Station changes threaten local artistic jewels

Thank you for the article about what is going on at KBCS-FM radio ["Seeking a bigger audience, KBCS cuts its programming," NWMonday, Aug. 17]. The article captured the basics of the situation, but what is missing is a sense of perspective on what is being lost in these changes. It's much more than losing "a place to catch the craziest music" or early morning jazz programming.

I listened to Bud Young's last morning jazz show this morning. Think about that. This is the guy who has been a local treasure, the proprietor of Bud's Jazz Records in Pioneer Square and a tireless supporter of local jazz musicians.

Also gone are a slew of some of the best folk and bluegrass programmers around, and a couple of vintage jazz programmers who are also treasures. If things were so bad, why didn't anyone know about it before they tossed the jewels in the trash?

Steve Ramsey's comment about the station's "huge potential that has gone untapped for years and years and years" tells me that he has had designs on remaking the station for a while.

Dig a little deeper, editorial and arts staff, and see that this is nonsense and that something precious is being lost.

-- Steve Saunders, Winthrop