The following is a memorandum from the business manager of a listener-supported public radio station."For the past year, as part of an effort to broaden our supporter base, our Folk on the Air program has allocated less time to traditional American folk m

In the given passage author has shown a drop off in the listener number of a radio station. Author has highlighted that shifting from traditional American folk music to Latino music and world music is the reason behind that shrink in listener number . Author has concluded that radio station should devote more time to broadcast traditional American folks to maintain the supporter base. Though his claim may well have merit, the author presents a poorly reasoned argument, based on several questionable premises and assumptions, and based solely on the evidence the author offers , we cannot accept his argument as valid.

Primarily , the radio station tried to boost their listener number for a few year by devoting more time to Latino folks and world music . If there were gradual decrease in the number then why the radio station failed to recognize it earlier ? Author does not provide any evidences to counter this issue.

Secondly , author has informed that some of the long term supporter complained about the new music pattern. But we need some reliable information to believe that they were the genuine long term listener of that radio station. The author’s premises, the basis for his argument, lack any legitimate evidentiary support and render his conclusion unacceptable. If they are not long time listener then their complains have a little importance to that radio station.

Thirdly , an editorial discussion in the news paper may highlighted the thoughts of intellectuals populace of the society. But the editorial of the local news paper only reflects the views of very few people. Also the extremist views in that editorial discussion make its acceptance weaken. We need trusty worthy statistical information from a reliable source to accept the argument .

Finally , many more other reasons are possible for the decrease in the listener numbers. Like the sound quality of radio station may be poor , the radio station may be unable to follow the recent trend of the music . So the devotion to the traditional American folk music does not guarantee to regain its old listener numbers. Without evidence the argument seems no acceptance to the readers. It may be possible that when this radio station is busy with experimenting Latino folks and world music , the long time listener may be switched to another radio station.

In conclusion, those arguments are unconvincing. To strengthen the arguments, the author must provide evidences that there are no other reasons other than the assumptions. We need a consistent survey report for that. Feed back from few listeners and an editorial may not be suffice for convincing the reader.