Dear Ms. Barrington and Mr. Miller,

I am a touring singer based in Central Massachusetts and am writing about your recent program changes.

I was deeply disappointed to learn that you were canceling "Valley Folk" hosted by Susan Forbes-Hansen. Susan was one of the first DJs to play my music on-air and has had me as a live guest on "Valley Folk". She is an important voice for folk music in the Pioneer Valley and New England and is a refreshing change from all-day classical programming or talk radio. In my travels, I appear on many folk music radio shows all over the United States and in the United Kingdom. In my experience, Susan is among the top DJs when it comes to interviewing and hosting a music program. She has an incredible knowledge of the music and is always well-prepared for the interview. It is always a pleasure to appear with her.

But more importantly, I am also writing as a listener. I re-located to Springfield, Massachusetts in February 1998 after a 20-year residence in California. I did not know anyone and was just beginning my full-time career as a musician. I found "Valley Folk" and became a dedicated listener to the show every Saturday night when I was home. "Valley Folk" was a nice little bit of comfort to me in a time when I was going through some life-changes. It was always nice to hear music that I was familiar with and could not hear anywhere else. "Valley Folk" also introduced me to new music as well.

Though I do not agree with the decisions, I can understand the budget limitations of shows like "Thistle and Shamrock" and "Afro-Pop World-Wide" as they can be expensive to subscribe to. But to cancel a LOCALLY PRODUCED program that features music not heard on most commercial and some public radio stations is a bad judgment call in my opinion.

I do hope that you will re-consider your decision and bring "Valley Folk" back. The Pioneer Valley and New England is a bit poorer with the loss of this great music program.

Sincerely,

Debra Cowan