Welcome to our weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column. To view responses last week's topic "Election Results: Sound Off!" click here.
Publisher reserves the right to edit responses for clarity and publish online and/or in our print publications.
Please let us know your thoughts!
This week’s Feedback Friday topic is:
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.
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form. Today’s responses—and all future Feedback Friday responses—will be published in our Monday newsletters after the weekend. AND, several responses from recent topics will appear in our upcoming print magazines!
