The problem with Performance Today is that not enough member stations
purchase it.  Not enough member stations want it any more.

As a former board chair of an NPR member station, I can tell you that
Performance Today was just too expensive for what we got, and made
available at the wrong times of day.

This is quality programming that contributes to the public's knowledge
of classical music.  It should not be eliminated at any cost.  But the
real work has to be done with member stations which are rapidly moving
away from classical music as the young workers, mostly college students
in their early 20's, are trying to respond to their listeners.  The
listeners they hear from are not requesting Performance Today.  Most
members of public radio stations do not even know it is available, because
it is being broadcast in the early afternoon when most people are at work.
The program does not fit within the budget constraints of most member
stations due to the high cost, as public radio stations have lost public
funding each year since 1996.  The work to keep Performance Today is best
spent on organizations that will pay for local sponsorship...  for for
sponsors who care.

Ray Bayles