KING-FM host off the air

By Melinda Bargreen
Seattle Times music critic

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Seattle's KING-FM, one of the nation's leading classical music stations, has said goodbye to another of its popular radio hosts: Tom Dahlstrom, the longtime voice of KING's afternoon show.

The news, announced yesterday, characterizes Dahlstrom's departure as a resignation. Upon advice of his attorney, Dahlstrom said he is unable to add anything to the station's public statement, in which he says he will "set sail for new challenges."

Former KING-FM colleague George Shangrow, who left the station in December after his contract for the "Live, By George" show was not renewed, said Dahlstrom was fired last Thursday because he "had the temerity to make some minor changes in music programming without the approval of Bob Goldfarb [the station's program director]." Among the changes: Dahlstrom played a 10-minute piece of music from the French Revolution in honor of Bastille Day on July 14.

Queried about the circumstances surrounding Dahlstrom's exit, Goldfarb said he "cannot comment on personnel matters."

KING-FM general manager Jennifer Ridewood answered questions about Dahlstrom's departure and Shangrow's charges with the brief statement, "Classic Radio Inc. and Tom have different philosophies."

Dahlstrom's spot will be temporarily filled by Peter Newman, Goldfarb's predecessor. Newman, who retired last August, will serve as afternoon host Aug. 16-20, Aug. 23-27 and Aug. 30-Sept. 3. Goldfarb announced a nationwide talent search for a permanent replacement.

In 1992, KING-FM was given by its then owners, Harriet Bullitt and Patsy Bullitt Collins, to a nonprofit organization called Beethoven. Proceeds from the station benefit three groups: Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera and ArtsFund (formerly Corporate Council for the Arts). The gift was made in order to assure the future of classical music on the air.

"The Bullitt sisters gave this station to the city, in trusteeship of these three organizations," Shangrow said. "This board and manager have violated that gift. The Bullitts didn't intend the station to become classical music wallpaper."

He and Dahlstrom were the highest-paid announcers at the station, Shangrow said.
 
Ridewood said in the prepared statement, "Expanding our audience is essential to our mission to remain a healthy, viable contributor, both culturally and financially, to the Puget Sound music community. Along with our traditional audience, we need to continue to attract new listeners from diverse age groups."

Melinda Bargreen: mbargreen@seattletimes.com