The unexpected firing of WYPR radio news host Marc Steiner likely will be the main topic at WYPR Community Advisory Board on Feb. 20, 7 p.m. The station claimed it was due to low ratings, but some reporters as well as advocates are challenging that.

WYPR's Community Advisory Board is an advisory group required by WYPR's license as a public radio station. This forum will be the first in which WYPR donating members and listeners will be able to voice their opinion on this firing.

At least two different community groups have been organizing on the issue since the firing was announced. People continue to protest from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday outside WYPR offices. One group has registered a Web site address www.savesteinershow.com.

In addition an online petition has collected over 400 signatures as of Feb. 18, 2008. The petition calls for the show's return. It is online at: www.thepetitionsite.com/1/bring-marc-steiner-back-to-wypr

Maryland resident Hillary Strilko signed the petition and comments online that, "There are many ways to get news on local politics, but none that intellectually engaged and challenged me the way the Marc Steiner Show did. I'm extremely disappointed in WYPR's handling of this matter. I can't tell you how many 30-40-somethings I've talked to who are really disillusioned about "public" radio because of this. We hold WYPR to a higher standard-- and in this case, it didn't live up to it. I am one of many who will really miss this entertaining, stimulating, and educational show. Please listen to your public--your supporters--your reason for being, and reinstate this show."

WYPR and the national NPR collect annual donations from members. They are suppose to offer less commercial programming with less advertising compared to commercial radio. I say "less" because in the last ten years both public radio and public television have been increasing their show "sponsers" and the frequency with which "sponsers" are mentioned. WYPR is no exception.

I can remember back when the PBS Newshour television show would only display two to three sponsor names in letters on a still screen after the newscast. Last time I watched it, PBS showed a short commercial for an agricultural corporation before the news began.

The Charles Village-based group behind www.savesteinershow.com is urging WYPR members to attend the Feb. 20, 7 p.m. public meeting and voice their opinion. The WYPR Community Advisory Board will be presiding over the public forum.

Gregg Mosson is an independent reporter and author of "Season of Flowers and Dust" (Goose River Press). More can be found at his Web site at www.greggmosson.com