WGBH FM Boston Cuts Prestigious Jazz Programs featuring Eric Jackson and Steve Schwartz

June 21, 2012 - PRLog -- Boston, MA--WGBH FM a long-time key provider of highly respected jazz programming in Boston, today notified jazz hosts Eric Jackson and Steve Schwartz that their shows would be discontinued as they currently exist.  

Schwartz's Friday night show which has aired for 27 years will be cut altogether, while Eric Jackson's 30 year show which currently airs Mondays through Thursdays from 8 PM to Midnight will now exist only on weekends Fridays - Sundays from 9 pm to Midnight.

The Boston Globe has already run a story on its website: http://www.boston.com/culturedesk/2012/06/20/jazz-programming-wgbh-being-scaled-back-blow-local-jazz-fans/T78rJxzM3OicIDXyOtRIdN/story.html.  A more in depth article is planned for June 21st.

A slurry of Facebook postings and comments are being emailed around.

"They don't have a clue!! Great radio, strategic connections, compelling content and services that sell add up to a winner.  Regardless if the program comes on a computer, radio, phone or a can of classic coke. I gave Eric his first regular jazz show on WBUR, 1970-71 on nights that Oscar Jackson was off." - Clark Smidt, Broadcast Ideas, www.broadcastideas.com

"This is disturbing. Another blow for the arts in Boston." - Steve Morse, noted Boston Globe music journalist

"So disturbing and anti cultural. This country's tastemakers continue to get it wrong." Maurice Robertson, WWUH FM Hartford

"Yes----an on-line request to all in the music community to boycott, picket, revoke, discontinue any monetary assistance to WGBH including rendering listening dials to stationary mode.---those responsible should be reprimanded by local/international media.  I wonder how that could happen. Any thoughts?" --Ray Santisi, noted jazz pianist and faculty member at Berklee College of Music.

"Good God! This is ineffably sad for all of us who have listened to and learned from Eric and Steve for so many years. How on earth can we keep jazz alive without institutions like WGBH helping in this respect." -Sherry Smith, Jazz Host, WATD FM

"This is nothing less than a cultural travesty, the Dean of New England jazz broadcasters cast aside, like a wilted salad. Steve is a little more eloquent in his comments. A sad day for Jazz, indeed." - Dr. Jazz

"Shocking and so bad…" - Cercie Miller, jazz saxophonist and educator

"This has to go public and GBH can reconsider – otherwise it is a  done deal," Tai Irwin, Radio Host and Senior Career Advisor, New England Institute of Art.

"Our voice will be heard." Joel Chriss

"This is ridiculous. Unbelievably ridiculous. OMG!" Lydia Liebman, jazz host, WECB FM