'Listening Post' to disappear

I was shocked to learn that there will no more "The Listening Post" column in your paper. The reason the editor gave was space constraints.

The Jakarta Post, like other newspapers, is reducing its pages because of the high price of newsprint. Is the two-column space left by "The Listening Post" to be used for more interesting articles or advertisements? After nine years, the column is considered not worthy enough to appear in the Post.

I have been a reader of the column since it first appeared in 1988. I went to Radio Sonora to meet Byron, Erick, Mark and other teachers and listeners. I even had the chance to participate by having a discussion with them over the radio. I feel I am losing something with the column's disappearance from the Post.

Of course I still can read the column via ALC's or Radio Sonora's homepage on the Internet. But it won't be the same. If the economic situation improves, it is hoped that the Post will again provide space for The Listening Post.

My appreciation and salute go to Byron, the Post and Radio Sonora for pioneering such a program, teaching English through radio plus a newspaper. Definitely a lot of learners of English have utilized the program. It is cheap, efficient and effective.

ADRIANUS HIYUNG T.

Jakarta