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      <title>Comments On: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo
    
      by Michael Miner</title>
      <link>http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo</link>
      <atom:link href="http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/Rss.xml?oid=975608&amp;id=comments" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />      <description>Comments On: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo
    
      by Michael Miner</description>
      <language>en-us</language>
      <copyright>Copyright 2009 Chicago Reader. All rights reserved. This RSS file is offered to individuals, Chicago Reader readers, and non-commercial organizations only. Any commercial websites wishing to use this RSS file, please contact Chicago Reader.</copyright>
      <webMaster>wil@desert.net (Chicago Reader Webmaster)</webMaster>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 -0600</pubDate>
      <lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600</lastBuildDate>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#960826]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[please]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[Hello, please change the station.  Fire Tori Malatia.   Please change it all at the top.  This station is rudderless.  It sounds bad way to much of the time.  IN these tough times you've got to make a change.  This is amateur hour!  They'll put anything on the air.  I'm not even talking about Vocala, I can't stand that.  WBEZ  is also terrible to listen to.  You need big changes top down.  PLEASE!  We're all begging you!
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by please]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:43:08 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#972138]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[A listener]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[It has been several weeks now and I have noticed the reduction in quality at WBEZ. But then again, I have never contributed any money so I am not complaining, just observing (listening?).
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by A listener]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:00:28 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#967047]]></link>
    
    <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#967047]]></guid>
    <author><![CDATA[Wanting More]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[I'd like to thank the Reader for keeping the link to this post on the front page. It seems this is the only place with any ongoing discussion of Chicago Public Radio's problems and Vocalo. I realize it's an obscure topic, but it seems even Current, the magazine of the Public Radio business, has little interest in an ongoing debate.
    
    I wish all parties involved - especially the listener supporters - were given a more direct forum for dealing with the issue. It might even help CPR.
    
    Anyway, thanks to the Reader for giving attention to this issue.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by Wanting More]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:34:39 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#967004]]></link>
    
    <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#967004]]></guid>
    <author><![CDATA[wakke]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[the general tone of much local programming is like a condescending 8th-grade teacher. Also, what's the deal with the bureaus? In a city? Robert Hughes wrote a nice piece on why our de-centralized public broadcasting 
    system produces so little quality programming as compared to the BBC.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by wakke]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:01:53 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#970435]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[Koshka]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[I used to give and listen all of the time.  Then programming began to get cut, times moved around and I got tired of being bombarded by fund raising.
    
    I stopped giving.
    
    I couldn't understand the demand.  It seemed out of all proportion to the product realative to market size.
    
    Now I know what the problem is thanks to this forum - a program hidden from most listeners.  I did not know anything about Vocalo.
    
    I also never liked TM when he came on after the fund raisers.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by Koshka]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:30:29 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#959125]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[No Name]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[More local issues/public interest would be nice.  I'm glad they're producing a few shows with local content, and Richard Steele is a class act.  I've listened for years while they dance around Chicago and its politics with one-liners instead of addressing them, or fall back on easy arts stories that are cheap to produce and non-controversial, but lack substance.  I'll hear the one-liner and think, ok, so what about that?  Will not speculate on why it's so difficult to walk a line here.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by No Name]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:03:41 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#951262]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[Very frustrated too]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[I also called and said I'm withholding my pledge until they can "Vocalo" and put better leadership in the station.  
    
    I also know that whatever numbers we think we know about Vocalo and about WBEZ the truth will be even worse.  I know that the current management regime of the station can not be trusted.  
    
    I can't support them until they put someone at the top who is capable of leading and of making the stations sound professional.  
    
    Does anyone have the email addresses of those board members?    We should all write to them and tell them how we feel.  A public radio station is a community asset to feel good about.  Not this blues that we've had for so long here.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by Very frustrated too]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:00:36 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#957248]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[Frustrated Listener]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[Good point, acoco. 
    
    The missions of both stations are threatened by this this foolish exclusion of the public from "public radio".
    
    It won't undo the current damage, but more honest exchange of ideas and money might stop it from getting worse. It might also give both stations what they claim to have been seeking: an audience with a strong stake and interest in keeping them going.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by Frustrated Listener]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:05:59 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#951860]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[acoco]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[In theory Vocalo is a great project-community radio on local issues by locals-that's why I enjoy 848 so much.  but WBEZ needs to come clean about where the money is going and why the building is on fire if they want their listeners to put it out. Vocalo is based on the concept pioneered by 90.5 WRTE, Radio Arte. They do a great job  training community members in radio journalism and connecting national issues locally. Maybe WBEZ needs to reach out and ask for some advice.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by acoco]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:41:34 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#972838]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[Make Your Voice Heard]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[Here's another suggestion: The managers of Vocalo have posts about station business which allow comments.
    
    So go to Vocalo, open a user account and start a discussion about the WBEZ funding issue. I'm sure they aren't happy about the money situation either. Perhaps a bit of diplomatic persuasion might at least get them to be honest about how funds are shared. Diplomacy is key, of course - we can be as rude as we want here, but Vocalo will likely ignore angry rants.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by Make Your Voice Heard]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:39:12 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#948528]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[whittle]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[I called and did the same...
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by whittle]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:59:59 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#947886]]></link>
    
    <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#947886]]></guid>
    <author><![CDATA[Membercad]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[I just called and said I'm withholding my pledge till they stop spending my money on "Vocalo"
    
    I hope others are doing the same.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by Membercad]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:10:26 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#972668]]></link>
    
    <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#972668]]></guid>
    <author><![CDATA[Another Pledge Drive?]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[WBEZ has been doing a "special one day only" pledge this morning claiming it's "the right thing to do".
    
    Of course, they don't mention Vocalo on the air, and when I called the pledge line and asked about Vocalo. The pledge line person said they aren't allowed to say anything about Vocalo, not even that it exists, and said I had to call Chicago Public Radio HQ.
    
    This is how they are choosing to handle this crisis: stonewalling the public while asking us for money. Telling us WBEZ is so important on the air, saying the station is a burning building in meetings. Saying the audience is increasingly irrelevant while begging us for money.
    
    I told her this was a bad idea and I wouldn't give money until it was resolve.
    
    It's time for a listener revolt. I suggest everyone call the pledge line 888-915-9239.
    
    Praise to the author of the "Vocalo and WBEZ" blog; perhaps you can help spread the word.
    
    And "mom" - nothing is more irritating concern trolls trying to shut down a valid conversation with bogus scolding about civility.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by Another Pledge Drive?]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:35:09 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#972866]]></link>
    
    <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#972866]]></guid>
    <author><![CDATA[YOU make the change, it is your PUBLIC radio station]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Events.aspx?categoryID=1
    
    Chicago Public Radio invites the public to its regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting.
    
    Friday, February 27, 2009 @ 8:00 a.m.
    Chicago Public Radio Board of Directors Meeting
    
    Friday, April 24, 2009 @ 8:00 a.m.
    Chicago Public Radio Board of Directors Meeting
    
    Friday, June 19, 2009 @ 8:00 a.m.
    Chicago Public Radio Board of Directors Meeting
    
    Friday, September 11, 2009 @ 8:00 a.m.
    Chicago Public Radio Board of Directors Meeting
    
    
    Tuesday, December 1, 2009 @ 4:00 p.m.
    Chicago Public Radio's Annual Board of Directors Meeting
    
    We invite the public to our Annual Board of Directors Meeting.
    
    
    http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/AboutUs_People_Community_Meetings.aspx
    
    Community Advisory Council meetings
    
    January 17 	Location TBD 	6 p.m.
    March 20 	Location TBD 	6 p.m.
    May 15 	Location TBD 	6 p.m.
    July 17 	Location TBD 	6 p.m.
    September 18 	Location TBD 	6 p.m.
    November 20 	Location TBD 	6 p.m.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by YOU make the change, it is your PUBLIC radio station]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:32:50 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#972864]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[a pessimist]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[it wont help...the board is behind Torey
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by a pessimist]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:35:52 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#966984]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[re-iteration]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[http://www.wbez.org/AboutUs_People_Community_Meetings.aspx
    
    *Prudence R. Beidler
    Tony Dean
    *Susan McKeever
    *Laurence B. Ashkin
    Stephen W. Baird
    Prudence (Prue) R. Beidler
    Marge Collens
    Doris Conant
    Jonathan Copulsky
    C. Bryan Daniels
    Claudia Freed
    *Larry Keeley
    Jim Lecinski
    Lisa Lee
    Ken Lehman
    Robert B. (Bud) Lifton
    *James W. Mabie
    Kay W. McCurdy
    Matthew T. McGuire
    Ralph R. Mueller
    James N. Perry, Jr.
    Cassandra M. Pulley
    Alison P. Ranney
    Raul I. Raymundo
    David J. Rudis
    Esther S. Saks
    Merrill Hewson Smith
    Kimberly Taylor-Smith
    Alexander (Sandy) Stuart
    *Tony Weisman
    Don Weiss
    Erik E. Whitaker
    Bryan S. Traubert
    Woodward A. (Woody) Wickham 
    -----------------
    Tell your friends.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by re-iteration]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:24:17 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#963602]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[stuck in a cookie factory]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[in this thread the board members were listed above. google each - or send mail directly to them at the station.  Send Help!!!!
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by stuck in a cookie factory]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:39:39 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#955047]]></link>
    
    <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#955047]]></guid>
    <author><![CDATA[jeanmari]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[I think that, if you look past some of the expressed rage (which sounds like it has been repressed for pretty long), there are some incredibly good points that people are making here, as well as providing a valuable back story for members (or ex-members who would like to be members again, like me).
    
    Would this thread make good radio?  I think this thread would be a train wreck on the radio.  But would a good producer and professional journalist be able to craft a compelling story out of the content of this thread?  Absolutely.  And that, in a nutshell, is the difference between WBEZ and Vocalo.  Vocalo is an un-edited thread.  WBEZ is the craft of making radio.
    
    Look.  Love Vocalo, hate Vocalo.  Personally?  I don't care.  But don't spend the money that WBEZ listeners donate on Vocalo WITHOUT TELLING THEM.  Tell them, let THEM listen to Vocalo and decide if it is worth their donations.
    
    My bet is that Malatia knows that it is not worth their donations or time and is trying his best to hide it from WBEZ listeners to avoid losing more on pledge drives.  But his ego is so wrapped up in this project and his doesn't want to let the attention from Current et al. go.  So, he wants to keep it going and going.  He, like GWB, thought this would be a "quick and winnable war". Meanwhile, good people are being terminated and money is being wasted with no discernable benefit to the public.
    
    Overdramatic metaphor?  Maybe. But hinting at the real dynamics in play.
    
    If anyone comes up with contact information for the board, I would be extremely interested in helping to reach out to them.
    
    For what it's worth, those who aren't convinced that Malatia can occasionally "dumb down" his correspondence are invited over to:
    
    http://vocaloandwbez.blogspot.com/
    
    ...to check out the correspondence that I had with him on this.  He swings pretty wildly there.
    
    And no, I'm not a WBEZ insider.  I'm someone who used to donate money to WBEZ before I found out that they were intentionally hiding their funneling of donations to Vocalo.  I'm in education, I'm the mom of a toddler, I live in the city but in one of the most diverse neighborhoods it has.  I used to be a musician and don't have any reason to pick a fight with Malatia other than I don't believe that he is managing the station well (he didn't fire a family member or anything.)  Sometimes, someone just has to speak up when they see something being mis-handled.  I don't regret my reaching out to Mike Miner initially or my participation in this conversation.  I think it is an important part of putting the "public" back in Public Radio.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by jeanmari]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:21:08 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#948984]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[hate to be the mom, but you guys are acting like childish jerks]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[Listen, I understand why you are all angry. I'm angry too and actually, i think Vocalo has mostly been a terrible mistake for the station and I have plenty of critical things to say about it. I just think there is a way to express anger and criticism without sounding as childish and mean as some people have sounded on here. I think it really discredits your argument. Whether Vocalo is the right idea or not, the people who work there are still human beings (many of them talented and creative) and deserve some respect.
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by hate to be the mom, but you guys are acting like childish jerks]]>
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    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:20:22 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#956502]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[Joel Wicklund]]></author>
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      <![CDATA[It certainly seems the majority of people here are upset with the direction of WBEZ.  My question is, does anyone know if there is a place to find mailing addresses or e-mail addresses for the members of the WBEZ Board, who seem so enamored of Malatia's leadership?  Perhaps if an online petition were circulated and got enough reaction, it might make them reconsider their faith in him.
    
    As to "Mom," I agree these forums can get nasty and too personal, and I haven't read all the entries. But while many seem angry, I don't think fingerpointing is wrong in a case where you see a beloved institution being misled by one man.  I'm not saying Malatia hasn't backed some good programs, but it's been to the detriment of others.  The evening hours are now reduced mainly to re-running daytime show, uninterupted music is a rarity, and staff slashings go on while a largely unpopular "experiment" flounders.  And whatever ethnic diversity Vocalo is supposed to be encouraging does not excuse programming that sounds like free-form college radio.  There's a place for that -- college radio stations.  Subscriber money should not be spent on an amateur enterprise that was not advertised as where our money was supposed to go.
    
    Beyond all that, Malatia's disparaging remarks towards his critics and his willingness to define the "old audience" as something dying that can't be revived or expanded upon, suggests a slash and burn managerial style that isn't appropriate for public radio.  Cutting jazz music because it brought in less during pledge drives goes against the main mission of public radio -- providing for the minority tastes and concerns not provided for in commercial radio.  And I'm not even a big jazz fan!  
    
    In Malatia's mind, it seems, if a show doesn't have the potential to reach an audience the size of the one that "This American Life" enjoys, it's not worth nurturing.  He sees himself as a visionary (always a danger anyway), but what WBEZ really needs is someone who listens to the existing audience, not someone who can't wait to bury it.
    
    If anyone knows of contact info for the board, please post it.  Maybe we can get something started.
        
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          Posted by Joel Wicklund]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:15:52 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#962574]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[don't fear the reaper]]></author>
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      <![CDATA[Inside Mom, even if you personally have never experienced it first-hand (a fortunate few), you know there have been droves of people who have come and gone at WBEZ over the years.  Talented people, who in return for all of their dedicated work received nothing but ingratitude, disrespect, and worst of all, disregard.  No matter how many Lisagor, AP, or other broadcasting awards they received, the millions of dollars they raised for the organization, or the increase of audience numbers they inspired with their personality or programs. What kind emotions and reactions do you think emotionally abusive  treatment like that fosters in people? Understanding and kindness? 
    
    Sorry inside mom, you reap what you sow, and for the powers that be at WBEZ, it is harvest time.
        
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          Posted by don't fear the reaper]]>
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    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:20:52 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#953659]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[not an insider mom]]></author>
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      <![CDATA[I would encourage Wendy Turner to post an invitation for this discusion to be continued on Vocalo.  I would atleast encourage vocalo to make a link for a suggestion box for what the people would like out of the radio and website. Management may be out of ideas at this time and could use the fresh imput.
        
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          Posted by not an insider mom]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:12:04 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#969200]]></link>
    
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    <author><![CDATA[Sorry, vocalo sucks]]></author>
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      <![CDATA[Dear mom,
    Oh, it just occurred to me that you may be one of the insufferable hosts I mentioned in my first comment. If that's the case, allow me to be more direct. Vocalo is like a terrible dystopic nightmare straight out of Harrison Bergeron: impair the truly talented and competent, reward the mediocre with more airtime and free blackberrys. Is this the sort of populism Malatia had in mind? If you had a conscience or a clue, you'd be ashamed, not indignant.
        
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          Posted by Sorry, vocalo sucks]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:05:35 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#949567]]></link>
    
    <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#949567]]></guid>
    <author><![CDATA[not an insider mom]]></author>
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      <![CDATA[I am not an insider and have listened to Vocalo.  All forums get about 5% mean spirited and it's too bad but it's the downside of forums.  
    
    If vocalo and Chicago Public Radio would listen to the comments and tips being said here, as well as make integrity be most important, Vocalo would make a big quality improvement and increase listeners.
    
    Just think if vocalo could get this kind of dialog going.(Lets face it though, Vocalo's website design is highschoolish)
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by not an insider mom]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:34:36 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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    <title><![CDATA[Re: Layoffs at WBEZ, Vocalo]]></title>
    
    
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#961821]]></link>
    
    <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2008/12/05/layoffs-wbez-vocalo/#961821]]></guid>
    <author><![CDATA[Sorry, vocalo sucks]]></author>
    <description>
      
      <![CDATA[Dear mom, 
    How often do you LISTEN to the station? I don't feel like I'm being mean or childish. Frustrated, yes. Honest, yes.  When Malatia goes against his own mission statement by hiring the individuals he initially chose for vocalo, then hastily tries to hire as many "voices from da hood" as possible to slant things back on track, then fires two of the only interesting, thoughtful hosts on staff who actually do fit the mission statement's goals, uh... wtf?? It's DISINGENUOUS and frighteningly misguided. Someone somewhere doesn't know what the hell s/he's doing. Isn't it reasonable, not "cowardly," to think that's coming from the top?
        
        <br />
        
          Posted by Sorry, vocalo sucks]]>
    </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:29:37 -0600</pubDate> 
    <source url="http://www.chicagoreader.com">Chicago Reader</source>
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