There's been recent traffic on the list regarding the disappearance of classical programming from local radio stations -- in particular here in the metro Washington, DC area. I can sympathise with this -- I too am now reduced to one station (WGMS) which programs my kind of music -- plus commercials and 'cutesie' gratuitous commentary which does much to detract from my enjoyment. But America's love affair with the motorcar may yet provide the solution! Since 70% of radio listening is apparently done outside the home (mostly in vehicles in motion) and since most locales in the US lack a dedicated classical music station, a story in today's Wall Street Journal may give rise to a little hope. Both Ford and General Motors have recently announced agreements with fledgling satellite radio companies to provide coast-to-coast radio coverage direct to in-vehicle equipment which will be factory-installed. Offering upwards of 100 channels with CD-quality sound, commercial-free entertainment or talk shows, one presumes (too naively, perhaps) that classical music may well be one (or more) of the options on offer. The downside, of course, is that this is Radio Fee America -- currently anticpated charges run at about $9.95/month, but I suspect this may well reduce in the future in the same way as Internet access charges have over the last couple of years. Not a panacaea by any stretch of the imagination -- but worthy of some consideration, I think. Maybe even worthy of bringing a little public comment and pressure to bear on those who will determine the program/channel mix. Tim Mahon Alexandria, VA [log in to unmask]