I hope you’re enjoying hearing George Preston, our new afternoon host on WFMT. George comes to us from WNYC-FM in New York with more than 2 decades of classical music radio hosting, production, programming and performance experience…and we’re lucky to have him. It’s been interesting to hear some of your responses to George during his first few days on the air – keep those cards and letters coming. Or join us here with your comments on the blog. Here’s a few:
Adina:
Dear Mr. Preston,I grew up listening to WNYC and WQXR. I’m a ten-year transplant to the Chicago area, as well as a musician and wife and mother to musicians. Iwas delighted to encounter your friendly, humorous and eruditecommentary on my way home from work Monday. Good luck!
Dorron:
I’ve been listening to WFMT for over 35 years. What I want from an announcer is someone who will tell me what is playing, maybe a little background about the music, read the commercials and news (not enough news on WFMT these days), and not much else.When you have time, you should have coffee, whatever, with Mel Zellman, who in my opinion represents everything I like about WFMT.
Ellen:
This george preston talks too much. I don’t care about his music intelligence or his amusing chatter. I want to hear the music.
Barbara:
I liked listening, not just to some of the selections yesterday and today, particularly whimsical Hayden’s works, but to your voice. It’s comfortable, never boring, not forced, youthful in a nice sense, with charming asides and comments, few cliches. You made my cleaning out closets while I avoided facing Chicago’s weather-ing that much more enjoyable and effortless.I hope you take delight in our city, my city since 1963–though my DNA is encoded New York with detours to the Santa Cruz Mountains, and get settled quickly and easily so you and your family can enjoy all Chicago will offer you, as Chicago can enjoy having you here with us.
Anne:
I hope the new announcer is on the air on a trial basis. I expect the staff to at least SOUND more intelligent and classy than myself. There are no radio alternatives but I can resurrect the good old CD’s. I hate to resort to that but…..
Robert:
George Preston is WONDERFUL. A fresh voice and the commentary is great! A GREAT FIND!!! ALL of your on air folk have great qualities, and George is yet another enhancement to the greatest station on the planet. As soon as my financed are straight again after my divorce I will become a member again…thanks…
Gary:
I have been listening to your station since the Jacobs owned it. By reason of longevity alone ( and as a card carrying member of the station) , I feel qualified to comment on what must be a management inspired change in the format of the station.The new announcer, George Preston, has taken a much more ‘interactive’ stance towards his role than any previous announcer in WFMT’s history. I am sure that is not a matter of personal style or a whim on Mr. Preston’s part but, rather, a consciously thought out change in station policy by management
In my experience, one comes to know an announcer over a long period of listening because, in the past, a WFMT announcer (except on special programs) never imposed his or her personality or personal opinions on the listener.
I wish Mr. Preston and your station well. But I think and I hope you will give it careful consideration that there is a lot to lose by changing one of the most compelling formats (for listeners of classical music) in the history of radio.
George Preston is ruining my afternoons. All this chatter is really NOT what I’m looking for in a classical music host. WFMT should stick to what it does so well – mostly music, with an occasional informative interview or interesting bit of information about a composer or performer. I listen to WFMT all day at work, but am being driven to turn it off after 3pm because the talk to music ratio is just too high.
I don’t enjoy the fussy George Preston or his high pitched chatty voice. Why did you put him on in the afternoon instead of letting him simmer on the back burner learning how hosts “present” on WFMT?Please make a change. Have some courage to say it’s not working out.
I think you're all too hard on George and resistant to change. I enjoy George–welcome to Chicago, and keep up the good work. Don't let the naysayers get you down. : )
On my drive home from work I would always listen to WFMT. Now I still try to hear the music but turn down the announcer in between. It's not a WFMT voice–there is no sonority, timbre and resonance that every other one has and which was the signature of the station. Very disappointed. My husband thought I was nuts until he heard him and said, "oh that's like adult lite-rock." He talks way too much, too. It's not about him, it's about the music.