So long to dogs, pickup trucks and honky tonks

Re “The Reason KZLA Up and Left for Another Fan,” Aug. 20

It is a sad day in Los Angeles when our only country and western radio station switches format, leaving loyal listeners high and dry. Los Angeles, despite its ethnic diversity, is becoming as provincial as New York City. A few years ago, I drove from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City. Most Californians love to make derisive comments about the “hicks” who live there. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was able to listen to the largest diversity of radio stations I had ever encountered. I find it ironic that the “hicks” are able to access a more cosmopolitan array of radio stations than we can here in the “big city.”

STEVEN BORN

Granada Hills

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I was almost as upset by The Times’ article on the demise of KZLA as I was by the loss of one of my favorite stations. By choosing to feature a lone KZLA listener ranting about patriotism and family values and proclaiming that “this is becoming a nation of minorities,” the article only served to reinforce the stereotype that all country music fans are ignorant rednecks. Failing to address the significant role white youths have played in the economic growth and popularity of hip-hop music simply added fuel to the fire.

It’s bad enough that the music industry has long divided listeners through its sectarian marketing and playlist strategies without The Times using stereotypical quotes and insufficient facts to fan the flames of divisiveness.

VIVIAN RODRIGUEZ

Culver City

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Instead of (again) scapegoating minorities -- this time for the changing landscape of American radio -- how about placing the blame where it belongs: with country music itself, which for the last 30 years has been sophomoric or pseudo-patriotic pop with some obligatory twang thrown in.

SCOTT LENZ

Los Angeles