Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
The Death of Local Radio
In a move that shocked unknowing employees and listeners, it was announced late last week that Annapolis-based radio station 103.1 WRNR had been sold to Baltimore-based Christian radio broadcasting group Peter & John Radio Fellowship. Upon FCC approval, the group plans to reformat the FM station as such, officially ending the decades-long era of free-form, progressive radio and local reporting that reached “Annapolis, Grasonville, and beyond.” Beloved by listeners for playing an eclectic mix of blues, rock, reggae, instrumental, alt-pop, and programming that zeroed in on community interests, WRNR earned a reputation as a sort of misfit radio station in an era of increasingly conglomerate broadcasting.
Coincidentally and sadly, the station’s sale follows that of WNAV in Annapolis, the last locally-owned AM station, to a media group/simulcast in Havre de Grace. This officially ends homegrown radio in the State Capital. But could this void be an opportunity to fill?
What do you think about the death of local radio in Annapolis and beyond? Please share your WRNR thoughts, memories, and hopes for the future of local radio.
Here’s what you said:
It was a sad day when Rob Timm and now we know why. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about this sale as I listen to it right now at work as I do everyday. This is where you not only get introduced to amazing new artists you don't hear anywhere else but also get the "oldies" from the WHFS days.
This is devastating for the station and for the listeners. We can only hope there will be another local station to pick the loss...
Kim G, Baltimore
Sad for the community and independent radio. WRNR (previously WHFS - College Park) has been a staple since U of MD in the 80's. The unique station played a key role launching many bands, including Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, and the list goes on.
Our free market is harsh, profits are not always a luxury (often a matter of life or death for a business), but it still a loss for the Community to lose a hometown voice easily accessible to everyone. Hopefully, another entrepreneur will step up, recruit some enthusiastic young people, and recreate a new local voice for news and music (maybe online only to remove just about the overhead?).
Tom Tee, Severna Park
I've been a supporter of public radio since I was old enough to pledge. Before that I listened to whfs and UM's station. WRNR was ok for a commercial station but I always listened to WXPN, and then, WTMD! We do have local radio that supports local artists in WTMD. So far it seems like WYPR is on board with keeping the programming the same. Sadly it's not a big loss, except to advertisers. Oh, and it seems so far that WNAV is keeping some local formats and picked up the Yacht Club with Meredith Marx.
Carolynn Abbott, Crofton
We are losing another great local radio station that provided excellent music, news, and local entertainment options. For many listeners this was a great link to community resources, businesses, and events. This is very disappointing for Annapolis.
Andrea George, Arnold
Sadly, the loss of local radio mirrors the loss of local newsprint. As a former broadcaster for WNAV, I wonder if the immediacy of the internet is fulfilling our need for breaking news. But who will fill the public's other needs? How will we "hear" our local leaders through in depth interviews? or learn of worthy events? How will we record the history of our times in the voices that help to shape them?
Lisa Hillman, Annapolis
This is so sad to read. WRNR is the only station I listen to. I have always said, there are 2 things I'll really miss when I leave Annapolis, WRNR and Mills liquor! I enjoy hearing about local happenings and the selection of music. I have no interest in listening to the new content/music that will be replacing such a great station.
Doreen Byrne, Annapolis
I was sad when one by one, DJ's of my favorite radio station,WRNR, left the station, but most ended up at 89.7 where I could still hear them! Now, to hear that my favorite dial on my radio will be "christian rock" ,having been sold...well let's just say it's a devastating reminder that nothing lasts forever. Boo Hoo it will take a long time to get over this! Thank goodness for 89.7!!
Tonya Finnegan, Annapolis
We have enjoyed listening to WRNR and its DJs/hosts since its inception. The variety and music genres are great and will be missed. The local nature of the format along with the music is appealing and is our preferred radio station.
Frances Yuhas, Pasadena
In my opinion, the more that independent radio stations close and change format to one particular type of listeners takes away the average citizen to have the freedom to express views on all sorts of topics. As social media becomes more angry the average citizen feels that they are being left out of expressing their personal views without the possibility of retribution from other listeners. Communication is one of our biggest problems we face today, in my opinion, for fear of a verbal confrontation. Radio stations gave individuals the platform to express their views in a much more controlled environment. We need radio stations of all types covering all topics. Radio stations now are going the way of local published newspapers. When will it end.
Barbara Gill, Annapolis
Music preferences aside, RNR was an excellent source of local news. Often highlighting offbeat and quirky topics; much of it apropos to "locals". I doubt the new iteration will retain that aspect. And even if it does, how vanilla and boring will it likely be?
And not to mention the hordes of loyal concert ticket contestants that will no longer have the thrill of seeking vaunted hook-ups and spending a few hours with the RNR DJs over live music. The live Christian music scene is a much narrower one by its very definition.
The loss of local radio is similar to the loss of local print media. Once gone, it is not easily replaced in our cultural lexicon. We end up with a concentrated stream of targeted media and music - all geared towards clicks and revenue. We loose what makes us special; that which is deemed unimportant or uneventful by a select group of decision-makers with the bottom-line forsaking all.
Scott Budden, Grasonville, MD
Very sad to see RNR ending. Nothing else like it. WTMD is not the same. It was a great local station and brought so much music and new artists to the fore. Hopefully there is some type of reincarnation. Not the end of an era.
Pete Kadence, Severna Park
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