The Sound and the Fury Over KUSC : POINT . . .

“M ore Talk, Less Bach,” last Sunday’s story on KUSC-FM by Patrick Mott, has prompted an outpouring from readers . Those critical of the station’s revamped format outnumbered supporters by more than 2 to 1. A sampling of their views: I too am upset with the current programming policy of KUSC, but classical music audiences have always been split down the middle on two issues: to talk or not to talk, and to play long pieces (in their entirety) or to play shorter pieces (sometimes truncated versions of longer works).

KUSC has obviously adopted its present approach because it has bills to pay, and it wants to attract more listeners who will send in money. There appears to be a shortage of older people like me (I’m 51) who are willing to support the station.

I feel, however, that when and if KUSC can broadcast a stronger signal, many of its problems will be alleviated. Unfortunately, Federal Communications Commission policy has made this task very difficult.

JAMES L. BILTCHIK

Los Angeles