The Baltimore Sun reported an hour ago that WYPR has dropped longtime Baltimore public radio figure Marc Steiner. The rationale, according to WYPR board chair Barbara Bozzuto, is "sagging ratings." We've written about Steiner's relationship with President/General Manager/Executive Director/El Jefe Tony Brandon, and at that time (Sept. 2005) we reported that Steiner had a "two-year renewable contract." At this early point we don't have more than speculation. Steiner, though sometimes clunky and amateurish as an interviewer, paid his audience the ultimate compliment by not demeaning them or his guests. The show was uneven, yeah, but when it was on--or more accurately, he had a serious guest like Adam Liptak from the Times--the show popped. We hope YPR finds someone to continue the format and improve its quality.