Znaimer makes lemonade out of CBC’s classical lemons
You can’t say he’s can’t spot a marketing opportunity when he sees one.
Citytv founder Moses Znaimer has taken advantage of public displeasure over the coming changes for CBC Radio Two and issued a news release promoting his two Toronto classical radio stations.
Titled “Attention CBC Radio 2 classical music listeners!,” the release begins: “Keep calm and carry on – there is an all-classical alternative [and CBC can no longer] claim there is no other source for classical music in English Canada.”
Among the new initiatives he plans to roll out: “The Classical Corps,” a roving team of mobile young reporters who will cover cultural events. Oh, and a classical-music game show just for fun
Media in Canada described the move as a “take-that blow to CBC that smacks of a wannabe duelist slapping an enemy with a glove.” Znaimer bought the stations last year and relaunched them in September
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It’s too bad that we can’t just have art for art sake. I’m not shocked but am dismayed that the CBC is eliminating all classical music programs from radio 2, and downgrading those it hasn’t eliminated (Disc Drive etc), to a middle-of-the-road easy listening format.
As a classical flautist and pop singer/songwriter I cannot say how sad it is to know that one more avenue of culture is being taken away. Having been a freelance artist for over 15 years I am well aware of the need to make changes to make money in this business of music. However, it just seems downright depressing that there will be no more classical music on CBC radio 2. I realize that most people are indifferent to this change but there are still are large percentage of listeners and musicians alike who will not be able soothe their ears and souls with the dumbing down of Canadian radio!
Sincerely,
Dr. Liesa Norman
Moses “The Zoomer” Znaimer is due for a stampede of listeners. That station of his already manages to keep him soaking longer in the bubble bath, and I enjoyed it last summer while working outdoors.
I didn’t so much enjoy his sister reminding everyone that “living well is the best revenge”.
Is revenge an issue in our daily lives?
What’s with guys who like to have themselves pictured in the bath tub?
Oh well, enduring the Moses vanity is a small price to pay for a nice background of classical music. And there are some really great “live” mini-concerts on the station website.
Could Mr. Znaimer please move to Calgary. He won’t have to wear that dorky white stetson or go to the Stampede. Mascots Hidy and Heidi are now gone–things are looking up around here. Better winters, less shovelling. All the more time to enjoy classical music. Please, please, please.
CBC is too stupid to exist. We’ve already got a righteous high-end option for daily listening–even Ralphie-baby couldn’t knock it down. CKUA has everything but full-day classical music.
This confirms my suspicion that CBC brain trust consists of lobotomized gerbils.
Surely not ‘hamsters’ – ‘lemmings’ is more accurate.
Note: Please delete one ‘surely’, preferably the second.
That’s that there are two alternative classical stations in Toronto. Unfortunately, for us poor souls in Vancouver, we do not have any stations other than the CBC that feature classical music. I would urge anyone upset about the change to please write to their MP’s and the Minister of Culture.
Having listened to commercial classical radio in the United States, I am not looking forward to the Canadian iteration. The SF radio station I listened to played a “Greatest Hits” classical format, interspersed by frequent ads for mattresses. The station was financially successful, but it did not compare in quality to Radio 2.
I am very upset about the decision to cut Discdrive. Now, instead of enjoying Jurgen’s enjoyable commentary, I will have to endure mediocre Canadian adult contemporary artists. I guess this is all part of Richard Stursberg’s new “Tim Horton’s” version of the CBC.
Why do 2 stations in Toronto = a “source for classical music in English Canada”? The slap is to TROC. There were always classical programs to listen to in Toronto and a little hopping around can still fill your day with it, if that’s what you want… CBC is supposed to be aware of life beyond the 416/905…but alas, I’m not always sure it is.
Thank goodness for Znaimer. Someone we can rely on.
Dr. Norman,
Do try to listen more carefully. Who on earth told you we’re eliminating all classical music? Egads, that’s how rumours get started. There will still be a fair amount of classical on Radio 2 (including a new five-hour block; forgive me, I forget just when that is).
I love classical music too, but good grief…It’s not like we’re going to be playing Feist and Nickelback. By the way, you might wish to consider supporting some of the performers of classical music by purchasing their CDs.
Just a slight correction, but I believe Znaimer only owns one classical station in Toronto. His other holding is AM 740 “oldies” radio which mostly features big-band and crooner-type music.
Can’t blame the guy for filling in what will be a bit of a new void. Still, I’m mostly supportive of the CBC’s moves here. Radio 2 should feature a broad assortment of music that is reflective of the Canadian population.
anonymous CBCer Says:
“There will still be a fair amount of classical on Radio 2 (including a new five-hour block; forgive me, I forget just when that is).”
Wow, 5 whole hours! I have the radio on in the morning before 7am until about 7pm in the evening. It used to be pretty much all classical except for one of Jurgen Gothe’s hours (but I knew that about him) and a couple of programs on the weekends. And now we will get about 20% of what we had before. How generous.
I would be interested to know how the classical music requests submitted to “Here’s to You” tally against other genres.
And, by the way, as for buying classical music CDs, many times, most for me, it’s because I’ve been introduced to them on the radio.
the funniest post in the thread is the person who managed to spin this as yet another example of everything being Toronto’s fault!
Rock on!
I was not aware of Mr. Znaimers efforts in the Toronto radio market. I’m glad to see that he has stepped up, and addressed the classic music format. I hope the format is viable and he able to expand to other markets across Canada to satisfy the classic music lovers.
That said, I’m very happy to see the expansion of Radio2. I feel that vast majority great Canadian artists of all genres do not have an outlet on traditional radio. With all the gripping and complaining that has been done over the the changes at radio2, there has not been allot of positive press over what this could do for the unknown or under represented artist. Sure, some of it not be up the ‘high’ standard of the old r2 listeners, but at least the new r2 may get closer to the whole point of public radio; to give a voice to the nation that has not been obstructed by adverting. I don’t understand why the classical music fan should feel that the tax payer of Canada should be subsidizing there listening experience, while completely ignoring other equally important genres. I know r2 has great programing on it; but did to what extent did it represent Canadian values?
I pointed this out in an earlier posting (which didn’t make it up perhaps subject to the same glitch Tod mentioned) but I already switched to Classical 96.1 FM when CBC cancelled their only classical music program on Radio One, Northern Lights. And I know several others who did so then too (and we’re all thirtysomethings, well within the CBC’s demographic). Moses is smart to capitalize on this. There’s a lot of people who want classical music during drive times and late night…and the CBC is pulling out of doing that altogether.