WYPR has dealt itself a possibly fatal self-inflicted wound. Marc Steiner WAS WYPR. He is a local treasure. I am sure he will land on his feet. I hope he remains in Baltimore. As for WYPR, it has seen my last contribution.

I disagree with WYPR's decision. Steiner was an excellent & knowledgeable moderator who added a great deal to the community by bringing to the forefront a variety of vital concerns to the city AND the state. Yes, his firing will affect my loyalty to the station.

Am shocked and disappointed. His segments were topical and not just 'Baltimor-oriented' - but issues for Baltimore do affect the state. Am wondering what % of donations are Baltimore-based vs Western-MD-based or Ocean City - based. . . . . Regardless, Steiner would have covered any issue fairly.

It always amazes me the stupidity of radio station managements. Several years ago WETA went from mostly classical music to all news/talk, to compete with WAMU broadcasting NPR material. About a year, or so ago WETA came back to classical music full-time (acting like classical music broadcasting was their bright new idea.) I wonder how long WYPR will take to see the error of their ways.

Say what you like about the limit and sometimes boring play-list at WBJC, at least they have stayed true to their mission.

I have been a subscriber (and fan of Marc) since before there was a WYPR - I will be seriously reviewing my contribution to the station and my listening options. One wonders if they factored in the elimination of the 7 PM rebroadcast of Marc's show into the drop in ratings (if they didn't one could argue for a per-hour increase in his listenership.)

As a long time listener, supporter, and guest on many WYPR shows I assert that Mr Steiner is the the station's single biggest asset. It is my opinion his dismissal was a serious mistake that will only diminish and bring shame to the station.

I wouldn't go so far as to equate Marc Steiner with WYPR, but he was an important voice in the station. I would argue that, as the station reaches further to the east and west, a voice related specifically to Baltimore City is needed more than ever, so that the issues which the city faces are addressed on a regular basis. The "Statewide" program can replace one of the national shows without a whole lot of disruption. This way, both Baltimore (the place which gave WYPR a home and a reason for being), and Maryland as a whole, can be served.

The timing for this dismissal may not be a good move, given that another pledge drive is imminent. Listeners may vote with their wallets.

I really liked Marc. He really was a distinctive local voice, and he really made an effort to be open-handed. Further, he was simply more curious than most radio people.

I believe he should get some kind of metal for attempting to do fair and balanced (and yet oddly compelling) shows about such topics as the school budget. That is a real public service and truly a brave act for an on-air broadcaster.

I think such a big change in programming as cancelling his show should not have been made in a back room somewhere. I don't remember any public forum about this before it happened. I thought I heard that it was public radio - maybe I was mistaken -

I started listening to WYPR 6 years ago when I moved to Baltimore. Marc Steiner is the reason I stopped listening a year later. He was entertaining but he had one too many guests with "The Man is out to get me" attitude and too often his liberal biases overflowed. I finally turned it off and stopped supporting the station. I too, hope he lands on his feet but on a station that is not supported by pubic funds. Unless there is an "equal time" policy on a public station, their programming should not reflect a political bias.

It's a sad day for WYPR's members. Steiner was the reason I, and my friends, chose to listen to WYPR rather than WAMU, which has almost the same line up of shows (and a stroger signal). If enough members cancel, station management may possibly get a better feel for the size of Steiner's audience.

Very disappointing to me that WYPR has fired Marc Steiner. He's the primary show of interest to me on WYPR. There are few people with his depth of knowledge, interest, skill and general caring for the Baltimore city area, the state of Maryland, and the things going on in our country in general! WYPR without the Marc Steiner is of no interest at all to me!

I have traveled across the midwest on numerous occastions, and I often try to tune into the local NPR stations along the way. You all should know that few programs out there rival the Marc Steiner program for thoroughness and conscientiousness in dealing with difficult subjects. I am very proud of him for what he has contributed to the culture of Maryland. I have heard music, been exposed to writers, and had to digest complicated issues, all thanks to Marc Steiner. WYPR will regret this decision.

I have been a supporter and volunteer since the WJHU days and was inspired by Marc Steiner's vision for a true public radio station. Indeed, in my opinion, there would be no WYPR without that vision.

I now have to seriously consider my future support in both time and money to the station in light of this.

The reasons given for this sudden dismissal by the station are spurious in my view.

I do not know when or how the current management gained control of the station, but it has been in significant decline over the last year.
It's signal quality has gone beyond poor and to the point of interfering with neighboring stations like WAMU.
The loss of Mr Steiner's voice will be noticed.

I think this is a bad move for WYPR. I've listened to Marc since he started 15 years ago, and have enjoyed his show. The justification they've given borders on the ridiculous.

Looking at their new schedule, it appears that from now on, WYPR will be talking to us, but won't be listening to it's listeners. I guess they don't want us talking back any more.

All the recently added shows are interviews & reports, mostly about the arts. I have to say, they are generally pretty awful, and very amateurish, it's embarrassing to listen sometimes.

We want to talk about politics and education and crime and life (and the arts) in greater Baltimore and in Maryland, now there will be no one to talk too.

Other than the NPR morning, evening and Saturday morning programs, there's not going to be much worth listening to on WYPR any more.

Since when does a drop in the rating affect Public Radio? I support Public Radio because it is not commercial. The Steiner Show dealt with issues that were interesting and important, not just to Baltimoreans but for all citizens in this region.

Mr. Steiner will be missed. I, personally, will no longer be supporting WYPR.

I feel very strongly that WYPR has made a huge mistake in letting Marc Steiner go. Baltimore needs a voice and for me, he is the voice of Baltimore Public Radio in so many ways. I will not be renewing my membership with WYPR. The whole thing is very sad and he will truly be missed.

I'm blown away by this news. Marc worked to keep WYPR going when Hopkins was ditching it. He was instrumental in keeping it going. Nice gratitude, guys!

Marc is one of the best radio hosts I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. He managed even, well informed and directed discussions of so many diverse issues. You're not going to find the likes of him again. He's a gem.

If his focus was too narrow for management's taste, then a discussion between the two would have been warranted, but certainly not this action!

The management argument of *wait and see what we have coming* is so clearly a smokescreen and meant to get listeners to back up and wait, while management hopes that it all blows over. We're not stupid, folks. We, the listeners and supporters see this for what it is.

I wrote WYPR this morning, asking them to direct me to someone whom I could express myself to. Either they are overwhelmed with similar requests, or they're stonewalling their own supporters.

I want Marc back!

Marc Steiner's firing is truly astonishing! I feel Mr. Steiner explored a broad range of issues. Moreover, he may be one of the most fair, balanced, intelligent, and open-minded individuals to have hosted any radio talk show. Today I tuned into WAMU. WYPR will get no support from me. We can only hope Steiner finds another outlet for his exceptional talents.

This is truly a sad day for Baltimore. I have been a financial supporter of WYPR since its' inception, but that has ended. I sincerely hope he shows up on the airwaves soon, the topics on the show were not to be heard anywhere else.

I started listening to WYPR back in 1994 when it was WJHU. I've been a member since then and I gave a contribution to help make the transition to WYPR. Since I work during the day, I haven't been able to listen very often since they stopped the 7PM repeat, but when I do get the chance, I always find Marc's show interesting and informative, and not just because I live in Baltimore. He is very good at keeping the discourse civil which is a rarity in today's talk radio. Without Marc, I am definitely going to rethink my support of the station.

The firing of Marc Steiner is just another reminder of why I am a long-term listener, but infrequent supporter of WYPR (and WJHU before). Growth is a poor reason for losing local flavor. The good news is Marc will still be Marc, wherever he goes.

Way to go WYPR management - fire the guy provides a real and relevant service to the community. Maybe the guy in charge of WYPR fund raising willl get fired next!

Marc Steiner is my favorite radio personality. I am not sure how the station gets its listener numbers. I have not been contacted and am an enthusiastic listener who very much misses the pm rerun slot. The station's actions and justification are indeed suspect.

Such a disappointment. Marc brought so many issues to the forefront both sides of the story were presented without bias. I looked forward to the show everyday. The issues that dealt with Baltimore often affected the entire state. I know Marc will land with both feet on the ground, YPR will loose yet another contributor.

I lived in Baltimore for seven years and listened to Marc Steiner religiously. He was the voice of the station and the reason why I tuned in each day, I can't image the station would be the same without him. Marc, I live in St. Louis now -- come to KWMU!

Dear WYPR management:
What a big mistake. Marc Steiner IS the number one reason most of us have stuck it out with WYPR. My extra annual contribution a few years ago to help purchase WJHU from Hopkins was directly a response to his request to help us preserve it as our local station. As those $750k were not important to you, may I ask for a refund of my contribution to purchase the station? Without him, his Inside Politics (part of my morning ritual), and his other shows, WYPR lost its soul and no longer differentiates itself from any other NPR station. I will from now on listen to WAMU (and Kojo Nnamdi) and NPR on the web. WYPR is no longer "my public radio" and I will not renew my membership. Is that what you had planned to accomplish with your decision to fire him? If so, congratulations.

You bet it will affect my attitude toward WYPR. He's one of the best things about Baltimore. His topics are frequently surprising, always interesting and deeply relevant. I am deeply distressed.

We want real grown-up discussion of things like bail bonds and Baltimore Schools and, oh, I could go on and on. We're also a world-class city and we deserve a show that talks about Baltimore problems. They're relevant to other cities, and I've heard of people (not Baltimoreans) in London-of all places--who listen to him.

What are these (insert word here) NPR people thinking?

WYPR will get no more support from me until Marc Steiner is brought back.

While I may not always have agreed with him, I learned something new with almost every show. We need a fair and balanced voice in Baltimore and Maryland and without Mr. Steiner, we have none.

I'm a huge fan of Marc Steiner and I arranged my mornings so I could hear his Inside Maryland Politics segments.

His 12-2 program was one of a kind -- I wasn't always interested in his topic of the day, but I would always check it first if I was near a radio during his show.

What will it take for the WYPR board to change its mind and re-hire Marc?

No offence meant to Andy, but Marc and his show, particularly when it focused on education in Baltimore, was one of the few reasons for me to try to get WYPR on my radio in that part of Columbia where the signal is messed up between the two transmitters instead of listening to WAMU. Are you sure Homer Simpson or Peter Griffin are not in charge of programming decisions over there?

Mark Steiner was the only WYPR specific show I listened to. I sometimes work late hours and would often look forward to leaving work at 7pm, because it meant i could hear the rebroadcast of Mark Steiner on my way home. I live close to D.C. so I am a new member of WAMU. This would be my first year as a WYPR member. I will not be making contributions to WYPR, either this year or in the future.

Marc Steiner fired?!? If I wasn't from Baltimore myself, I wouldn't believe it.

He brought priceless qualities to the station and to the city: Integrity, humor, intelligence, curiousity, and a general willingness to embrace the entire human adventure - and he invited us all to join the parade!

His firing is yet another example of the transcendent self-destructive stupidity of which institutional Baltimore is so often convicted. And in the face of it, it's people like Marc, and the great grassroots he appeals to, who keep the place going in spite of itself.

As for listening to "the Wipe" any more? For me, it's WPFW for sure...

I have been a call-in guest, regluar listener and contributer to WYPR for years and primarily due to Marc Steiner. He is the Heart and soul and the identity of the station... As someone just said he is a "Local Treasure"

and God forbid we have a show that addresses local issues.... Steiner commands the respect of political, social and business leaders both liberal and conservative and conducts his interviews with a thoughtful, , knowledge and wisdom unheard of in radio or TV

Steiner is not olny the heart and soul of WYPR but the voice of Baltimore as well... He speaks for, and addresses issues important to folks in Baltimore and the state as a whole...

The rating issue is a "bunk"

The show comes on during a tough time slot... folks work during the day... of course morning and afternoon ratings will be higher... during commuting times . Additionally the stations receptions is horrible... On many occcasions I have had to leave my office go out in my car to listen to his show... Public radio is not about ratings...

I have made it very clear to the management at WYPR that not only am I going to pull my financial support for the station ,but will also go on a personal campaign to get everyone I know who listens to and supports the station to pull their support as well.

I encourage everyone here to do so as well.... until Marc is put back on the air... If this is public radio ... I am sickened and disgusted

Michael Derry
Towson, Maryland

To me, Marc Steiner IS WYPR. It is his dedication to public radio that makes me want to listen. I strongly disagree with this decision and I will express displeasure with my checkbook and my radio's off button.

I've got WAMU on, right now. It's FREAKING RINGING THROUGH MY WHOLE HOUSE. THE WINDOWS ARE RATTLING. I CAN'T MAKE IT FREAKING LOUD ENOUGH. Hello, Kojo!

WYPR apparently doesn't care about how it's perceived by its listeners or its employees. They're not responding to email. They're not responding to questions about this on-air. Whatever. I swear, I won't ever turn that station on again, so long as I live.

HEY WYPR - CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?!!

I can only imagine how furious the staff of WYPR must be at Tony Brandon and his Board. Their precipitous dumping of the Marc Steiner Show for the bogus reasons they've offered has resulted in a listener backlash that they have not anticipated. Since most of these listeners are also contributer members who are going to withdraw their support, the station management has jeopardized many if not all of these staff jobs. Brandon and Bozzotto will still have their fortunes if the station goes under. What will the staff members have?

I can't see listening or contributing to YPR since the Steiner show has been canceled/Marc fired. Marc's show was the main attraction for me and I listened every day here at work. How can YPR replace Marc? They can't. The firing looks personal; no warning, discussion, concensus, no replacement, no plan. Now YPR's content is weak and dilluted. No thanks...

Having listened and interact with Marc during my seven years in Baltimore, I consider him a Maryland treasure. I am now in Boston where the local WBUR needs a Marc Steiner to make it a true public radio station. Marc consider Boston and my funky neighbourhood. Come visit anytime

Loay

The abrupt ending of the Marc Steiner show is unfortunate. Baltimore city is passed over in so many venues concerts, national news.. even the national weather will note weather in DC, Philly and NYC ...by passing Baltimore. The Marc Steiner Show gave a voice to the issues of Baltimore City... not just the wealthy suburbs. From the outside he and Andy Beanstalk appeared to be the anchors to the station. It seemed like the station was built around his show. Without that local flavor what is the role of YPR now? Most of the better national NPR shows are on AMU along with great local hosts like Kojo Nmamdi. So I will listen to NPR there. In a few years, I think the YPR might find itself like K-mart is in the retail world....superfluous. As for Mr. Steiner perhaps the silver lining is that he can find a new radio venue where he will be respected and better paid. We need that local voice to speak for Baltimore issues. I hope that some other radio station will pick him up soon.

Marc Steiner is the soul of WYPR, the station's very existance following the decission of Hopkins to sell off WJHU is because of Marc. When I moved to Baltimore in 2000, I started listening to his program on WJHU. His content was like no other show I had heard before or since. I instantly felt well informed, and participatory in my new home. Marc made me feel like a citizen of the city rather than just an ocupant. I would send in emails periodically and call in occasionaly, because I would get so drawn in by the discussions. Marc's personal political beliefs asside, I found that he was always the most balanced and impartial moderator in media. There were topics discussed on his program that you could not, and will not hear anywhere else. I cannot get radio reception in my current office, so I really enjoyed having the 1900 rebrodcast that used to be aired. Since the station stopped with the rebrodcast, I have seldom been able to listen to the program. This program is one of the greatest assets this city had. It left no topic unexplored, and held our local government up for us all to pry into and comment upon. We as the populus of this city were given such insight and power over our government with this outlet, and now it is gone.

I understand why listeners in Ocean City or Fredrick my tune out and switch off when Marc is holding a program discussing city sanitation department matters, but I want to know the information being offered, as a resident of this city.

Marc will be sorely missed. I will certainly not be contributing any more money to YPR, because I don't like any of the new programming that's been rolled out in the past 1-2 years. The only programs WYPR carries that I listen to now are the NPR national programs, which I will podcast and listen to on my own. I will turn to WAMU for morning eddtion, and I hope others will do the same.

I only hope that with this decission, the members of the WYPR board will learn what low rattings really are, and that their covetted possition as holders of the FCC license is worth it when no one in Baltimore is taking the time to tune their radio to 88.1 FM.

This firing is not about ratings. It is about control of the station. When a local anchor because too popular and identified with a station, the management fires him to avoid losing control. (This happened in Boston when WBUR fired Christopher Lydon.) Otherwise the show can become too powerful and go syndicated (think Car Talk).

In the end the listeners always lose.

Marc Steiner was one of the few reasons I listened and subscribed to WYPR. His show is what got me hooked to WYPR (back when it was WJHU) in the first place and I looked forward to the replay on my drive home nightly.

Honestly, there is nothing left for me on WYPR. When broadcast companies complain about newer media formats like Sirius/XM/Podcasts killing traditional radio, they have their own bad decisions like this one to reflect on. Why would I bother with WYPR now that they are trying to offer the exact same programming as Sirius NPR?

Marc Steiner is one of the main reasons I began listening to WYPR -- he is the reason I became a member of WYPR. I can hardly believe he has been fired -- I will not be renewing my membership.

I wrote WYPR this morning: Fire Steiner, Lose me. I was a subscriber.

Yes, my membership may not be renewed this year. I will wait to hear what replaces Steiner's show, and I won't be surprised if its another NPR syndicated show. If so, then the answer to all of this is not ratings, but savings (as in Steiner's salary). Humbug!

For me Marc Steiner represented the humanity behind WYPR. Most of the station's other "personalities" had none and offered no intellectual stimulation whatsoever. I hope WYPR finds the corporate sponsors they are looking for because they won't be receiving any more contributions from me and many of my listening friends.

It must absolutely kill Tony Brandon and Barbara Bozzuto to read all these comments (here, via e-mail, via phone, whatever).

They fired Steiner, I believe, because they were jealous of Steiner's popularity in this area.

You know why we love Marc Steiner? Because he's one of us. Smart, engaged, searching, curious, and in love with our city. He earned that loyalty because he maintained his integrity and joie de vivre through this city's toughest times.

And you, Brandon and Bozzuto - you think you can fire Steiner and somehow siphon his integrity before he walks out the door?

You can't buy integrity, respect and love. You have to earn it.

Mr. Brandon, Ms. Bozzuto, I worked for Marc Steiner; I know Marc Steiner; Marc Steiner is a friend of mine.

WYPR Board, you are no Marc Steiner.

Steiner's show was my most reliable source of quality discourse which focused on local issues. In case anyone hasn't noticed, Baltimore City is part of the state, and many of Baltimore City's problems are not particular to it, or to Maryland. We were very happy to see WJHU reborn as WYPR, but we won't be happy for it to be stripped of all of the unique characteristics that make me proud to live in Baltimore, troubled as it may be. Mark Steiner's dedication to Baltimore issues and his love for the city ring true throughout every show. His willingness to engage with difficult subjects may or may not have earned him 'ratings', but it certainly earned my respect. I wish you well, Mr. Steiner, and look forward to your next venture.

To help organize people there is now a page on Facebook, called Support Marc Steiner

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-Marc-Steiner/7647754732

I hope people who have been picketing the station will join so they can plan events on the facebook page.

Erik

The silencing of Marc Steiner leaves Baltimore without a voice that cares for us all as we really are.Thanks to him I felt connected to members of my community I will never meet personally but whose problems became tangible to me and whose points of view,even those I don't share,enlarged my understanding and sensitivity.I feel as if a death has taken place.
Marc, I will probably never meet you to express my appreciation personally so thank you.Thanks for your stellar example of citizenship and humanity.You have been in so many ways the conscience of this city.Your sense of fairness based on respect for the right of each opinion to exist set a model for each of us.And your insistance upon the inclusion of all voices however weak or boisterous,clear or inarticulate created the best most balanced portrait of our living city that we have ever had.
We are significantly impoverished by the blind and foolish act that has deprived us of your activities on our behalf.But we are singularly enhanced by our 15 years of contact with you.You have my sincere and everlasting gratitude

Marc Steiner was to me as much of a Baltimore monument as the Washington Monument on Charles St. -- Just invisible, on the airwaves.
He clearly cares and knows very much about important and neglected issues, such as the school system, juvenile justice, mental health, prisons, etc.
We have donated to WYPR in the past. Count us out for the future, as long as Steiner is out. Come to your senses, WYPR! Bring back the voice of Baltimore, Marc Steiner!

Tony Brandon appears to be a man who allows his ego to get in the way of what is best for the station and the community.

At the end of each fund drive, Mr. Brandon records a long-winded thank you that is aired repeatedly. His voice is a dreary monotone, and I always find it irritating. Each time I hear it, I think, "everyone at the station must be afraid of this guy, otherwise, someone would step up and tell him not to do it."

In fairness, I sometimes found Marc Steiner irritating as well. His is not a polished voice, and his ego was apparent. But he did a good job in keeping important issues in the eye of the public. His show served the station and the community well.

We are organizing and strategizing - as well as protesting every day this week at WYPR from 12-1pm. Please join us.

The crap that Brandon spewed on Maryland Morning was sickening.

Of course the "eight investors" completed the sale of the station, but they would not have done this if Marc Steiner had not showed that the grass roots support was there by raising $750,000 before they stepped in with a commitment. If not for Mr. Steiner, JHU would have sold the station to some outside conglomerate. That is the truth of the matter even if Brandon and the elitist board deny it.

Unfortunately, the management and board are behaving in the manner of a conglomerate. The Community Advisory Board was blind-sided just as Mr. Steiner and the members and listeners were.

Instead of scrutinizing the Steiner show specifically, the WYPR board should look at why the stations' listenership as a whole has declined between 2005 and 2007. To me, that's a general programming problem and something that should fall on the shoulders of the program director.

On a smaller scale, this may be the most bone-headed organizational decision since New Coke. There are really only two possible outcomes: (1) the station goes under because ratings and pledge support now decline precipitously, or (2) the station finds a way to reverse course. Sadly, my money is on (1).

Ironically, WYPR announced itself as "Your Public Radio" not long before Tony Brandon spoke to Sheila Kast the other morning. If WYPR was truly our public radio, it would not have silenced the voice many of us have associated with pblic radio in Baltimore -- Marc Steiner. If WYPR is not my public radio, I see no good reason to support it.

You can add my name to the list of listeners who were stunned to hear about Marc Steiner’s departure. Now that my husband and I are retired and listen to WYPR throughout the day, I had been thinking of raising our monthly pledge. I will certainly have to rethink that, especially since individual contributors like me are apparently not very valued. Of course there are many fine programs on WYPR, including nationally broadcast ones, and many fine people working there. Still, we always found Marc’s show interesting, informative, and often profoundly moving. I did not find the reasoning offered for this decision particularly convincing. We are almost used to being jerked around by our political leaders and other organizations and companies, including, sadly enough, my former church; however, we have relied on NPR to give us straight talk. How disappointing.

Shame on the management of WYPR. My wife and I will be switching our financial support to WAMU.

Focus too much on Baltimore??? What is that supposed to mean? It's a Baltimore radio station. If it doesn't focus on Baltimore, there's nothing to distinguish it from the rest of NPR. Heck, I can get the NPR feed on iTunes and cut out the middle man. Steiner's departure is a huge loss to this community. I miss his show already and all that I would have learned. And my radios are already reprogrammed to WAMU.

I'm adding my dismay and disgust at WYPR's move re. Marc Steiner. Whatever the rationalization, it doesn't work well. Marc brought a style, depth, viewpoint, sense of humor and intelligence that is unique. His curiousity and enthusiasm for all topics is amazing and makes each show an experience only to be compared to a graduate course. Then there are his incredible and enumerable connections which brought a personal aspect to his shows.
No more contributions from me either, Marc was/is WYPR, everything else I get on WAMU. Now, what would Washington say if WAMU fired Kojo for this lame reason?
Laura, Ellicott City

I'll be subscribing to WAMU. If I only wanted to listen to national news and stories produced in NY, Boston, Chicago and LA I could listen to the radio over my computer. What has made WYPR special to me is that it WAS from Baltimore, Maryland and featured many things that make this city, county, and region special.

Marc Steiner has long been the public face of WYPR (& WJHU before that), & the top reason I listen to and donate to the station. Frankly, I'd rather Marc's show have the 10am-Noon slot (& move Diane Rehm to the lunch hour); I drive in the late morning, and it has often annoyed me that, just as I arrive where I am going, the Steiner show is just starting. Marc makes Baltimore news relevant & alive, in a way no other local news outlet does, making it an unparalleled source of information for all of us in central Maryland. The city IS important -- for both the political & cultural strengths it provides as well as its sad problems in the neighborhoods and schools -- and Marc's keen analysis and thoughtful questions always reminded those of us in the surrounding counties how tied we all are to the city's fortunes. WYPR has badly misread Marc Steiner's popularity and the loyalty many of us feel to the station because of him. Please, WYPR: bring him back.

I've learned so much about Baltimore in the 5 years I've lived here, mostly thanks to Marc Steiner. I love the issues he brings up and his willingness to look at anything. I even love his unpolished voice - it's refreshing and unique. I've already cancelled my membership to WYPR. Let's hit 'em in the pocketbook!

We want to add our voices to those protesting the firing of Marc Steiner. Loyal contributors in the past, we have decided to end our support for the station. We're getting used to listening to Washington traffic reports while driving down the JFX.

WYPR management, in addition to being capricious and unappreciative, clearly has a poor comprehension of the reasons the station was valued by its listeners. Any other media entity’s ridiculous claims to the title notwithstanding, Marc Steiner is “Fair and Balanced incarnate. I have never seen or heard someone work so consistently hard to provide a forum for all perspectives.

The ownership really got it wrong this time. The other programs (Diane Rehm. Echoes, etc.) are available on the other NPR stations. Listeners can (and will) flip the dial and get those elsewhere. It was the Marc Steiner show that made YPR special and representative of the listening community. It should be noted that YPR has effectively pulled a bait and switch on its members, the majority of whom understandably believed their financial contributions were supporting, in part, the continuation of the Marc Steiner show. Marc’s passion and compassion, along with his broad curiosity, make him a unique host, and have earned him the respect, appreciation, and affection of thousands of people. Questionably-interpreted ratings assessments or not, his personal commitment to the station, including his considerable role in keeping it here and developing it, along with the extraordinarily high quality of his show, have earned him a permanent place on WYPR. What a shame the station has chosen to not honor that which it owes both Mr. Steiner and his (and YPR's) listeners.

Mark Steiner's head got bigger and bigger and bigger... and finally... it popped. He is, or was, in the media business. He wanted to do things his way, and he did just that for as long as he could. Now, he's crying over the fact that he got fired for not doing things the way that was good for the station. Hey, he was part of making the station bigger. He was the ready to accept the positive aspects of being part of this statewide enterprise. Well, it's tough out here in the real world when you're competing against businesses and stations other than those broadcasting with string and tomato cans form the local universities and college around Baltimore. Mark got too big, and now he's gone. Hurt? mabe. But no one should be surprised.

Sent to Mr. Tony Brandon, WYPR

Mr. Brandon:

I read with interest your updated letter (posted on the wypr.org web site) however I must respond, “No”, to your request for continued support.

WYPR has lost my confidence and support – Not just because of the Mark Steiner Show cancellation, although that certainly started my thought processes. The ‘tap-dancing’ about the reasoning behind the Steiner Show cancellation reflects poorly on the station’s management. Frankly, the little information I have gathered would indicate it is the WYPR management and board who might need to consider their ratings with the membership and the public.

When WYPR was put together, my wife and I cheered and put our money in. We also cheered, and continued to put our money in, as we heard good things about the news department and local programming.

However, your recent actions have caused us to reflect on WYPR’s local programming - how little of it there actually is. Virtually the entire day is national NPR feed – not to mention the weekends which are even more national. We had hoped for, among other things, a daily or weekly local news magazine with more conscientious and fact-based coverage of local issues/events than we see in the commercial media. We’re sorry to tell you the “mini info-mercials” like “Cellar Notes” or “Radio Kitchen” don’t really count as local programming.

I support a local station because of local content, local issues. I can get national feed almost anywhere, including the internet

You say in you latest communique, “If you are thinking of switching the dial because of this decision, please stop to consider how much Baltimore and Maryland need the spirit of involvement, education and community embodied in public radio. We intend to continue in our mission despite difficult changes and upsets along the way. We hope that you, too, will continue to foster the community dialogue and support that begins here, on WYPR.”.

The problem here is that there doesn’t appear to be any “community dialogue” left after the cancellation of the Steiner Show. In hindsight, that was all you had. I have "stopped and considered".

I wish WYPR and its staff the best, but it isn’t my Public Radio any more … I suppose it never really was.

Randy Raymond
Owings Mills, MD

I am not a fan of the Marc Steiner show - his discussion topics, his political and social views and his mannerisms way too often left me feeling disconnected. Although I listen to many programs on YPR, I could never listen to his show for more than a few minutes.

However, having said that, I am shocked to hear that WYPR has fired Mr. Steiner - the same person who saved the same radio station from oblivion! Marc Steiner worked tiresly from the turn of the millenium to ensure that WYPR would have a place on the airwaves. What an outrageous and seemingly insensitive decision.

And now what? The governing powers simply turn around and say, "Well, thanks Marc, you were great; now, here's your walking papers." Could it be that our local, friendly radio station thinks that the bottom line will justify the means? Wasn't there some way to fix this without shooting themselves in the foot? Surely, the listeners and the staff will be the ones to ultimately suffer the most with the decline of a growing local radio station.

What fools. Without wisdom, there is no leadership.

It's funny. Earlier this year I had a conversation with one of my best friends. The conversation went like this: FRIEND - "I can't believe it. My LAN here at work now filters out YPR. I can still listen to AMU, but no YPR!" ME - "What a shame! That's really too bad!" Secretly, however, I was smiling with the knowledge that I would have the advantage from now on out in our almost daily debates concerning the plight of Baltimore, Maryland, and the country as a whole gleaned thru the prism of the Marc Steiner show! I felt for my friend, but couldn't truly empathize. My friend thanks you, YPR Management, for parity restored! SHAME ON YOU!!
Karl F

Farewell WYPR.
I live and work in Baltimore. I have donated to YPR and TMD for years. I did something today I never imagined: I donated $88.50 to NPR's DC affiliate. It's a great station. I may sneak a listen to 88.1 for local weather/traffic updates during drive time – but they will not get another penny from me.

Who is on the board? More specifically, who are the conservative white guys with the money? Could it be that they pressured, sycophant: Brandon, to clean up all that so-called local, liberal talk by dropping our good friend Marc. Now look at the mess you've made! It will be difficult to replace Marc’s on air persona. And even more difficult to replace the membership dollars you are about to lose. Steiner's slightly erratic interview style was refreshing, real, and decidedly un-slick. Regarding ratings and listenership: Marc dealt with issues that were sometimes contentious and messy. Not easily crafted into sound-bytes like the style of a Diane Rehm. Also it’s at NOON. Duh–lunch break. Could it be that people go buy lunch or go for a walk or work-out? Anyway who cares about ratings. HBO's philosophy is that many shows will score lower. And that’s okay – because they provide a loyal, focused viewer base. HBO is in the business of creating excitement and offering diversity. That focused appeal is not unlike Marc’s appeal. But stiff’s like Brandon are obviously not that tuned-in. It's probably too late, but if Marc comes back, so will I.

Marc Steiner was the reason to listen to WYPR. I could hear great national PBS programs on WAMU, but I chose 'YPR because Mark inspired me to support our local radio. Even the soothing warmth of his voice, not to mention his balanced and thoughtful presentations, drew me to 88.1. Maybe the word to describe what Marc Steiner brought to the station is 'soul.' WYPR has lost my support.

I agree with many who have left outraged comments. WYPR has done itself an injustice by canning Marc Steiner's show. I am a long time listener of his show and was heartbroken to find that it had been replaced. Never once did I think that the "Baltimore" angle was too much. I treasured hearing the voices of my baltimore neighbor's. The show helped me better understand the city in which I live. What a shame that while the FCC is encouraging radio station owners to bring more community focused shows into their programming, WYPR has decided that community is an unworthy focus.

When I read about Mark's firing in the BBJ, I was in a state of disbelief, as to me, Mark was the heart and soul of the station. Although I did not always agree with his positions, I did feel that he made every attempt to present well-balanced and thoughtful discussions.

I believe that this obviously poor decision on the part of the management of WYPR could be the basis of a Harvard Business School Case Study (the topic being poor, "out-of-touch" decision making).

As a businessperson myself, I have rarely witnessed such an obviously poor business decision.

I am extremely upset about the firing of Marc Steiner. His abitlity to conduct a civil forum for listener interaction about local, national, and international issues was refreshing. I particularly appreciated his interest in education and local politics. Why would Mr. Brandon do anything so stupid? I think he 'cut off his nose to spite his face.' I have tried listening to the replacement programing, but it is dry and boring. There is no passion about the things that matter to me, so I've stopped listening. Please bring Marc Steiner back.

Steiner was a legend,having worked w/ Charles Dutton & other inmates at MDOC,his interviewees(also counted as friends)from amoung people from vastly differently backgrounds and professions,kinda like a local radio version of The Charlie Rose Show.
His show was decidedly more than a local-emphasis broadcast as I personallly heard calls coming in from all over the country.And so what-the show should be about Baltimore...the current(I hope he gets replaced)host brings neither depth nor color to the program.
Dan R reminds me why I don't read THE SUN: a condescending attitude that seems to say "we're better than you...not that we can prove it...we just assume so..",to their reading public,just as Dan's show no longer respects differing points of view: if you don't agree w/ Dan,you're shut out.
It ought to be called THE SUN Radio Hour(s),or better yet,The Whitebread Report!
Come to your senses,WYPR!!!!