1. Many members of your listening public have made their feelings clear about your upcoming changes to Radio 2, are you listening?
In addition to the question, the writer also stated “And please don't further this falsehood that one genre has the same ultimate worth as another. Would you make the same argument for pulp fiction vs. literature?”
In a word, yes. We cannot imagine a public library that did not carry both Shakespeare and Stephen King. Art galleries should have a place for Warhol and Rembrandt, Tom Thompson and Mendelson Joe. National parks have spots for RVs, for rustic campers and environmentally sensitive areas where no overnight stays are permitted. Publicly funded institutions should serve the needs of all users. Name one restaurant that doesn’t serve dessert.
We are listening. We hear one group of people adamantly opposed to any evolution of the service, and we respect that. Another group is decrying the fact that their tax dollars are used but their tastes are not reflected in existing shows. We are asked by superb musicians all the time why can’t their music be heard on Radio 2.
Radio 2 is evolving to become an inclusive service for adult music, the same way Radio One is an inclusive service for news, information and talk programming, where the Debaters runs with Ideas, or The Current with Tapestry and Q.
2. Are there more details available yet as to what will replace the shows come September?
We will be using this space to introduce new hosts and new shows over the next few months. Many of the new programs are in the pilot phase at the moment and scheduled to launch in September. Some weekend shows have been confirmed and will debut soon. One is an exciting new show on trends in classical music. Another looks at the fantastic tradition in roots music in Canada. A third is a blend of adventurous music styles. Further details will be available on this site soon.
3. Why change Radio 2? Why not just make new stations to fulfill more of your diversity goals when it comes to music?
That would be our preference, but it just isn’t possible. Any additions such as the ones you describe would have to be drawn from the budgets of existing programs and the expense involved in adding another network or two would be staggering.
However, technology may soon overcome the problem. When wireless internet develops the same sort of coverage that cell phones have, car radios effectively become computers that can access online music streams. That’s why in September we are also launching four new hosted online music streams for those who prefer to focus their listening to just one genre: classical, jazz, singer-songwriters and one to focus on Canadian art music performance and compositions. We recognize that is not a viable mobile option right now, but it’s available for in-home use and a way to deliver future mobile coverage.
4. I'm all for broadening the station a little, but what is adult music? Sarah McLachlan? Nickelback? Art Ensemble of Chicago?
No. No. and No. The first two because they aren't starving for airplay on commercial radio, the last because they aren't Canadian...although The Signal may venture into that kind of territory on occasion.
Radio 2 is an adult music network, meaning we program for discerning listeners of all ages, but recognize the bulk of our audience will be over 35 years of age. The strategy beginning in the fall is to look at all the styles of music Canadian musicians are known for and excel at. As a public broadcaster, it is our mandate to complement existing private sector radio, so subtract the kinds of artists who are achieving massive exposure on commercial radio. If they then pass through the filter of performance excellence, they become a candidate for broadcast on Radio 2.
This encompasses many styles, performers and composers: classical, jazz, folk, acoustic, singer-songwriters, choral, electronica and art music...a wide range of possibilities. We will continue to create events and expose premiere performances in the classical vein, like we did with Mozart 250, Glenn Gould's 75th or Beethoven's 9 Symphonies. We will cover jazz, searching for the next Oscar Peterson or Don Thompson. Hundreds of thousands of people attend Canadian folk festivals to hear everyone from Kathleen Edwards to Fred Eaglesmith, and that kind of music will have its place. We will accent diversity of all kinds: cultural, musical, demographic. We're looking for the next Ben Heppner, the next Joni Mitchell, the next Glenn Gould and Diana Krall and Oscar Peterson, the next Leonard Cohen.
The boundaries are virtually limitless. We want to be the conduit for listeners to experience of all kinds of great music performed by Canadians.
5.How much classical music will be featured on Radio 2 in the fall?
We recognize the quality and public value of classical MUSIC. It will continue to be the most represented genre on Radio 2. There will be a five hour block during weekdays and more on weekends that is exclusively classical, and shows like The Signal and others in development will also include both live and recorded classical selections.
6. What kind of new music will be played on Radio 2, music that it didn't traditionally play before the changes?
Radio 2 will remain an adult music network. As well as the classical music that will be featured, we will expose talented Canadians in jazz, blues, folk, singer-songwriter, world and other music forms popular with Canadian adults.
7. Why was the CBC Radio Orchestra dissolved?
It was a simple question of economics. For the same money, we can record more live concerts with other existing Canadian ensembles, performing groups and soloists across Canada than by funding our own Orchestra.
9. In a nutshell, what is the new mandate for Radio 2?
Radio 2 is Canada’s adult music network. It will continue to be friendly in style and presentation as well as provide context for the music it features. It will expose, promote and reflect the diversity of Canadian musicians in all senses of the word.
10. If Radio 2 is now dedicated to playing new Canadian music, how will it differ from Radio 3?
There are two major points of differentiation. Radio 2 is an over-the-air broadcast network, Radio 3 is on satellite radio, online streams and digital downloads. Radio 2 is an adult music network while Radio 3 covers contemporary music and lifestyle for a younger generation of Canadians.
11. What prompted CBC to make these changes NOW, after so many years as a popular and successful classical station?
Should a public broadcaster funded by tax dollars spend that money in support of a broad spectrum of Canadian music or a small part of it? Should it be broadly representative of the tastes of many Canadians, or a few?
Radio 2 in the past has had a variety of music and styles at different points in its history. In recent years, the feedback from the majority of - but not all - Canadians is that the network was not showcasing the music being made by many Canadian musicians and being listened to by many Canadians.
Again, we will remain true to our values of excellence in performance and intelligence in presentation, but we’ll be drawing from more genres of music.
Radio 2 is Canada's national music network.
The network's mandate is to bring together the musical diversity that makes up Canada.
If you're curious about music, if you're tired of formatted radio, if you like your station commercial free, Radio 2 is YOUR music network.
What makes Radio 2 distinct?
- Radio 2 is the only radio station in Canada that bring you live concerts every night of the week.
- Radio 2 is the only radio station in Canada that makes sure you can listen to those concerts any time you like.
- Radio 2 is the only radio station in Canada that brings you a wide range of music.
- Radio 2 is the only radio station in Canada that exceeds mandated Canadian content requirements because we think they're too LOW.
- Radio 2 is the only radio station in Canada that broadcasts to Canadians coast to coast.
Delhi 2 Dublin is an energetic collaboration between five established world music fusion artists, blending the traditional sounds of North India and Ireland.