Classical music community 1 - Philistines 0


A news story, which has just broken in Holland, makes very sweet reading indeed. Here is a free translation:

Dutch Culture Minister halts Concertzender closure

DEN HAAG 17 NOV 17.35h - Culture Minister Ronald Plasterk has approached the Board of Directors of the Dutch Public Broadcasting System (NPO) to insist that classical internet station Concertzender remain on-air. This promise was made by the Minister in response to questions posed to him by Parliament Member Boris van der Ham (party D66).

Concertzender heard last week that the NPO would terminate its financial support as of January 1st. "I am ready to enter into discussion with the Board of Directors to figure out how the valuable contributions of Concertzender to the Dutch music culture can be given an appropriate place in a new structure," says Plasterk.

Van der Ham had asked Plasterk for clarification regarding the situation in the middle of October. According to Van der Ham the Concertzender makes a positive community contribution, with "exceptional programming of serious music which is not available from other public radio stations."
Many thanks to all those who did throw their support behind the campaign to keep Concertzender online. The match is not over yet, but it looks like it could be a good result. More proof that blogging is doing it for our time.

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