WFPL Listeners Respond to Q

Q is a daily program exploring arts and culture, hosted by Jian Ghomeshi and broadcast across Canada on CBC Radio One. PRI tested Q on a handful of stations around the country, including WFPL, on January 25-29. We aired the program at 8pm on weeknights and asked for listener input. PRI is using these comments, as well as those from other parts of the country, as it determines whether to offer Q to stations in the US.

What follows are all of the comments we received about Q by email; some have been edited for length.

UPDATE: And here’s what North Country Public Radio listeners said about the show’s test.

Heard it last night and loved the host and content. — William

I routinely begin my exercising routine at 8 p.m. sharp and always look forward to “Fresh Air”. I was a little disturbed that this was not the case last night. However, after being patient and listening to “Q”, I was pleasantly surprised. I like the fact that there were several stories, many hard-hitting journalism and others more entertainment-based. It’s a very smart, well-produced program. I would love for WFPL to keep this program. — Dennis

Really enjoying “Q”. I hope it becomes a permanent part of your programming! — Hollis

I don’t like it. Abrasive like talk radio that wants to rile people up just to do it. Not material that makes me think. — Heidi

I like it! The host has a great voice and personality; the topics covered are varied AND interesting. — S

Tuned in a couple times to hear fresh air this week. love terri gross. a bit annoyed to hear that new show on & went to your website to see what’s up. you asked for feedback – it seems ok. i guess i could get used to it and it isn’t bad or anything. i paid attention for about 15 minutes and it certainly was worthwhile enough but not appointment radio. — C

It is so good to hear a program from the CBC back on your station. Unfortunately the content is weak and very limited, compared to “As It Happens”, which was a strong part of your weekday programming until a few years ago. — David

I found this show to be jarring in its opening, especially the electric guitar/retro lick between segments. Not what I want to hear in the evenings at home. Driving home last night I listened to most of the interview with Stephen Wright, and while the questions were good, the host seems a little too intense. Maybe it’s just the volume, I don’t know. — Patricia

Awesome show! — Jake

I really like this show — it is an interesting blend of news, politics, culture, music, entertainment. I particularly like hearing the Canadian perspective on issues — the Canadians appear to have a broader view of the world than Americans. As a longtime supporter of wfpl, I vote “yes” for Q becoming a regular part of the lineup. — Marilyn

Love the show. Love the interview style. LOVE the fact that it’s produced outside of the US. Have really enjoyed the varieties of guests and topics. — Jeremy

If I want celebrity news, I’ll visit TMZ.com. I tune to FPL to get “hard news”, not this fluff. — Randall

Intelligent, topical, well done…..more please!!!!! — Sandra

At the risk of sounding either snobbish or provincial, I don’t see the need for a Canada-centric pop culture series on WFPL. It’s like “As It Happens,” but less relevant to the lives of Kentuckians. — Mark

I’ve enjoyed listening to Q. Very good show. — Duane

I enjoy listening to the Q show in the evenings. Please continue this show, I would suggest you play (or replay) it during the day. Your current schedule has too much political talk during the day. I am relatively political, but constant rehash of the same stories and information is getting wearing. — Herbert

The interviews are the best feature; this is another PRI program where the interview is still coherent and in-depth without a rush to do the next story. The guests where interesting, but Jian Ghomeshi is an engaging interviewer anyway, his interviews with Danny Boyle, and Leonard Cohen two great examples I heard this week. — Niki

Please do what ever is necessary to keep this show! Its editing is very fun, and the content is very fresh, and engaging. — Daniel

Totally enjoyed the shows and hope it becomes a regular fixture on WFPL. — Jack

I thoroughly enjoyed this program and would so enjoy being able to listen to Q on a regular basis. — Beverly

Keep it on. It’s always refreshing to hear something from outside the USA. The BBC World Report is OK but very formulaic. ‘Q’ is much more listenable. It has the feel of a younger crowd, but the subject matter resonated with me (I’m 58). — Christopher

Loved the show! Bring it to Louisville. I liked the 8-9 weekday timeslot too. Listened to last 20-30 minutes of the show Monday through Thursday last week and really enjoyed the quality and perspective. — Craig