Spring Break
Local public radio station fires iconic host amid controversy
Steiner had been at station since it was WJHU
Issue date: 2/7/08
The soft-spoken Baltimore resident praised Steiner's even-handed discussion of controversial issues.
"He had people from non-profits, people from the streets - perspectives that no one else brings," Markowitz said.
"Certain people are unique. Marc Steiner is one of the unique," protestor Max Obuszewski said, pausing to wave at the honks of passing cars.
"Marc can bring in the governor of Maryland at the same time he can bring in a person who just got out of jail and is looking for a job. He really can't be replaced," the Hampden resident said.
Steiner would have celebrated his 15th year on the air in May. He began his show while the station was still owned by the University and was called WJHU.
In 2002, when Hopkins decided to sell the radio station, Steiner began asking his listeners to fund the purchase of the station. The campaign raised $750,000.
According to the WYPR Web site, Steiner was introduced to Brandon, who helped secure eight guarantors to give funds matching the $5 million purchasing price the University was asking for.
WYPR management has said that they requested Steiner expand his coverage beyond Baltimore.
"The board and Tony did want the station to be a Maryland station, not just a Baltimore station," the WYPR employee said.
According to the Saturday edition of the Baltimore Sun, fewer than 12 of Steiner's last 50 shows were focused on issues facing Baltimoreans.
"If anything I'd like to see him have more shows on Baltimore," Markowitz said.
"Steiner and management had been at odds over what direction his show should take," WYPR board chairperson Barbara Bozzuto told the Sun.
"I've been at odds with them for other reasons, over the philosophy of public radio, but they never had any conversations with me about the progress of my show," Steiner said.
According to Steiner, conflicts arose between him and Brandon, Bozzuto and Vice President of Programming Andrew Bienstock, a Hopkins alum.
"He had people from non-profits, people from the streets - perspectives that no one else brings," Markowitz said.
"Certain people are unique. Marc Steiner is one of the unique," protestor Max Obuszewski said, pausing to wave at the honks of passing cars.
"Marc can bring in the governor of Maryland at the same time he can bring in a person who just got out of jail and is looking for a job. He really can't be replaced," the Hampden resident said.
Steiner would have celebrated his 15th year on the air in May. He began his show while the station was still owned by the University and was called WJHU.
In 2002, when Hopkins decided to sell the radio station, Steiner began asking his listeners to fund the purchase of the station. The campaign raised $750,000.
According to the WYPR Web site, Steiner was introduced to Brandon, who helped secure eight guarantors to give funds matching the $5 million purchasing price the University was asking for.
WYPR management has said that they requested Steiner expand his coverage beyond Baltimore.
"The board and Tony did want the station to be a Maryland station, not just a Baltimore station," the WYPR employee said.
According to the Saturday edition of the Baltimore Sun, fewer than 12 of Steiner's last 50 shows were focused on issues facing Baltimoreans.
"If anything I'd like to see him have more shows on Baltimore," Markowitz said.
"Steiner and management had been at odds over what direction his show should take," WYPR board chairperson Barbara Bozzuto told the Sun.
"I've been at odds with them for other reasons, over the philosophy of public radio, but they never had any conversations with me about the progress of my show," Steiner said.
According to Steiner, conflicts arose between him and Brandon, Bozzuto and Vice President of Programming Andrew Bienstock, a Hopkins alum.
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