"Time's just tickin' down." This has to be the saddest of Rundowns -- but then I suppose every forthcoming one will further reinforce the fact that the BPP is coming to a close. I still cannot fully wrap my head around the fact that there are only 8 episodes left. NPR is run by fools I tell you! They want to grow their audience/donation revenue, yet are taking away the ONE show on NPR that I would actually pay to support. Alas it seems the powers that be have no interest in expanding their audience, becoming more relevant, and paving a path to the future. I guess remaining staid and catering to the Putumayo audience is more important.

"So after the laughter, I guess comes the tears."

Sent by Dan M. | 4:34 PM ET | 07-15-2008

Matt and Trisha, I think I'm going to miss you two most of all.

Sent by Susie | 4:40 PM ET | 07-15-2008

Shutting down BPP? Wrong move. I am 58, listen every chance I get (sattelite radio in the car), and much prefer the show to the usual dry, boring stuff. Did the NPR brass forget to look into the future? BPP is the best thing on and the best hope to attract a new generation of listeners - and contributors!

Sent by Steve S. | 5:19 PM ET | 07-15-2008

someone, someplace suggested that cutting things short might be a bpp strategy to reduce cost etc.etc....but, never cut/sell yourselves short...you're too too good for that!
and even though so many would be keenly disheartened to lose the BPP...this too shall pass........in 1989, my car was hijacked at shotgun point in front of a school...i was mortified,horrified, terrified and plain old fried...but in one month,i became aware of another opening that has been the best career move i might never have made without the help of that misguided hijacker!!! i wish the very best to you all no matter what crazy short sighted stuff goes down at npr.

Sent by janet | 5:54 PM ET | 07-15-2008

If you're gonna be cheating us out of an hour of BPP, you have to at least have a Ramble and a Most in the remaining hour.

IMO

Tell me the hour not broadcast is being used to look for new jobs and all will be forgiven. You gotta look out for yourselves.

Sent by Marc Naimark | 5:55 PM ET | 07-15-2008

regarding this:
bpp: OMG. Someone took a break from looking for a job to blog something -- the pork moustache /laura c http://snurl.com/2z1t5

Let us do some blog posts for you!

Sent by Marc Naimark | 5:57 PM ET | 07-15-2008

I don't believe that BPP is going away. Just like Bob Edwards, the BPP will rise from the ashes!

For NPR this show is "experimental," but it's really not. BPP would be very much at home on one of the "other" public radio networks like Public Radio International or American Public Media. I expect to see the show back on a different network within a few months.

Sent by Edward Noodleson | 6:24 PM ET | 07-15-2008

What's with the one hour thing? So crazy. It's hard to imagine that doing only one hour saves anything at this point. Although you had a reference to getting up later, I guess that is always good, or one of the small things that might be seen as a tiny bit of good in a bad situation....

Sent by Greg | 7:30 PM ET | 07-15-2008

Fanfic, eh? That should prove to be simultaneously funny and creepy. Speaking of fanboyism, you guys should do a segment on Joss Whedons new blog/show "Dr Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog". It's funny, it's "new" media, and it stars Neal Patrick Harris. :D

Sent by Sleestax | 9:29 PM ET | 07-15-2008

Only one hour, and you're doing the Jukebox? Please hand in all your quarters, now!

Sent by Marc Naimark | 7:38 AM ET | 07-16-2008

Me: "If you're gonna be cheating us out of an hour of BPP, you have to at least have a Ramble and a Most in the remaining hour."
Matt comes through with the goods!
Yay! Get everyone in on the Ramble! The more the Ramblier!

Sent by Marc Naimark | 7:59 AM ET | 07-16-2008

Thanks Matt for explaining the one hour deal. It did occur to me it might have been your choice, but it's good to know for sure it's not another nonsensical management decision.

Sent by Greg | 8:06 AM ET | 07-16-2008

I just can't imagine how you all must feel, if I am this depressed over you all leaving you guys must be...I don't know, really, really, really, really, really, really sad. I am so sad, I feel as if I am losing my friends. It makes me so angry that we weren't even given a chance to support you with our dollars. Where and when was the pledge drive? Argh!!!

Sent by robin | 12:41 PM ET | 07-16-2008