The North Carolina classical radio station, WCPE, has decided to rescind its ban on broadcasting the Metropolitan Opera’s newer operas. The station had initially deemed these operas unsuitable due to their “difficult music” and “adult themes and harsh language.” However, they faced widespread criticism for this decision, leading to a reversal of their stance. The Met has been focusing on staging more contemporary works in recent seasons to attract a broader and more diverse audience. While WCPE’s general manager had expressed concerns about the new works, the station ultimately decided to prioritize its core value of being a refuge from the troubles of the world.
Background
In recent years, the Metropolitan Opera has made efforts to attract new and diverse audiences by staging more contemporary operas alongside the classics. However, a nonprofit North Carolina classical radio station, WCPE, initially decided to ban the broadcast of the Met’s newer offerings, citing their “difficult music” and “adult themes and harsh language.” This decision sparked criticism and backlash from the public, leading to a reversal of the ban.
Initial Ban on Met Opera Broadcasts
Deborah S. Proctor, the general manager of WCPE, expressed her concerns about the new works planned for the Met’s current season in a survey sent to listeners on August 31. She claimed that the chosen operas, written in a nonclassical music style and containing adult themes and language, were not suitable for broadcast on their station. Proctor specifically mentioned several operas, such as Jake Heggie’s “Dead Man Walking,” John Adams’s “El Niño,” Kevin Puts’s “The Hours,” Daniel Catán’s “Florencia en el Amazona,” Anthony Davis’s “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X,” and Terence Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.”
Reasons for the Ban
Proctor’s main concerns revolved around the violent content in “Dead Man Walking,” the non-Biblical sources of the libretto in “El Niño,” the suicidal themes in “The Hours,” the departure from their musical format guidelines in “Florencia en el Amazona,” and the offensive language in both “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X” and “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” She emphasized the station’s desire to maintain the trust of listeners and the importance of providing a broadcast without mature themes or foul language, allowing parents to feel comfortable leaving the station playing for their children. The ban also applied to broadcasting Blanchard’s “Champion” in the previous season.
Criticism and Backlash
WCPE’s letter and survey initially received minimal attention before gaining traction on social media. Rhiannon Giddens, a North Carolina native and Pulitzer Prize-winning opera composer, publicly expressed her disappointment with the station’s stance and highlighted the fact that challenging adult themes are integral to many well-known operas. Giddens argued that the Met broadcasts serve as a vital platform for people who cannot afford to attend live performances and urged the station to embrace the egalitarian nature of radio.
Reversal of the Ban
Facing growing criticism and backlash, WCPE decided to reverse its ban on Met Opera broadcasts. The station listened to feedback from the public and engaged in internal discussions, ultimately recognizing the value of being a safe space for a general audience. While WCPE emphasizes its commitment to protecting listeners, it also acknowledges its role as a refuge from the political and troubles of the world, a value it aims to uphold by reinstating the broadcast of the Met’s contemporary operas.
Response from the Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera expressed its satisfaction with WCPE’s decision to reverse the ban. As an institution that adheres to Federal Communications Commission guidelines regarding profanity and language, the Met appreciates the opportunity for opera fans in North Carolina to have access to all 27 scheduled broadcasts for the season. The company’s ongoing efforts to attract diverse audiences through contemporary works have been well-received, and the collaboration with radio stations plays a crucial role in realizing this goal.
Relevance of FCC Guidelines
The controversy surrounding WCPE’s ban on Met Opera broadcasts brings attention to the relevance of FCC guidelines. While WCPE initially claimed that the Met’s newer offerings did not align with their musical format guidelines, it is worth noting that the Met adheres to FCC regulations regarding profanity and language. The Met’s ability to stage and broadcast contemporary works demonstrates that it is possible to present artistic productions that challenge traditional boundaries without violating broadcasting standards.
Public Reaction
Public reaction to WCPE’s initial ban on Met Opera broadcasts was primarily negative, with many expressing disappointment and frustration on social media platforms. Listeners argued that the broadcasts provided an opportunity for individuals who cannot afford tickets or do not have access to live performances to experience the art form. The reversal of the ban was met with relief and satisfaction from the public, highlighting the importance of access to diverse cultural offerings through radio broadcasting.
Internal Discussions at the Radio Station
WCPE’s decision to reverse the ban came about as a result of internal discussions. The station took into account the feedback it received from the public and carefully considered its core values. While WCPE remained committed to being a safe space for a general audience, it recognized that its role as a refuge from the political and troubles of the world should not impede on the station’s responsibility to provide diverse programming. Balancing these factors led to the reversal of the ban on Met Opera broadcasts.
Value of Being a Safe Space for a General Audience
WCPE’s emphasis on being a safe space for a general audience, especially for children, is a core value for the radio station. However, it is essential to acknowledge that art, including opera, often explores complex and challenging themes. GCPE’s decision to reconsider its ban stemmed from recognizing that being a safe space does not equate to avoiding content that may be difficult or thought-provoking. The station’s renewed commitment to providing a refuge from the troubles of the world does not mean turning away from the diverse artistic expressions that make up the fabric of society.
