Format changes at two public radio stations mean the end for two long running east coast folk radio shows. Earlier this month WFCR-FM in Amherst Massachusetts ended ‘Valley Folk’ which has been part of the folk music community in Western Mass for more than 22 years. This week WETA FM in Washington D.C. canceled ‘Traditions’, the D.C. area’s longest running folk music program.

It’s sad and shocking to see two important shows gone in such a short time.

Sometimes audience response can turn these things around so if you live in the broadcast areas of either of these stations, please take a few minutes to let station management know what you think.

At WFCR contact Helen Barrington, Program Director: 413-577-0541 hbarrington@wfcr.org or Martin Miller, General Manager: 413-545-1990 miller@wfcr.org

At WETA contact Sheryl Lahti Director of Audience Services (703) 998-2724. slahti@weta.com

Update Ron Olesko has a very thoughtful post on the situation and the future of folk music radio. He also points us to articles in the Washington Post and the Washington City Paper.

Update January 29 WAMU has picked up Mary Cliff’s ‘Traditions’ program which will now air Saturday nights, 11 pm to 1 am.