Dan Snyder - the ‘Grinch who Stole Washington’s Christmas‘ and destroyed its classical music. (Daniel Snyder, on left with Coach Joe Gibbs, from ExecutiveBiz)
Every year, from Thanksgiving until after New Year’s, Washington’s classical radio station, WGMS FM has been offering incredibly lovely Christmas music. It is available on the Internet too.
Now comes the sad news that our wonderful station is being turned into a Sports-News broadcast by its soon to be new owner, Daniel Snyder. WGMS has got to be the best classical radio station in all of America. How can this come to pass? Why does Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, want to be forevermore known as the ‘Grinch who Stole Washington’s Christmas’?
According to the present owners of WGMS-fm, Bonneville International Corporation, Mr. Snyder made an offer to them that they could not refuse. A Bonneville executive involved in the negotiations explained, “If someone wanted to buy your house and was willing to pay 50 percent more than it was worth, you’d do it.”
Almost 4% of Washington area residents listen to WGMS, and Bonneville claims that the station has been profitable, generating $9.7 million in advertising revenue in 2005. However, according to The Washington Post listeners are predominantly old and advertisers are seeking young people who do NOT listen to classical music. What a pity and why is that? It certainly hints at a failure of the educational system in the Washington DC area that youngsters growing up here are not taught an appreciation of beautiful music.
Yes, we can listen to classical cds, etc, but the enjoyment of hearing commentary from the exceptional broadcasters at Classical WGMS cannot be equaled. Because Dan Synder has accumulated more money than any one person could know how to handle, he has taken it upon himself to use that fortune to destroy the musical culture of his own community. (43)
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Next will be Snyder excercising his spending prowess to tear down the Washington monument and erect a more “suitable” statue of a Redskin football player.Big problem will be how to depict the football player fumbling the ball……………..
Comment by B. E. Talley, Jr. — December 26, 2006 @ 5:49 pm
HA! And how true.
Comment by Neddy — December 27, 2006 @ 5:19 pm
On January 22, 1973 the Supreme Court of the United States proclaimed it legal to kill the human child in the womb. On January 22, 2007 Dan Snyder has proclaimed it legal to kill the classical music station that adds to the life of so many Washington area listeners. How sad a day January 22!
Comment by Dick — January 22, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
When WGMS was abruptly switched to 104.1 fm last year, I switched as well. It was the only radio station I ever listened to and I am shocked and saddened to see it go. I hope that those who pulled the plug on the station so rudely are reviewing blogs like this. Thank you for providing a forum to express my opinion. I’m 53, is that old?
Comment by Elisabeth — January 23, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
I am in absolute shock and stunned. WGMS is (was) the absolute authority for classical music. What a colossal and short-sighted blunder for Bonneville and Mr. Snyder. WGMS was the voice of Washington, DC. From its distinguished on-air talent and dedicated staff who interspersed humor with historical notes and tidbits to liven the day or give understanding in times of crisis (such as 9/11) it was the secret joy of millions of listeners. For those who relocated to other parts of the nation, the internet connection “listen live” made those comforting sounds of Mozart & Co. and the fantastic on-air talent familiar to their ears once again. Describing WGMS as the nation’s classical radio station would be an understatement. Over the Holiday’s year in and year out it was extra special and uniquely significant to millions of families. The incredible format was timeless and elegant in its presentation to these loyal listeners, visiting guests and tourists alike.
The “trashing” of its dj’s and the “selling” out of its format is a gross error and catastrophe for not only the listeners, but to advertisers. There is no added value to whatever Mr. Snyder or the corporate executives at Bonneville had in mind when they brewed this blunder of a deal. It will for sure land as a MBA case study in what not to do. Is it any wonder that satellite radio is growing by the day? Was this station in need of fixing? No. The only rationale reason to deduce from this slaughter of classical music radio nirvana was two words that echo the increasing banality of Washington – greed and ego. It would not surprise me if the listeners formed their own venture to buy back the station. This is Washington after all – a deal is never done until the public is satisfied. The public is outraged and Mr. Snyder – you are not the only heavy wallet in this town.
Comment by J. Scott — January 23, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
No Elisabeth, age 53 is NOT old … especially in Washington where government officials do not retire until they are well past 90!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful indeed, J. Scott, if “We the People” were to buy back that wonderful treasure, WGMS fm?
Comment by Neddy — January 24, 2007 @ 9:54 am
Am pleased to hear WETA has begun playing our beloved classical music. We in the Hagerstown area have a WETA repeater (WETH - 89.1)on one of our near by mountains so the commercial free good music sound is powerful in our area & I thank WETA for their format change. I will not mention the name of the new owner of WGMS - but shame on him for destroying another DC treasure (the Redskins). Do hope the WGMS air staff find good new homes - I miss them.
Comment by T. Marshall — January 24, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
WETA has been playing classical music here all along. However, it can never replace WGMS, and its wonderful love of the music. I much preferred to listen to the commercials on WGMS, which did actually end in a matter of minutes, as opposed to the “begathons” that go on for days, that public radio stations such as WETA have so that they can call themselves “commercial-free”.
If Mr. Dan Snyder had any class about him, he would rethink his decision and restore WGMS for the benefit of his own community. After all, considering how that community has so grandly rewarded him through the years, it would be the very least that he could do to show his gratitude.
Comment by Neddy — January 24, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
What a shame! My connection to WGMS goes all the way back to when it was WQQW and located in downtown Washington, D.C. A grand old station gone the way of most good things - sacrificed to the mindless air-heads.
Comment by Robert Allen — March 1, 2007 @ 12:38 pm