AFM Supports National Day of Action
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: AFM Canada
April 10, 2008 Executive Director
Len Lytwyn
416.391.5161, ext 225
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA SUPPORTS NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION- “RAISE A RUCKUS FOR CBC’S RADIO TWO!”
(Canada – April 10, 2008) The planned dismantling of the famed CBC Vancouver Radio Orchestra, coupled with the unconscionable reversal of program content of CBC’s Radio Two, from being primarily a classical music broadcaster, to what now appears to be primarily a middle-of-the-road/pop music station, is as if CBC dropped the atomic bomb on the serious musician-performers in this country. It is an unwarranted and decimating attack on the performing professionals in this musical genre, which will force many of them and the emerging classical artists to look to other ways and means to financially support themselves and their families – so much for all those devoted years of study and practice! This is truly a tragic blow to this segment of the cultural development in Canada, and one that must be reconsidered by our publically funded broadcaster!
Speaking in support of the “National Day of Action,” Executive Director for AFM Canada Len Lytwyn comments, “I most strenuously urge all our Locals, their members, all arts organizations, and all those individuals throughout Canada whose soul is touched by music, to support the campaign to “Save Classical Music at the CBC!”
For more information contact Len Lytwyn, Executive Director, AFM Canada, 416.391.5161, ext 225
About the AFM
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape.
