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This sucks. Network turns off 'Humble Farmer' MPBN says it dropped the storyteller from its lineup because he wouldn't sign commentary guidelines. June 15, 2007 — By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer After more than 28 years of sharing his unique blend of Maine humor and commentary with public radio listeners on Friday nights, the man known as the "Humble Farmer" is going off the air. Robert Skoglund, a humorist from St. George, has been dropped from the Maine Public Broadcasting Network's radio lineup, said Lou Morin, communications manager for the network. Skoglund's final "The Humble Farmer" show aired last Friday. Morin said Skoglund was removed because he refused to sign a letter indicating that he would follow commentary guidelines that apply to all of MPBN's local, non-news, on-air staff. Morin said all other staffers have signed. The network's on-air news staff is guided by the Society of Professional Journalists' code of ethics, Morin said. Skoglund would not comment Thursday on his departure, saying only that he'd "said enough" and that he wants "my life back." Skoglund's departure ends an eight-month feud between him and MPBN's management over what he could say in his commentary pieces, which he called "rants." The conflict began in November, when MPBN refused to air a taped show that featured Skoglund reading a letter that was critical of a spending cap in Maryland similar to one that was about to be voted on in Maine. MPBN program managers said they didn't want Skoglund's show to be seen as taking sides on political issues, and they sent him a set of guidelines, which included a ban on taking stances on "controversial" issues. Skoglund responded by sending in his taped show every week without commentary. The shows contained only the old jazz tunes that he played regularly between his "rants." He continued to print his rants on his Web site, and said he received hundreds of e-mails from supporters. In April, Skoglund and about 20 supporters attended an MPBN board meeting in Lewiston to protest the restrictions. Most said Skoglund's show was of great value to listeners, because his humor and views on life were something listeners could not get elsewhere. Some also said that the guidelines were a form of censorship. It appeared that the feud would end in early May, when Skoglund sent in a taped show with commentary and none of it violated MPBN guidelines. MPBN issued revised commentary guidelines later in May. They say the on-air staff should not "make religious or political calls to action, editorialize, include content or showcase views and opinions on sensitive or controversial issues." The guidelines are on MPBN's Web site, www.mpbn.org, under "About MPBN." The guidelines would have been sent to all staffers regardless of Skoglund's situation, Morin said. Both volunteers and paid on-air non-news staffers were required to sign the guidelines. Skoglund began his program as a volunteer, but in recent years got $30 per show. Skoglund performs as a humorist and storyteller around the country. On Thursday, Morin said fewer than 10 people protested Skoglund's departure. However, Skoglund's Web site, www.thehumblefarmer .com, included letters and e-mails of support from his fans. Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at: rrouthier@pressherald.com Copyright © 2007 Blethen Maine Newspapers