KPFK Diversity Gain Is a Loss for Some Listeners

So, KPFK has canceled “Heartfelt Music” to provide for more ethnic diversity and community service (“After Its Rebellions, a New KPFK,” Golden State, July 14).

KPFK and National Public Radio in general have become increasingly grim. It is difficult for me to listen during morning and afternoon drive time because of the relentless focus on tragic personal, community and national stories of loss, disease, torture and outrage. As someone whose politics generally seem to be in step with the station political philosophy at KPFK, I understand the need to air such information; however, I now listen rarely on weekdays.

Weekends have been different, with more diverse programming, often with a focus on entertainment. Of the Saturday programs I enjoy, “Heartfelt Music” has been my favorite. Not only could I hear warm, meaningful, melodic music that I could hear nowhere else, but I was able to hear it presented by John and Deanne Davis. Their positive attitude and the delight they took in the music, and in each other, were a welcome respite to the many troubles that KPFK focused on a regular basis.

I belong to an ethnic group too. It just happens that it may be the only one that KPFK has no interest in.

Jim Himes

Hacienda Heights