Dear WBUR/WRNI Listeners:

I want to inform you about some changes at WBUR that will take effect over the next few weeks and which will result in some alterations to our broadcast schedule. These actions are the result of an extensive review over the last several months and involve programs, staffing and on-air fundraisers. We believe the long term impact will be extremely positive for listeners and the WBUR organization as a whole.

First, on the fundraising front, we plan to reduce the number of on-air fundraisers per year from six to four. This is on top of significant reductions in the length of our fundraisers since I took over management of the station last October. You told us that on-air fundraisers were too frequent and distracted from the news. We heard you.

On the programming front, "On Point " with Tom Ashbrook will move to mornings -- 10:00 AM to noon. One hour of "On Point" will be rebroadcast from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. The 8:00 – 9:00 pm time slot will be occupied by a rebroadcast of "Fresh Air."

"The Connection" with Dick Gordon will go silent after the August 5th broadcast. Dick is a highly respected journalist and has been a valued contributor at WBUR. We wish him the very best in his new endeavors.

"Here and Now" with host Robin Young will remain at noon, but will have more of a New England focus to take advantage of Robin's familiarity with and knowledge of the area. WBUR will also hire additional reporters and an associate producer to bring greater depth in certain important areas like business, science, medicine and the arts.

The changes were made after months of extensive internal reviews and in consultation with National Public Radio and listeners. Our goal is to continue producing the very best public radio news and programs, but at the same time be fiscally responsible so that we will be in a position to continue our growth as one of the top public radio stations in America. With these steps, The WBUR Group is once again on solid financial footing with a balanced budget projected for the new fiscal year.

We thank you for supporting The WBUR Group.

Peter Fiedler
WBUR Acting General Manager

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