Christmas Broadcasting Traditions
Chip Berlet wrote in 2007 about the repulsive roots of the War on Christmas propaganda.
Here is a gem from the past:I am always a little surprised that as a society we do not do a better job in response to the false and divisive claims that there is now, or ever has been a war on Christmas in any sense of the term. (There are notable exceptions of course, such as here and here.) And as shocking as it always seems to be, the politicization of Christmas is nothing new or even unique to the United States. The Smithsonian magazine for example, has a remarkable article about the lengths to which the Nazi Party in Germany went to redefine Christmas into a festival of German White Nationalism. While demagogic and divisive traditions left over from the worst of the 20th century live on, there are other Christmas traditions in which we can take heart. One such bright and lasting quarter century broadcasting tradition that honors and celebrates Christmas in a remarkable and joyous fashion. My local public radio station, WFCR - FM (Five College Radio, operated by the University of Massachusetts, and Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire, and Amherst Colleges) joins in the annual airing of the Christmas eve BBC broadcast of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College, Cambridge. Former WFCR classical music host John Montanari wrote No two hours in New England Public Radio's entire yearly schedule are as eagerly anticipated as are 10:00 to noon, Eastern Standard Time, on the 24th of December. That's when one of the oldest continuing traditions in broadcasting, dating back to 1928, is renewed for new and old audiences alike. We could or would no more not broadcast A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols than we could or would forestall the lengthening of days following the winter solstice. It is aired nationally on hundreds of public radio stations by American Public Media. If you love Christmas music it is a wonderful Christmas tradition that will undoubtedly be resolutely ignored by the crew at Fox. I wish them all a Merry Christmas anyway -- and a Happy Holiday season too.
Christmas Broadcasting Traditions | 42 comments (42 topical, 0 hidden)
Christmas Broadcasting Traditions | 42 comments (42 topical, 0 hidden)
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