So long, Q103, and thanks

The loss of a local media outlet is to be mourned at any time. The health of any community depends on a steady flow of good information going out to its residents, whether on the airwaves, on paper, online or by satellite or cable TV. However, in this day of dwindling small-market, independent media, it is particularly difficult for communities to accept such a local closure, especially when an outlet has been a part of the local psyche for years.Lakeville’s Q103 WQQQ FM provided locally based radio for more than 17 years in the Tri-state region and built up a supportive community of listeners during that time. So it was with sadness that many fans of the station heard it would be shutting down its local content as of Feb. 7, switching over to NPR programming provided by WSHU, located on the campus of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield.There has been a lot of public second-guessing of owner Dennis Jackson’s decision to make the change. Why did this step have to be taken? Couldn’t Jackson have kept the station going longer as local, small-town radio? In reply, Jackson made it clear in his interview with The Lakeville Journal last week that it was time for him to simplify his business life.And after all, listeners should understand that a run of 17 years for a radio station in a small market like the one surrounding Lakeville is commendable. That’s especially true since the station was competing with other radio stations, cable TV, and yes, weekly and daily newspapers for advertising support. Joe Loverro, the station’s general manager, has said the station was in the black at its transition and had been all along. Competition, however, was stiff, and it had to have taken more time and effort to keep going as the Great Recession hit the country and the area communities over the past few years.Jackson and WSHU have said there still will be programming geared toward the Tri-state region. But does that mean a direct connection with the local communities as there had been in the past? Only time will tell. The station seemed almost like an old friend, one who made everyone comfortable and was a reliable presence. That will be hard to maintain from afar.The open house held Friday, Feb. 4, during the last Joe and Marie Morning show, brought an outpouring of gratitude from their listeners. Joe Loverro, after so many years at the Q103 microphone, should feel proud of all that he did to create a supportive community around the station. The gap left by all the folks at Q103 will be felt, and they will be missed by their fans. Kudos to them all for providing a local radio station to the Tri-state region for 17 years.Of course, it shouldn’t be forgotten that there is still local radio here, in addition to local print media such as this newspaper: Shall we call them “hyperlocal?” How about “very local?”This area is truly fortunate to have a very local radio station in Sharon, WHDD 91.9 FM and AM 1020, with Marshall Miles and Jill Goodman at the helm. It’s the smallest NPR affiliate in the nation, yet has lots of local programming (including, in full disclosure, a weekly program discussing local news and events with Cynthia Hochswender and Janet Manko of this newspaper.) Miles grew up in Sharon, went to Housatonic Valley Regional High School and has a real local connection to his listeners. He also has national radio experience, and runs a good station. He and Goodman seemingly cover every fundraiser and event of note in the region and have a connection to Berkshire School’s radio station to pull their coverage into Massachusetts. It’s an alternative that such a rural, sparsely populated region with a small market share should be glad to have available.

Latest News

A scenic 32-mile loop through Litchfield County

Whenever I need to get a quick but scenic bicycle ride but don’t have time to organize a group ride that involves driving to a meeting point, I just turn right out of my driveway. That begins a 32-mile loop through some of the prettiest scenery in northern Litchfield County.

I ride south on Undermountain Road (Route 41 South) into Salisbury and turn right on Main Street (Route 44 West). If I’m meeting friends, we gather at the parking area on the west side of Salisbury Town Hall where parking is never a problem.

Keep ReadingShow less
Biking Ancramdale to Copake

This is a lovely ride that loops from Ancramdale north to Copake and back. At just over 23 miles and about 1,300 feet of elevation gain, it’s a perfect route for intermediate recreational riders and takes about two hours to complete. It’s entirely on quiet roads with little traffic, winding through rolling hills, open countryside, picturesque farms and several lakes.

Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of farmstands that are worth a quick visit. There is only one hill that might be described as steep, but it is quite short — probably less than a quarter-mile.

Keep ReadingShow less
Taking on Tanglewood

Aerial view of The Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass.

Provided

Now is the perfect time to plan ahead for symphonic music this summer at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Here are a few highlights from the classical programming.

Saturday, July 5: Shed Opening Night at 8 p.m. Andris Nelsons conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra as Daniil Trifonov plays piano in an All-Rachmaninoff program. The Piano Concerto No. 3 was completed in 1909 and was written specifically to be debuted in the composer’s American tour, at another time of unrest and upheaval in Russia. Trifonev is well-equipped to take on what is considered among the most technically difficult piano pieces. This program also includes Symphonic Dances, a work encapsulating many ideas and much nostalgia.

Keep ReadingShow less
James H. Fox

SHARON — James H. Fox, resident of Sharon, passed away on May 30, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Hospital.

Born in New York, New York, to Herbert Fox and Margaret Moser, James grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. He spent his summers in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, where he developed a deep connection to the community.

Keep ReadingShow less