- June 17, 2009
Sens. Carper, Kaufman React to WHYY Ending “Delaware Tonight”
WASHINGTON – Sens. Tom Carper and Ted Kaufman (both D-Del.) issued the following statements today, reacting to the reported closing of WHYY’s Wilmington studio and its daily broadcast, Delaware Tonight.
Sen. Carper said: “WHYY has been a news staple in our community for more than four decades, providing extensive coverage of local and national news, political races, and everything in between. The station has been here not only to provide local news, but to connect us with a larger audience. On many occasions, as elected officials, we are asked to participate in national news shows. And without hesitation, WHYY is always the first to offer its studio and crew – often very early hours of the morning – to help us broadcast from downtown Wilmington to the nation. WHYY has always been a part of our Delaware family and this is truly a sad day. I have spent countless hours with most of their hardworking Delaware staff over the years and will do whatever I can to help them with this transition.”
Sen. Kaufman said: “I am disappointed in WHYY’s decision to essentially abandon Delaware. Given the fact that they’re licensed in Wilmington, one would think they would do more to honor their obligation to serve the people of Wilmington. WHYY is a public broadcasting station, but it’s hard to find their commitment to the community in this action.”