 format? This much: (I hate it) x infinity.
I used to adore being greeted in the morning by Tom Allen’s truly bizarre commentary and the intelligent, engaging, delightful music. Now I get the news (such as it is), weather, wait in the hope that the old theme music will air, then wither in sad disappointment.
CBC executives say that they expected us all to complain and that they don’t care that we do. They will wait for months and months before taking action at the depleted pool of listeners. So, folks, we’ll have to keep up the campaign of complaint if we want decent music with which to start the day. I hope Tom Allen can hang in while we do our thing.
CBC excecutives: you are bad. Restore Radio 2. You have ruined every morning!
Jim Murray says:
I stand by my earlier comments after listening to a full week of the new Radio 2. I have to be honest, the morning show does need some work. At times there is a great mix of music and at other times it seems almost too commercial. Tom remains excellent and I like the addition of local news. The classical music block is wonderful and the host a delight. The afternoon Drive is incredible! Welcome to a new century everyone. Rich is a host who will be with us for a long time. Intelligent, thoughtful and charming — and the music: what a delight after years of the same old Disc Drive stuff (so predictable it became a parody of itself far too often). This is a work in progress, but I think my listening will actually increase, and no, I’m not in a youthful demographic by any means.
Scott says:
I published a much longer post under Tom Allen’s section, but in a nutshell - to quote my 14-year old Son yesterday morning “It just isn’t the same Dad, put a CD on.” And in case I am relegated to the ‘old folks’ group who don’t get the ‘new music’, I love a lot of new music - I just happen to like classical too.
Where to begin? How about the cloying voice of the guy who endlessly announces, “Everywhere music takes you?” Please, if they would just get rid of that, it would be a start. But Radio 2, I fear, is lost. Tom Allen said that we should look at the end of “Music and Company” as getting off one train, and getting on another. But it’s the railway that’s the problem, Tom; the trains were just fine! It seems to me that when you have fantastic announcers and shows like Peter Togne’s “Weekender,” Tom Allen’s “Music and Company,” Ross Porter’s “After Hours,” Patti Schimdt’s “Brave New Waves,” Jurgen Gothe’s “DiscDrive,” to name only five, then you don’t have an issue with content at all. What you have is a failure to market this excellent product. Replacing these wonderful programs and their informed announcers with the likes of, I’m sorry, Laurie Brown and Molly Johnston, re-vamping Music and Company, focusing on obscure, third-rate Canadian performers just because they’re Canadian…. What a tragic waste of talent! Well, The people responsible for this are inompetent and misguided. I’ll tell you exactly where this music is taking me: away from CBC Radio.
Nora Abercrombie says:
I hate the music on the new Radio 2. I hate it a lot. I believe that this new format is part of a longterm plan to make CBC like every other radio station, which will make it a lot easier to remove completely.
Please restore the old format immediately!
Keith Flegg says:
I have really tried to get into the new CBC 2, but it just isn’t my kind of music and I have fairly eclectic musical tastes. For many years CBC 2 was my “go to” station for classic and jazz music. Now it is simply one more my scanner passes through when I’m looking for some music I want to listen to.
The internet and cable alternates are rather difficult to access while in the car.
Annie says:
What on earth is Tom Allen on? Tom, dear, could ya slow down a bit?
Some of us take a bit longer to wake up and hearing what sounds like a squirrel on speed is hardly conducive to entering the day with clarity or serenity. Love your humour, but gear down, okay? And breath just a touch between words?
Thanks.
Annie
Christine says:
Please respond to all of these concerns. There was no need to slaughter a totally wonderful station.
First the loss of Andrea Ritusky’s show, I stopped listening to late night ,early morning. Now all the rest have been ripped out. You are ignoring a very dedicated audience for what reason ?
Is Steven Harper behind this ?
Must cbc sound like every other station?.. a million
listeners can’t be wrong..
Tim McG says:
To the CBC,
I tried to listen to your new morning programming and sadly, have turned off the radio in discust on week days. I really have enjoyed listening to Tom Allen in the past, but a large part of why I listened was because of the music, and now that it has been replaced with something completely different, not even Tom can save it. The only time I now have CBC Radio 2 on is to listen to Choral Concert on Sunday and then I make a dash for the off switch before Gregory Charles arrives for his weekly installment of self indulgence. You folks really screwed up this time.
Tim
maude says:
The cancellation of the two best programs on Radio 2 - Disc Drive and Studio Sparks is the final straw for me. I did give the new 3 to 6pm show a listen. It’s just the “easy listening” pap found elsewhere than CBC with no effort. Having already turned off most of CBC 1, I’m looking for a new spot on my dial. I’ll also write the Prime Minister suggesting there is no longer a reason NOT to introduce commercials on CBC 2.
Philip Elliott says:
I haven’t listened to CBC Radio 2 since the change. M
My own music tastes are eclectic at 50 years old. I even admit to liking some. My primary love IS and always WILL be classical.
Since I was in my late teen’s in the late 70’s I was hooked on CBC Radio 2 (CBC Stereo). That’s how I developed my passion.
Shows such as Bob Kerr’s ‘Off The Record’ and Allen McFee’s ‘Eclectric Circus’ were real gems.
Of late, ‘Studio Sparks’ became a real favourite with Eric’s wonderfully intelligent use of language & a truly stress free mix of music.
As I’ve said before the hosts of the previous CBC Radio 2 spoke directly to us. While Tom Allen is still around, the new show is just impossible to listen t.o. Sorry Tom, no offense to you.
I have now moved on listening to NPR and have relly discovered some great programs, especially on Sunday morning, unlike the dribble offerings now on CBC Radio 2.
Until things change back, if ever, I REFUSE to listen.
Pity those young people coming up now discovering classical music won’t have the opportunities we had. I really pity them as this will help them get through life s classical music has helped me.
Intelligent broadcasting is a thing of the pas, or is it???
Philip Elliott says:
P.S; Sorry for the typo’s!!
bill lambert says:
Please stop the fatuous promos that have been plaguing us every ten minutes for the past three months. They represent everything that’s wrong with the New Radio 2: smug, self-indulgent, vapid, ‘all hype all the time’ - the opposite of the Old Radio 2.
bill lambert says:
My last post received the answer:
‘Thanks! Your comment is awaiting moderation.’
Are you guys channeling George Orwell?
Chris Bitten says:
It’s a publicly-funded disaster, a hurricane of trendoid miscalculations. I grant you we did need a shake-up: I could never tolerate Tom Allen’s hyperkinetic sunrise delivery, but of course you’ve kept him, and to finish the job, have wrecked the music he presents. Jurgen Gothe has seemed semi-conscious for the past few years, and Disc Drive was at best, a musical mishmash with often irritating cute commentary. Sure, we needed some fresh voices, but not this way.
The greatest listening loss of many for me, weirdly, is Organ Thursdays with Jurgen Petrenko — an island of joy in the excellent mid-weekday classical programming.
I’ve been checking it all out, this brave new mess, until my ears are bleeding from the endless jazz and abrupt, ugly genre shifts. I guess we really don’t know what we’ve got ’til it’s gone (not a request to play a Joni Mitchell song). I’ve tried, sorry, but I can’t do it. KING in Seattle, I guess, despite their bass boost and advertising.
Another mostly-lost listener says:
Thank you, CBC, for ensuring that I will get to work on time every morning M-F since I don’t need to listen to Tom’s show anymore. (Sorry, Tom, I gave it several tries.)
Like most responders I prefer “classical” first thing in the morning. Not sure how the CBC figures people who work or attend school will have time to enjoy the 10-3 show.
On a happy note, I really enjoyed listening to Peter on Choral Concert yesterday morning. Was playing former punk band Chumbawamba a not-to-subtle poke at “In the Key of Conceited”? I sure hope so!
theduckthief says:
You know what I absolutely love? The fact that my comment was waiting for moderation for over a week and then disappeared. I have no idea why it wasn’t published as there was nothing offensive in it so here I am again and I can only hope that this time you will have the decency to publish it.
I’m just glad that BBC Radio 3 is online.
I’m sorry to see all of the wonderful programs and hosts that I’ve grown up with leave but hopefully the CBC will come to their sense eventually and something can be salvaged from this mess.
Honestly, the music they’re offering is available on many of other stations. Modern music is exactly what we need less of on the airwaves.
And ‘Classical music to keep you company at work’? How many companies do you know that allow you to listen to the radio while working? To me, it’s just a way to effectively bury what classical music is left on Radio 2, ensuring that it won’t reach a large audience.
Congratulations CBC, you’ve just cut off another way for young people to hear and possibly learn to enjoy classical music. There’s a reason people my age think classical music is dusty and boring; there’s no exposure, no understanding how it’s influenced modern music.
Sorry about that, duckthief. Nothing intentional. I was moderating a whole whack of comments that had come in while I was gone for a bit, and the “Approve” link is right next to the “Delete” link in the moderator’s screen and I saw that I hit the wrong one on at least two comments. Of course once it was gone, there was no more of it so I couldn’t repost it or even email you to ask you to. I’m glad you did.
– Tod
Marjory L. Davidson. says:
As promised, I sent another “Comment” to CBC
–my 3rd –and received an answer that it was under
“Moderation”..(what in God’s name does that mean??).
Has it now been “moderated” or , deleted or whatever you get up to with our “Comments” in the inner sanctum of CBC? I would appreciate knowing,
as, if it has indeed disappeared into cyberspace, I shall gladly send a new one describing my
new impressions of new CBC2 after 7 days of
listening off and on!!!!
Hold your horses… I’ve got a backlog of comments and the moderation part of the blog is slow as molasses. I can only do about 4-5 at the time in an hour before the database kacks. Yes, I know it’s lame, but I’m still trying to get a fix for it. This blog isn’t on the regular CBC network so we have to be ready for any breakdowns on the Intertubes.
As for “moderating,” yes, comments are held for moderation to ensure they comply with our comments policy, which you’ll find a link to above.
Jean H says:
Will you give us the concensus statistics on what people’s opinion was on the dreadful change to CBC2 programming 3-7 pm? I hope my previous comments were not beeped! I bet this will be a record number of comments that the CBC has ever received on programme changes! Perhaps it will make the CBC realise someone out there is really listening but not liking what it is hearing!
Carole Bristow says:
Not much point I guess in adding one more ‘HOW COULD YOU? to the mix. When I wrote months ago,I was assured by a nicely worded letter, that ,we would still get a good percentage of classical music, and also that there really were not that many classical music listeners in Canada. I wish I had kept that response from your office. There are hundreds of sad people writing to tell you how they feel…you have effectively lost MANY listeners
Grant says:
Well, I tried….
I have done my best to embrace the new programming on Radio 2. Considering I’m still in the key demographic that CBC is trying to attract, the music and on-air discussion should (in theory) be intelligent, ecletic, and witty. Basically, a modernized format of the music and information that originally attracted me to Radio 2 back in the mid 1980s….
With the exception of 5 hours of “Classical Music’s Greatest Hits”, the music runs the gamut from jarring to pedestrian to bland. Canadian musicians are capable of great music, but it seems that the “New 2″ seeks out only the most mediocre talent they can lay their hands on.
As for the hosts, Tom Allen was wonderfully witty and informative when hosting “Music and Company”, but seems sadly restrained now). The new hosts are completely uninspiring, and the between song commentary only a step above the drivel that the hosts on commercial radio offer . Replacing Jurgen Gothe and “Disc Drive” with Richard Terfry and “Drive” is akin to trying to pass off domestic beer as a fine wine.
My radio has, sadly, been silent this week. As it will likely be next week. And the week after that.
If nothing else, the change in programming has caused me to seriously look into satellite radio.
Mike from CB says:
Grant - do the satellite radio thing. I’ve been on Sirius for almost two years and it is fantastic. There is real diversity when you’re talking a hundred channels. It will only get better as the XM merger proceeds.
Raining says:
Music and company was the best part of my mornings, and it was also why I could arrive at school with a smile on my face. It was such a perfect blend of music and Tom Allen’s amusing stories. And now it’s all gone. The new stuff is just too difficult to listen to in the morning.
Why am I feeling incredibly skeptical about this…?
Sad, Sad, Sad!!! We are left with one classical station that tends to repreat itself endlessly, or transferring our allegiance to WNED Buffalo radio in the GTA area. The ongoing profound discussions, ideas, and music are a thing of the past. I swear CBC will regret this as listeners migrate to other stations which are less confused at least.
“Download a full-size image suitable for printing.”
Someone have shares in a printer-ink company? That page is solid color. Please be nice to us cheap users, and use color outlines, not solid blocks, on schedules. They’re easier to read, too.
“A mix of music you won’t hear anywhere else.”
And I wonder if there’s a good reason you won’t hear it anywhere else…
Better known as the plan to Kill Western European Culture
sidenote: In the Key of Charles…worst cbc radio program ever.
Just had to say a big thank you to Tom Allen for all the enjoyment he has brought to me on Music and Co.
With two young children to drop off in different areas of the city and rush hour traffic, Tom and his classical music selections added a gentle, interesting, educative and comic note to many a stressful morning: calming and civilized.
As a faithful listener, and a tax payer, I am disconcerted by the changes and the move away from classical music, and the important role CBC played in enhancing my access to and understanding of the genre. If something isn’t broken. … don’t try to fix it.
No more Studio Sparks; no more Disc Drive; no more Jim Cressman.
Adios CBC Radio 2.
RIP
I won’t comment further on the new Radio Two schedule at this time, but one thing I don’t understand is why the CBC in general doesn’t announce its seasonal programming farther in advance. If I didn’t read this blog, I would have had no clue about the summer schedule before it started. I have no clue what is changing on Radio One next week, outside of what I have read on this blog about the Q move to 10:00. What exactly is going to be on at 2 pm next Tuesday on Radio One?
I would like to have this information farther in advance. While I think the Radio Two situation actually has been decently handled from this perspective, could we not have had this schedule posted here on the MAIN web site at least some weeks ago?
I found it rather interesting how the staff of “Sounds Like Canada” managed to get in their voices into the introduction today and how they ended with Glass Tiger’s “Don’t Forget When I’m Gone”… it was a subtle way to say goodbye without doing so, and I give them a lot of style credit. Still, I rather wish they had been allowed to be less subtle.
The new programming with its lack of culture and its total ignoring of faithful classical music listeners (not just “Golden Oldies” !!) makes me feel CBC
musical standards are heading on a downward spiral. The result, I believe , will be that CBC2, will
not only lose its classical music listeners but will lose listeners in general.. Believe me, by changing to the “general type of music” programmes instead of the former classical ones, CBC will not persuade , for one second, the masses who enjoy “light ” programmes..These music lovers will still adhere to the many other radio programmes to which they have always been faithful and they will not be encouraged for one second to switch to CBC2’s new programming Quality is what will retain (and add!!) listeners to CBC2 not lowering of standards. I shall continue to
be a listener for the next month in order to give the
new programming a chance and shall then write
another comment!!!
Please note that the comment starting
“The new programming with its lack of culture” etc. etc.
from Marjory L. Dacidson was actually from
Marjory L. Davidson (just a typing error!!) . My e-mail
is marjoryd@dccnet.com
Shame on the publicly funded CBC for dumbing-down CBC Radio 2 and eliminating the CBC Orchestra. I acquired my musical education (and that means ‘classical’) by listening to the CBC. Sadly, my granddaughters will no longer have the same opportunity. Here’s one listener who will no longer tune in.
Please ‘fess up, CBC Radio2: Is Sephen Harper secretly behind this crazy cultural crackdown on classical music?
So the philistines at CBC have won. How sad for all of us.
Adieu CBC.
I’m puzzled at the obvious disdain new management at the CBC shows towards its most devoted listeners. How can a pubically-funded radio station turn its back on the public, in favour of some abstractly-conceived notion of “progress” and programming geared towards a “younger demographic”? Ironically, new management is proving to be out of touch!
I’m just glad that BBC Radio 3 is online.
I’m sorry to see all of the wonderful programs and hosts that I’ve grown up with leave but hopefully CBC will come to its sense eventually and something can be salvaged from this mess.
Honestly, the music they’re offering is available on lots of other stations. Modern music is exactly what we need less of on the airwaves.
And ‘Classical music to keep you company at work’? How many companies do you know that allow you to listen to the radio while working? To me, it’s just a way to effectively bury what classical music is left on Radio 2, ensuring that it won’t reach a large audience.
Congratulations CBC, you’ve just cut off another way for young people to hear and possibly learn to enjoy classical music. There’s a reason people my age think classical music is dusty and boring; there’s no exposure, no understanding how it’s influenced modern music.
For example, Dead Or Alive’s 1985 number one hit “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)”, borrowed from Wagner’s “Ride Of The Valkyries”.
Wow.
I was blissfully unaware of all the changes, until now.
Huge crushing blow!
The previous programs soothed my mind, soul, and spirit through may difficult days.
I used to think, “thank God for CBC 2″, when I would scan the radio and find just the same, same, same, same, same, same, same, same, boring, regurgitated, mind numbing noise.
You had some really fun and original programming there. Particularly with Disc Drive and Studio Sparks.
It was exciting to listen to see what unusual turn the programs would take. It was never the same from moment to moment, hour to hour, or day to day. Just really smart, diverse, entertaining sounds.
I guess it’s on to just CD’s and the i-pod now. I’ll have to make may own eclectic mixes.
Rea
Today (the last day of Music and Company, Studio Sparks, and Disc Drive, among others) was a sad, sad day. I look at the pathetic mess our cherished Radio 2 has become, and remain incredulous and flabbergasted that a move so sweeping and so wrong-headed has actually transpired. The notion that a bunch of disparate and feeble musical constituencies can be stapled together in this fashion and magically generate a coherent audience is as surreal as it is laughable - except the outcome makes me feel a lot more like crying. And it’s at the expense of a core audience that was probably one of the most dedicated, proud and supportive in radio history. To dull my angst, I suppose I can now tune in to CBC TV and watch Wheel of Fortune, or learn more about American Presidents on Jeopardy. Bloody brilliant…
I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. Should a public broadcaster limit itself to one genre of music? Should a public broadcaster ignore the musical tastes of a wider audience?
Shouldn’t a public radio service attempt to introduce new musical forms to its audience, and shouldn’t it also provide an outlet for a nation’s singers, songwriters and musicians? The private sector simply isn’t doing what Radio 2 is attempting, and never will. If we had a decent private sector we might have a variety of musical forms being presented on our “public” airwaves, but instead we have nothing but crap from the commercial radio outlets.
This is a new Radio Revolution, and the ultimate benefits will resonate with listeners for as long as did the first Revolution.
Quite frankly, as comfortable as I am with the old Radio 2, I’m looking forward to something different in the morning, and Tom Allen might be the right person to pull it off, if only he would speak more slowly. I think the new afternoon Drive might become as welcome in my life as the old (and woefully tired) Disc Drive. Already Tonic has become a regular nightly fixture in my household.
I remain unconvinced about “In the Key of Charles” and “The Signal”, but I will certainly reserve judgment on the new programming until I give it a chance.
I thank CBC management for recognising that in a country with only two terrestrial radio networks, you shouldn’t turn one of them almost entirely over to one musical genre. Now, whether they can actually execute the plan successfully is a separate issue from whether it was a good idea in the first place! I’m willing to give it a chance and realistically, there are bound to be hits and misses. Audience share can’t get much lower frankly. I mainly listened to Brave New Waves in the old days, so I suppose I’m bound to increase my hours on Radio 2. I did turn into Studio Sparks occasionally and I will miss that. I look forward to the day when all this radio stuff moves to digital and then we can finally get Radio 3 over the airwaves and maybe another dedicated network for all the Classical listeners.
Jim Murray, your points are valid.
However, consider the passion and outcry these changes have inspired. New music is fine, no one is asking for it to be the same every day. But to change every single program from morning to night within a one-year period, most of which are happening on one day? Poor, poor judgment and a serious disconnect with Radio 2’s most loyal audience.
The voice of each and every host cracked and cried at the end of today’s programs. They seem as sad to go as we are to see them go.
It’s amazing how something so seemingly simple and insignificant as a radio program can make such an impact on a person’s daily routines, and have a great soothing effect when needed.
Shelley, Catherine, Erik, Jurgen, and Danielle: I will miss you all greatly. You have been loved very much, and your work has been so very much appreciated. Tom, I hope you can help redeem some of this mess with your new program.
Who is the bull who is smashing up the Radio2 china shop? Change from time to time is all very well and I have seen and welcomed many over the years but the slashing of “Studio Sparks”, “Here’s to You”, and Tom Allen’s morning show is insane. This was the best line up on CBC since I started listening many years ago. I will reserve judgement on the new stuff until I hear it but I suspect that my radio dial will find a new home!
Classical music isn’t “one genre.” Early music, chamber music, art songs, choral music, symphonies…
What CBC has said is that the new weekday morning and afternoon shows will play every possible genre of music - except “classical music” - as if to reassure the mythical young listener that their ears will not be sullied by contact with something that requires them to think.
It’s ghettoization of a whole range of musical genres.
The barbarians are running the institution.
I have been a faithful CBC Radio 2/Stereo listener for over 40 years. While I’m no longer Toronto-based, I still often stream Radio 2 during the day while working away at my office in Washington DC. Losing programs like Studio Sparks (Eric Friesen is quite simply the best radio music presenter in North America), Sound Advice, and Disc Drive is a major blow. Even more distressing is the CBC’s curtailment of funding support for Canada’s young classical musicians, composers, and the CBC Radio Orchestra. Once the new Radio 2 format has crashed and those responsible sent packing, I hope the network will once again attract the resources and talent needed to restore its distinguished legacy. It will be a long road back (both for Radio 2 and Espace Musique), but I’m confident there is enough outrage across the land to make that wished-for “some other time” come to pass. .
This is “multi-genre” and “multi-target-audience” programming and management strategy. Taken to a new height, I think.
We can trace this trend back to Radio 1 (CBC AM) back in the 70’s when we started losing specialty shows like “90 Minutes With a Bullet”, and going to broad genre entertainment shows.
Now we have programs like Tonic, which contains some fraction of great jazz, but mixed in with many other things, from pop covers to stylized R&B remakes.
By mixing so many genres and packing them into a single show, things get watered down, and people appreciate excellence and depth. Jazz and classical are the most obvious victims, because Radio 2 to some extent served the serious followers of these genres well.
Perhaps this is a “mini-max” risk strategy on the part of CBC senior management… Play it safe, be inclusive as possible by touching all genres, but packaging for broad audiences. In this way, CBC management can always defend their actions by pointing to the “inclusiveness”, w.r.t. both music genre *and* audience demographics.
I have nothing against “eclectic mixes” of things, singer songwriters, and independant music. In fact I very much enjoy them. That’s why I tune into CBC radio 3.
Radio 2 turining its back on classical music makes so little sense. Instead of establishing another FM channel for various genres, CBC is instead diluting radio 2 into an incoherent mashup that few of its core audience will tolerate. Whether such a risky move will pay off by attracting swaths of new listeners is doubful. One thing that’s certain is our cultural loss when children will no longer hear classical music on the free airwaves.
On Friday, April 11 I was at a demonstration at the CBC building in Vancouver, joining hundreds of others in support of classical music at CBC, and the Radio CBC Orchestra. (Similar demos took place across the country, from Victoria to St. John’s.) There were all kinds of luminaries in attendance: Judith Forst, Jon Washburn, Linda Lee Thomas, many other musicians, and composers, high-profile members of the arts community, and also many devoted listeners. Someone had a sign that read, “Classical music is NOT elitist!”
Later that day I was listening to Eric Friesen’s interview with the wonderful Anne-Sophie Mutter on Studio Sparks, another of the many fine programs now gone forever. This remarkable artist said exactly the same thing as the person carrying the sign: that classical music (a complete misnomer, but the best term we seen to have at the moment) gives us everything we need in terms of spiritual and aesthetic nourishment, that it’s “soul food,” but that it’s also sexy! I sincerely wish that Ms Mutter’s opinions could have formed some part of the argument about the fate of Radio Two, and the CBC Radio Orchestra!
I believe that the “changes” that have been proposed to Radio Two amount to nothing less than the destruction of a great network. I would like to draw your attention to recent cogent and well-written articles in The Globe and Mail by Russell Smith and Jeffrey Simpson which say essentially the same thing: that which has taken decades to build up ought not to be wiped away in the interests trying to “broaden” the CBC’s audience.
One of the many crackbrained decisions that has been taken would condemn Classical music to a 10 am to 3 pm slot, when, as someone said today, children will not be able to listen to it! What about all the children and young people in this country who are passionately engaged in learning how to play “Classical” music on any given orchestral instrument? Where will they get the inspiration and example they need to pursue their dreams? or simply to play as well as they can, reaping all the well-recognized benefits such activity bestows? These Canadian children growing up today, from any number of ethnic backgrounds, are the CBC’s future audience? What is being done to include them?!
I further believe that the CBC is making a grave mistake in dismantling the Radio Orchestra. Let’s remind ourselves how this wonderful Canadian ensemble has been an extremely vital and productive force in the service of Canadian musicians, performers, of new and experimental ideas in composition and of the CBC Radio audiences in all the provinces of our country, as well as internationally.
The issues related to the CBC Radio Orchestra ought to have been part of a public debate, a discourse open to all the productive forces who have been contributing to the relevant work that the CBC Radio Orchestra has been producing, supporting and presenting in the last seventy years. The CBC Radio Orchestra fosters musical dialogue and exchange of ideas and has been extremely important in making contemporary music practices a vital part of Canada’s cultural life. The CBC Radio Orchestra is and represents something more than just an orchestral ensemble; it embodies that desire of exploration that is lacking in many national and international orchestral ensembles. It embodies and fosters the desire of sharing and assimilating older and newer music traditions together with the purpose of understanding various contemporary music styles and ideas, presenting them to the national collective appreciation while working to the advantage of an enriched awareness of valuing our differences.
This is the real value of a living tradition that Canadian musicians, composers and artists at large still feed with great passion and imagination. And this is a value which no corporate profit will ever be able to buy or even produce.
I am appalled and frustrated by these insensible decisions that undermine the real values of creative work. These are my tax dollars you are messing with!
Well said Jim, I’m very excited about the changes myself and feel quite insulted every time I’m told I listen to “dumbed down” music.
It looks to me like we are getting a radio service more reflective of our country. The horror.
So I just listened to Tom Allen’s spot that samples the kind of music some Canadian’s will be listening to in the morning. Hey, I’m happy for Tom, he’s a great host and I’ve enjoyed listening to him for years but as good as Tom is the music, more Canadian than before or not, in a word, sucks. The samples tell it all, ZERO CLASSICAL MUSIC IN THE MORNING. Thank goodness I can get BBC3 on the Internet. Good for Tom, he’s still got a pay cheque that my tax dollar is paying for. You’ve got my dollars but not my ears.
I survived Brave New Waves’ cancellation, and I’ll get through this. It might be good. I dig the addition of Mr. Terfry to the sked. The man is a knowledgeable college radio vet and well-traveled performer. I’m looking forward to his show.
crapppp!!!!!!!
I am sad to have to say goodbye to my favorite programs and hosts, including Jurgen Gothe and Tom Allen.
I’ve been a regular listener to CBC Radio for almost all of my adult life, and I cannot imagine an afternoon without Disc Drive. I cannot imagine waking up to the jolts of popular music instead of the soothing and gentle strains of some of my favourites like Bach or Mozart. I don’t mind it so much other times, but not first thing!
Ruth, another commenter says it for me too… I do NOT want to hear popular music — I want Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical.
I guess I am thankful for the squeezed in few hours of the more classical sounds Tempo from 10 -3, but you have lost me as a regular listener from here on.
Loved my commute this Tuesday morning! Great tunes, and a nice change.
First you have moved the jazzy from midnight to afternoon (with Ms. Malek) – hard to adjust to but in time, well I managed to schedule my classical music auditions for afternoon say, somewhere else. Now the jazzy moved in the morning too with your new program arrangement. I cannot believe that the only radio channel in BC trying to keep alive this music genre is giving up. I cannot believe that passionate broadcasters live you have nothing to say about these programs and about all these shuffling around and all the destroying of all the good programs. The BBC radio orchestra is now almost gone or gone already, and I know that classical music is unfortunately in decline, precisely the reason to keep it alive. Good jazz music is surely to be appreciated but there are so many radio channels to do this. Mr. Allen, I cannot believe you agree to broadcast in your show these Latino rhythms, (Lai Lai? Somalia? Are you serious? Lean on me? Ain’t no sunshine? Plastic Toilet Seets? … Sir, where is the classical music you love, where are your wonderful comments… what happened?
With all respect
Anca Halip – I already miss your past shows.
You will do something about it I am sure - … please don’t follow the pattern already used in every aspect of our lives where all good things are put aside and replaced only to please the crowds.
We listened to Radio 2 Morning today… for about 10 minutes. That was all we could take.
Please give us back our classical music mornings.
We also tried logging on to the streaming classical channel but couldn’t get by the buffering stage.
I tried hard to give Radio 2 Morning a chance, but I just can’t take that kind of music first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, no other station on the dial had anything better to offer — in fact, Radio 2 sounded just like rest of them (without the commercials). I have strong hopes for a vigorous round of sackings at the CBC to get rid of those responsible for this foolishness.
I’ve listened to CBC 2 almost daily for 10 years, but now I doubt I’ll be tuning in for anything other than Tempo. Jurgen, Eric and Catherine will all be sorely missed. I agree with several of the other commentators — when I want to hear jazz, I listen to KPLU; when I’m in the mood for roots and folk, I tune into CKUA; I don’t need CBC doing a halfway job when other stations already have those areas covered. Looks like I’ll be on the hunt for a new station for my daily Classical fix. Shame.
Today I have listened to CBC 2 as background music . The entire revamping exercise at CBC 2 seems pretty vapid.
There were not any significant problems with the old hosts or the old music formats. Some updating is always desirable but CBC is destroying its brand with its current antics.
Where are the news and weather casts? One of the reasons I listen to radio is to get timely updates, otherwise I might just as well listen to CD’s.
A case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. A varied musical menu is very desirable, but why so little classical music?
Is Laurie Brown now one of CBC 2’s flagbearers? I can remember when she hosted on Much Music in the late 1980’s. She must be middle aged by now, but she still sounds like a spacey 20 year old. She probably more intelligent than she sounds but she doesn’t want to show that side on The Signal.
CBC 2? I might as well go back to listening to college radio.
CBC2 has been there most of my life offering informed, intelligent, and soothing hours. The angst that jolted me out of bed and drove me home at an unusually high rate of speed today, is not what I tune in for.
Do you know what infuriates me about the New CBC Radio 2?
The fact that when I go on Youtube and watch videos, there’s a Radio 2 ad in the corner of every single video page.
Please, someone stop the barrage of Radio 2 ads!
My alarm clock radio used to wake me gently by beautiful sounds of classical music. What a wakeup this morning by sounds not even remotely approaching the genius of the old masters. The afternoon drive home in an insane traffic with an insane radio programs sealed the fate of CBC2. Thanks God, there is still one classical station left in the GTA. I will have to learn, how to tolerate their excessive advertising, still better than what I hear on The Late CBC2.
Sorry to first say good-bye to third classical station, which went to a good Jazz years ago, now even more sorry to say good-bye to the best radio broadcast Canada had to offer for years.
The educational value, of your programs started to beautifully imprint on the young minds of my children - first with some resentment but now they actually miss them also.
Please contact me if you ever decide to stop fixing, what was not broken, because I already took The Late CBC2 of all my radio dials.
So what do I do and where do I go to listen to Classical music (of all genres) before 10am and after 3pm? I have so enjoyed the discussions and comments presented by Tom, Eric, and Jurgen over the years. BC doesn’t have an alternative station where we can listen to Classical music. CBC Espace has good jazz in the afternoon but their Classical music disappeared as well. I listened to some music on Radio 2 this morning before 10am and turned it off. How depressing. There are classical music stations in all Western countries (banal or not at least they are available). Sorry guys, I think you’ve blown it.
I would like to thank the CBC hosts for all the lovely classical programs in the past. You have introduced me to many artists and composers that I would not have found on my own.
I did try to listen to the new programs today, but did not really enjoy them. I will be moving to internet streaming audio and iPOD from now on.
As for seeking a younger demographic, I’m currently 35 years old, and have listened to CBC Radio Two by choice since I was 10. Perhaps I am now too old for CBC’s new desired demographic.
Goodbye, and good luck, CBC!
I have decided to give your new Radio 2 format a week.
So far, two good shows - Tempo and Drive. However, Tom Allen’s new show was very disappointing. Classical music to start the day and Disc Drive to bring us home was perfect.
One week and then I search for something new.
(Regular CBC listener for 43 years).
You have effectively killed the last reasons I had to support the CBC. Music and Company was the only decent classical music program on the local airwaves and with it’s loss, I’m forced to switch to the buzzer or buy an alarm clock which can play CDs, and with Disk Drive gone expect more road-rage. Do you people have taste anywhere but in your mouths? I intend to ask my MP to help stop this waste of taxpayer’s money and shut down the increasingly irrelevant CBC.
I work in a piano technicians shop. We do everything pertaining to the upkeep, restoration and rebuilding of pianos.
The most effective radio station for listening to while working had been radio 2. Through trial and error we found radio 2’s “classical” mix to be the most beneficial in assisting us with focusing on our tasks.
September the second will be remembered as the day the radio went silent. We were degraded for a full hour (9:00-10:00am) before my colleague and I decided that this new diverse listening experience was not going to be tolerated.
Think about it. If one is to listen to a type of music, which I know a lot people do. You find the source for that music and you immerse yourself in it; hoping to learn as much as possible about that type of music. Rarely does a listener find a conglomeration of jarringly, drastically different genres an effective way of enjoying their listening experience.
Radio 2 has successfully launched a new listening experience, Mish-mash.
Whether or not this brings new listeners into the fold makes no difference. There will be no consistent listener base. It will become the radio station that you notice while flipping through the channels. You’ll hear a song you like, in a style you like; then the next track will shoot over the radio waves and shatter the mood that had just been created. You’ll think to youself; shucks, that was a great Latin groove and now it’s wrecked by the blues sounds I’m hearing.
Moving on to the next radio station.
Sorry radio 2. It’s not me, it’s you.
A sorrowful ex-listener, Alex.
oooh! Tom, I just heard you on your new morning show.
I’m sorry Tom, but it’s over between us. I used to love being with you but you’ve changed, and not for the better. I heard flashes of the witty, fun, intelligent guy I used to know, but your new friends are driving us apart. I’ll miss you Tom. You were the best.
Bia and the New Pornographers on Tuesday’s “Drive”. Bia and the New Pornographers on Wednesday’s “Radio 2 Morning”.
And these are just the repeats that I noticed (couldn’t take much of Tom’s new morning show). Hello, who’s setting the “hip” playlist for Radio 2, and why is it for all shows??
“Drive” quite lost me when Richard said “here’s some bluegrass” but at best it was some modern urban art-school newgrass. Steve Pritchard would never play anything of the sort on his bluegrass show “Radio Boogie” (CKLN, 10-midnight Wednesdays), and rightly so.
I guess the “New 2″ is geared to people who have a low level of discernment and think that satellite radio channels are just awesome.
So…in Canada the impassioned pleas of thousands of devoted listeners have not had the slightest impact - we are taxpayers and pay dearly for the CBC - and our preferences are ignored. And programs built up carefully over the years are just abandoned ! I, for one , resent my tax dollars going to support these ill begotten changes. I do not want more Canadian content - I want excellence no matter where it originates .
I am currently listening to Tempo with a very odd host who seems to be striving for humour - she keeps laughing over nothing and is playing pops concert music - this is going to be very tiresome.I am feeling jealous of the Maine Public Radio Station I hear on my frequent visits to the US - I never thought I would feel ashamed of the CBC - after 60 years of pleasurable and stimulating listening - is this a way for our conservative govt to get rid of listeners so they can finally cancel the public broadcast station completely ?
I think the opprotunity to provide feedback on this site should continue - why will it be closed on Sept 18th - are you afraid the negative comments will continue ? Can you not face the consequences of your willful destructiveness?
If I hear that new slogan one more time I will scream - another way to make CBC sound like a private radio station - branding - ugh! And I share the shock expressed by the early morning and late evening listeners , and agree with those who realize the young are now tuned into their Ipods and other devices and have ablsolutely no interest in CBC radio no matter what you serve up ! You are truly out of touch
What incredible garbage. The tragedy of it all is that CBC radio 2 had achieved so much in the last few years, particularly with programs such as Studio Sparks and Disc Drive. A combination of intelligent music and intelligent commentary, focused on (but not limited to) so-called “classical” music. What an achievement. The “classical music” bloc that now exists is (so far) almost entirely confined to greatest hits and “easy listening” material, with nothing even remotely challenging. What I heard this morning was some of Grieg’s Peer Gynt, Beethoven’s Fifth, something from what the announcer referred to as “the baroque composer Albinoni.” God help us.
I feel bereft. After 30 years of listening to CBC Radio, it’s over for me.
How sad…. If these changes are anything like what the french cultural Radio-Canada underwent a few years ago, well every music and culture lover here is going to go through a long long journey of mourning.
No matter how talented and appreciated Tom Allen is, and how much I loved Music and Company…. it is no longer the same as I cannot listen to jazz and world music early in the mourning… it does not work for me. This is the second time I’m forced to switch to another station… we still have a classical station in Montreal, but nothing close to what CBC was offering. I’m afraid I’m also saying goodbye, with much regret !
A movement in Quebec is pushing for the creation of a cultural radio. I’ve joined them and hope for the best. Any hope for any such movement in English Canada ? I’ll join !
Michèle Dorais
Montréal
The decision to throw everything out at once is mystifying. Reminds me of ‘New Coke’. But they saw their folly. While we wait for the return perhaps reruns of the ‘Old 2′ could be offered as a separate webcast. Won’t help in the car but better than nothing.
First they replaced the news with “newslite” and they got rid of Joe Cummings. I guess he and Tom Allen wer ehaving too much fun and who needs the real news. Then the elevator music jazz took over the evenings and now the best announcer on radio, Tom Allen, has been reduced to playing bland middle of the road jazz, blues(At 6AM without being up all night???) and white world music. I assume that Tom needs the job, but even he sounds hesitent and embarrassed by the music. Many of the familiar songs he plays are cover versions by inferior Canadian musicians. Presumably he couldn’t play the real versions because then he would be just anothor oldies show, and this is the new???? inovative??? Radio2 playing music you can’t hear anywhere else.
My car radio has gone from being constantly on radio 2 to switching back and forth from 2 to radio 1. Now it will be primarily cds and some radio 1.
This is a sad time to be a Canadian. One of our wonderful assets has been all but destroyed. Is this the Harperites behind the scenes continuing their destruction of any culture that isn’t the Calgary Stampede or is it just some misguided management types that don’t realize that they have just turned their backs on one of the most loyal audiences in Canada.
I agree with so many of the comments. I loved Music and Co while driving to the gym at 6 in the morning and listening until around 8 am before work. I loved Disc Drive (and its eclecticism) at the end of the day. I loved Music for Awhile until that was savaged. Since retiring last year I came to really appreciate Eric Friesen and Catherine Belyea. Now it’s all gone. I’ll give the new stuff a chance but I’m already switching Tom Allen off (of all people). This from someone who likes Sting, Neil Young, Rufus Wainwright and the likes. I’ve listened to CBC2 and its predecessor since I was 22 and am now 64, so it’s not an age thing.
What interesting reading. Perhaps CBC management should read its mail more often rather than make decisions based on ratings.
But the new shows are here and the change is fresh, exciting and welcome. We need CBC Radio to reflect the diversity of our population. What better way than to do so with the sound of music?
That said, the Radio 2 Morning show is a little too heavy handed first thing in the morning. When Tom Allen first debuted, back in 1998, the show was far more eclectic drawing on contemporary jazz, classical and modern sounds particularly those heard on ECM records. They should re-tool it to sound like Togni’s Weekender a few years back: a great way to start one’s day.
Radio 2 Drive is the strongest out of the gate: a solid mix of contemporary Canadian music with a dash of gospel and blues. It swings baby! And what’s with all the banjo music?
The new clasical programing is guaranteed to put you to sleep and the host is out of her element. Should stick to something she does well. Who could possibly follow in Eric’s footsteps?
As to Disc Drives replacement only two words can describe it, banal and inane. If this is a program showcasing Canadian talent worth listning to what will they do after the first week? Harper wont be getting my vote this time arround.
Music and Company was a small opportunity to learn about the several genres of music that are often lumped together as “classical”. The new show’s music selection sounds like all the other has-been aging hippie stations glutting the airwaves.
So if the CBC really wanted a change why didn’t they try something really different - like how early punk music evolved into new wave in the 80s? The stuff you’re playing on Radio 2 I can listen to when I’m in the elevator, at the dentist, watching TV ads or “House”. This is painful. I can’t believe someone as clever as Tom Allen could enjoy hosting a show that has such a tired old format.
Woke up to Crosby Stills and Nash two mornings in a row. Yuk, that’s enough!
I”m a 67 year-old with broad musical tastes. I grew up listening to CBC radio and, over the years, the FM network, hosted by some outstanding personalities, has been an exceptional source of classical music enjoyment,
Of course I miss Jurgen Gothe’s quintessential Canadian laidbackness, but, after 23 years of listening to Disk Drive, I was willing to accept the change. Unfortunately, Jurgen’s mixed bag format (always an interesting stretch from Billie Holiday to Mozart string Quartets to French yodellers) has now been replaced by an exceptionally dull playlist of up-tempo fluff.
After a few days with the new schedule (which includes the popification of Tom Allen’s morning program) I get the impression that it is the work of market research experts who think Radio 2 can survive the loss of listeners.
As I write this I’m listening to my new classical feed—KBPS 89.9 FM. I also listen to jazz on KPLU from Seattle. That’s something I thought could never happen—dropping CBC for two American stations!
I have been watchig the CBC sliding into oblivion. It now is competing with the worst part of my dial. Tax-funded culture propagation is going obverboard.
There was a time when my dial would not be moved. It was permanently locked on the CBC station. The dumbing down of it is so sad. Reporters, well into maturity, trying to sound like adolescents. It just doesn’t work. My young adult sons find them “odd” and ridicule them. (Ms Rodgers?) Mr Gomshi advancing political opinins? Give me a break!
Is the CBC trying to survive at all cost? Are their programming directors in touch with reality? Do they consider the Canadian long term or just their short term careers?.
Myself? A year ago I bought an XM satellite radio… It is a sad farewell to my beloved CBC .
I work in a piano technicians shop. We do everything pertaining to the upkeep, restoration and rebuilding of pianos.
The most effective radio station for listening to while working had been radio 2. Through trial and error we found radio 2’s “classical” mix to be the most beneficial in assisting us with focusing on our tasks.
September the second will be remembered as the day the radio went silent. We were demoralized for a full hour (9:00-10:00am) before my colleague and I decided that this new diverse listening experience was not going to continued.
Think about it. If one is to listen to a type of music, which I know a lot people do. You find the source for that music and you immerse yourself in it; hoping to learn as much as possible about that type of music. Rarely does a listener find a conglomeration of jarringly, drastically different genres an effective way of enjoying their listening experience.
Radio 2 has successfully launched a new listening experience, Mish-mash.
Whether or not this brings new listeners into the fold makes no difference. There will be no consistent listener base. It will become the radio station that you notice while flipping through the channels. You’ll hear a song you like, in a style you like; then the next track will shoot over the radio waves and shatter the mood that had just been created. You’ll think to yourself; shucks, that was a great Latin groove and now it’s wrecked by the blues sounds I’m hearing. (Nothing against blues in particular.)
Moving on to the next radio station.
Sorry radio 2. It’s not me, it’s you.
A sorrowful ex-listener.
I’ve so far avoided listening to the new shows… it would be too sad. Like Brenda Leyland, I don’t want to wake up to popular music - fine at other times, but not first thing in the morning. My only alternative at the moment is to have Radio One come on, but I’m not crazy about talk/news/radio that early in the day.
To add insult to injury, Jurgen Goethe was cut off at the very end of his very last DiscDrive show (I’m glad he’s not leaving the airwaves entirely, though). While I enjoy The Signal from time to time, Tonic is beyond watered-down, and a very, very poor substitute for After Hours. It seems that most of the new shows lack any particular theme or mandate - they’ll just play whatever mismash of indie monotony, combined with the odd “roots” or annoying folk tunes, though we mustn’t forget trendy (unlistenable) world music.
To a large extent, this is all about personal taste, but it goes without saying that the vast, vast majority of Radio Two listeners, present and (increasingly) past, are not going to take to the new programming.
Arguably, the largest problem is the “multi-genre” format - try to do a bit of everything and you’ll end up doing nothing well, but a focus on, say, classical (encompassing everything from baroque to opera), contemporary concert music, jazz (real jazz, not Tonic garbage), and perhaps some experimental stuff late at night would work well. In fact, it did work well a few years ago when the weekday schedule after 6 included Music for a While, In Performance, After Hours, and the weird stuff after midnight that I seldom listened to.
I am optimistic though - given the pace of changes of late, it won’t be long before Radio Two is redone yet again, and I expect it will probably get better - the worst had to come first, though.
As a longtime constant listener cant believe what is happening. Bring back Eric Friesen Shelly Solmes, Andrea Ratusky, Danielle Chrbonneau,Jurgen Gothe. If they wan to move on for personal reasons find replacements but if this is someones idea of progress my only response is “CLICK”
I’m terribly disappointed by the killing of the one ad-free early morning classical music show. I like Tom Allen, as a classical music lover who’s also a working scientist I had a huge affection for his science stories, and I’ll miss him–but I can’t listen to the new show. I just can’t. I tune in on the hour for the weather prognosis, then go back to my CDs for the accompaniment of my routine.
A city like Toronto, supposedly an international metropolis of some standing, cannot provide a decent full working day of classical music programming on PUBLIC RADIO? What am I saying–not even half a day?
For shame.
I ache for the companionable, warm, intelligent Eric Friesen. What a loss. I’m tuning out more and tuning in less. I’ll give some eartime to the classical program and continue to enjoy most of Tonic. Otherwise, new 2 is irritating.
I’m surprised there are so few comments!
I find the new programming too difficult to tolerate. My clock radio wakes me with the news (I’m pleased that a little local news has returned) but I now turn the radio off after only one or two songs, the lyrics of which I have difficulty deciphering. My mornings now begin with agitation and confusion instead of with humor and peace. Sure, Tom Allen continues as host, but he has been relegated to AM-style DJ. I am sorely displeased.
Tom Allen is reduced to being a DJ. I miss his wit and erudition.
This borders on sickening.
I think the changes are dreadful. I loved listening to the gentle humour of Tom Allen and classical music on my way to work. It was enriching and educational. The current mix is more suitable for the interior of an elevator and I won’t be listening to it. Can’t you change it back?
Well if they at CBC believe this Radio2 to be the new FACE of Canada than they’ve not really looked at our faces but in a mirror with Orwellian propaganda that says this is the People — ugh you’ve lost a long time listener — don’t push the river CBC, flow with it
I was very disappointed to see that the Tom Allen morning show no longer caters for classical music. This was listening for my regular morning commute. Will tune to Access (Alberta) for the time being.
I haven’t found out what other damage has been done to the schedule.
Why on earth change such a successful format?
These changes have broken my heart. I especially loved Eric Friesen and “Studio Sparks.” This whole thing reminds me of the movie “Amadeus.” Mediocrity trying to squelch true talent. And succeeding. Shame on you.
Eric…I’m hoping you’ll turn up elsewhere soon!
Perhaps in the U.S., or somewhere on the Internet.
I’ll be Googling!!!
God Bless,
Roberta
I’m afraid you’ve lost me as a listener. I tried, I really did. But, though they might be “cool” and “edgy”, the new hosts don’t offer much substance. And the music … sigh. Jangly, pop stuff. Nothing really challenging or rousing. Most of all I miss the sense of connection that I used to feel to a community of articulate, thoughtful Canadians of diverse backgrounds who shared a common interest in really good classical music and jazz. Worse yet - I’m a 31 year-old urban professional, just the kind of listener the CBC wants to secure for the future. But I’m leaving, with a sad and heavy heart.
Debby and other bloggers on this site:
There are hundreds (if not nearing one thousand - just in the last 4 days) of comments on the Radio 2 blog (on the CBC Radio 2 site: http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/blog/)
The comments posted overwhelmingly decry the changes to the programming.
FYI there is an organisation Friends of Canadian Broadcasting that I have learned of (through reading the Radio 2 blog) that seems committed to challenging this. You can visit their site at http://friendscb.org/.
Today, I heard Tempo (the new weekday classical show) advertised as “a mix of classical music you won’t hear anywhere else.” This is a blatant lie. On most commercial classical stations across Canada, you can hear a bland mix of overplayed popular classics similar to what Tempo plays.
I am mourning the loss of so many quality programs on Radio Two. Studio Sparks and Disc Drive were simply the best. The new Radio 2 is awful - I can’t imagine anyone is listening. Please bring back the music.
How much do I despise the new Radio 2 format? This much: (I hate it) x infinity.
I used to adore being greeted in the morning by Tom Allen’s truly bizarre commentary and the intelligent, engaging, delightful music. Now I get the news (such as it is), weather, wait in the hope that the old theme music will air, then wither in sad disappointment.
CBC executives say that they expected us all to complain and that they don’t care that we do. They will wait for months and months before taking action at the depleted pool of listeners. So, folks, we’ll have to keep up the campaign of complaint if we want decent music with which to start the day. I hope Tom Allen can hang in while we do our thing.
CBC excecutives: you are bad. Restore Radio 2. You have ruined every morning!
I stand by my earlier comments after listening to a full week of the new Radio 2. I have to be honest, the morning show does need some work. At times there is a great mix of music and at other times it seems almost too commercial. Tom remains excellent and I like the addition of local news. The classical music block is wonderful and the host a delight. The afternoon Drive is incredible! Welcome to a new century everyone. Rich is a host who will be with us for a long time. Intelligent, thoughtful and charming — and the music: what a delight after years of the same old Disc Drive stuff (so predictable it became a parody of itself far too often). This is a work in progress, but I think my listening will actually increase, and no, I’m not in a youthful demographic by any means.
I published a much longer post under Tom Allen’s section, but in a nutshell - to quote my 14-year old Son yesterday morning “It just isn’t the same Dad, put a CD on.” And in case I am relegated to the ‘old folks’ group who don’t get the ‘new music’, I love a lot of new music - I just happen to like classical too.
Where to begin? How about the cloying voice of the guy who endlessly announces, “Everywhere music takes you?” Please, if they would just get rid of that, it would be a start. But Radio 2, I fear, is lost. Tom Allen said that we should look at the end of “Music and Company” as getting off one train, and getting on another. But it’s the railway that’s the problem, Tom; the trains were just fine! It seems to me that when you have fantastic announcers and shows like Peter Togne’s “Weekender,” Tom Allen’s “Music and Company,” Ross Porter’s “After Hours,” Patti Schimdt’s “Brave New Waves,” Jurgen Gothe’s “DiscDrive,” to name only five, then you don’t have an issue with content at all. What you have is a failure to market this excellent product. Replacing these wonderful programs and their informed announcers with the likes of, I’m sorry, Laurie Brown and Molly Johnston, re-vamping Music and Company, focusing on obscure, third-rate Canadian performers just because they’re Canadian…. What a tragic waste of talent! Well, The people responsible for this are inompetent and misguided. I’ll tell you exactly where this music is taking me: away from CBC Radio.
I hate the music on the new Radio 2. I hate it a lot. I believe that this new format is part of a longterm plan to make CBC like every other radio station, which will make it a lot easier to remove completely.
Please restore the old format immediately!
I have really tried to get into the new CBC 2, but it just isn’t my kind of music and I have fairly eclectic musical tastes. For many years CBC 2 was my “go to” station for classic and jazz music. Now it is simply one more my scanner passes through when I’m looking for some music I want to listen to.
The internet and cable alternates are rather difficult to access while in the car.
What on earth is Tom Allen on? Tom, dear, could ya slow down a bit?
Some of us take a bit longer to wake up and hearing what sounds like a squirrel on speed is hardly conducive to entering the day with clarity or serenity. Love your humour, but gear down, okay? And breath just a touch between words?
Thanks.
Annie
Please respond to all of these concerns. There was no need to slaughter a totally wonderful station.
First the loss of Andrea Ritusky’s show, I stopped listening to late night ,early morning. Now all the rest have been ripped out. You are ignoring a very dedicated audience for what reason ?
Is Steven Harper behind this ?
Must cbc sound like every other station?.. a million
listeners can’t be wrong..
To the CBC,
I tried to listen to your new morning programming and sadly, have turned off the radio in discust on week days. I really have enjoyed listening to Tom Allen in the past, but a large part of why I listened was because of the music, and now that it has been replaced with something completely different, not even Tom can save it. The only time I now have CBC Radio 2 on is to listen to Choral Concert on Sunday and then I make a dash for the off switch before Gregory Charles arrives for his weekly installment of self indulgence. You folks really screwed up this time.
Tim
The cancellation of the two best programs on Radio 2 - Disc Drive and Studio Sparks is the final straw for me. I did give the new 3 to 6pm show a listen. It’s just the “easy listening” pap found elsewhere than CBC with no effort. Having already turned off most of CBC 1, I’m looking for a new spot on my dial. I’ll also write the Prime Minister suggesting there is no longer a reason NOT to introduce commercials on CBC 2.
I haven’t listened to CBC Radio 2 since the change. M
My own music tastes are eclectic at 50 years old. I even admit to liking some. My primary love IS and always WILL be classical.
Since I was in my late teen’s in the late 70’s I was hooked on CBC Radio 2 (CBC Stereo). That’s how I developed my passion.
Shows such as Bob Kerr’s ‘Off The Record’ and Allen McFee’s ‘Eclectric Circus’ were real gems.
Of late, ‘Studio Sparks’ became a real favourite with Eric’s wonderfully intelligent use of language & a truly stress free mix of music.
As I’ve said before the hosts of the previous CBC Radio 2 spoke directly to us. While Tom Allen is still around, the new show is just impossible to listen t.o. Sorry Tom, no offense to you.
I have now moved on listening to NPR and have relly discovered some great programs, especially on Sunday morning, unlike the dribble offerings now on CBC Radio 2.
Until things change back, if ever, I REFUSE to listen.
Pity those young people coming up now discovering classical music won’t have the opportunities we had. I really pity them as this will help them get through life s classical music has helped me.
Intelligent broadcasting is a thing of the pas, or is it???
P.S; Sorry for the typo’s!!
Please stop the fatuous promos that have been plaguing us every ten minutes for the past three months. They represent everything that’s wrong with the New Radio 2: smug, self-indulgent, vapid, ‘all hype all the time’ - the opposite of the Old Radio 2.
My last post received the answer:
‘Thanks! Your comment is awaiting moderation.’
Are you guys channeling George Orwell?
It’s a publicly-funded disaster, a hurricane of trendoid miscalculations. I grant you we did need a shake-up: I could never tolerate Tom Allen’s hyperkinetic sunrise delivery, but of course you’ve kept him, and to finish the job, have wrecked the music he presents. Jurgen Gothe has seemed semi-conscious for the past few years, and Disc Drive was at best, a musical mishmash with often irritating cute commentary. Sure, we needed some fresh voices, but not this way.
The greatest listening loss of many for me, weirdly, is Organ Thursdays with Jurgen Petrenko — an island of joy in the excellent mid-weekday classical programming.
I’ve been checking it all out, this brave new mess, until my ears are bleeding from the endless jazz and abrupt, ugly genre shifts. I guess we really don’t know what we’ve got ’til it’s gone (not a request to play a Joni Mitchell song). I’ve tried, sorry, but I can’t do it. KING in Seattle, I guess, despite their bass boost and advertising.
Thank you, CBC, for ensuring that I will get to work on time every morning M-F since I don’t need to listen to Tom’s show anymore. (Sorry, Tom, I gave it several tries.)
Like most responders I prefer “classical” first thing in the morning. Not sure how the CBC figures people who work or attend school will have time to enjoy the 10-3 show.
On a happy note, I really enjoyed listening to Peter on Choral Concert yesterday morning. Was playing former punk band Chumbawamba a not-to-subtle poke at “In the Key of Conceited”? I sure hope so!
You know what I absolutely love? The fact that my comment was waiting for moderation for over a week and then disappeared. I have no idea why it wasn’t published as there was nothing offensive in it so here I am again and I can only hope that this time you will have the decency to publish it.
I’m just glad that BBC Radio 3 is online.
I’m sorry to see all of the wonderful programs and hosts that I’ve grown up with leave but hopefully the CBC will come to their sense eventually and something can be salvaged from this mess.
Honestly, the music they’re offering is available on many of other stations. Modern music is exactly what we need less of on the airwaves.
And ‘Classical music to keep you company at work’? How many companies do you know that allow you to listen to the radio while working? To me, it’s just a way to effectively bury what classical music is left on Radio 2, ensuring that it won’t reach a large audience.
Congratulations CBC, you’ve just cut off another way for young people to hear and possibly learn to enjoy classical music. There’s a reason people my age think classical music is dusty and boring; there’s no exposure, no understanding how it’s influenced modern music.
Sorry about that, duckthief. Nothing intentional. I was moderating a whole whack of comments that had come in while I was gone for a bit, and the “Approve” link is right next to the “Delete” link in the moderator’s screen and I saw that I hit the wrong one on at least two comments. Of course once it was gone, there was no more of it so I couldn’t repost it or even email you to ask you to. I’m glad you did.
– Tod
As promised, I sent another “Comment” to CBC
–my 3rd –and received an answer that it was under
“Moderation”..(what in God’s name does that mean??).
Has it now been “moderated” or , deleted or whatever you get up to with our “Comments” in the inner sanctum of CBC? I would appreciate knowing,
as, if it has indeed disappeared into cyberspace, I shall gladly send a new one describing my
new impressions of new CBC2 after 7 days of
listening off and on!!!!
Marjory,
Hold your horses… I’ve got a backlog of comments and the moderation part of the blog is slow as molasses. I can only do about 4-5 at the time in an hour before the database kacks. Yes, I know it’s lame, but I’m still trying to get a fix for it. This blog isn’t on the regular CBC network so we have to be ready for any breakdowns on the Intertubes.
As for “moderating,” yes, comments are held for moderation to ensure they comply with our comments policy, which you’ll find a link to above.
Will you give us the concensus statistics on what people’s opinion was on the dreadful change to CBC2 programming 3-7 pm? I hope my previous comments were not beeped! I bet this will be a record number of comments that the CBC has ever received on programme changes! Perhaps it will make the CBC realise someone out there is really listening but not liking what it is hearing!
Not much point I guess in adding one more ‘HOW COULD YOU? to the mix. When I wrote months ago,I was assured by a nicely worded letter, that ,we would still get a good percentage of classical music, and also that there really were not that many classical music listeners in Canada. I wish I had kept that response from your office. There are hundreds of sad people writing to tell you how they feel…you have effectively lost MANY listeners
Well, I tried….
I have done my best to embrace the new programming on Radio 2. Considering I’m still in the key demographic that CBC is trying to attract, the music and on-air discussion should (in theory) be intelligent, ecletic, and witty. Basically, a modernized format of the music and information that originally attracted me to Radio 2 back in the mid 1980s….
With the exception of 5 hours of “Classical Music’s Greatest Hits”, the music runs the gamut from jarring to pedestrian to bland. Canadian musicians are capable of great music, but it seems that the “New 2″ seeks out only the most mediocre talent they can lay their hands on.
As for the hosts, Tom Allen was wonderfully witty and informative when hosting “Music and Company”, but seems sadly restrained now). The new hosts are completely uninspiring, and the between song commentary only a step above the drivel that the hosts on commercial radio offer . Replacing Jurgen Gothe and “Disc Drive” with Richard Terfry and “Drive” is akin to trying to pass off domestic beer as a fine wine.
My radio has, sadly, been silent this week. As it will likely be next week. And the week after that.
If nothing else, the change in programming has caused me to seriously look into satellite radio.
Grant - do the satellite radio thing. I’ve been on Sirius for almost two years and it is fantastic. There is real diversity when you’re talking a hundred channels. It will only get better as the XM merger proceeds.
Music and company was the best part of my mornings, and it was also why I could arrive at school with a smile on my face. It was such a perfect blend of music and Tom Allen’s amusing stories. And now it’s all gone. The new stuff is just too difficult to listen to in the morning.