It would be much easier for them to fork over 10 bucks apiece to PBS and keep their beloved big bird on the air for a while longer.
PBS is always having telethons, what do they do with that money? For a “network” that mainly shows only videos of pre-produced programs, maybe their a little heavy on employees.
Then I hear things like, “This program brought to you by the Exxon Corporation”, or whatever company...so, that means they are not only getting taxpayer money and viewer donations, but also are selling sponsorships.
How many folks does it take at PBS to run a DVD player?
At the public tv network I was at, you would be amazed at the effort it took to get tape or DVD to play back on time with the fortune spent on worthless Louth automation.
As for money on personnel, my organization was (still is from what I hear) absurdly lopsided with management. There was always money for a new mgt position that almost no one who worked there ever got. A favorite would once in a while.
As far as raises for working people, fat chance. After a long string of games and lies, I finally said lawsuit and veterans status. Most of the lowly engineering staff got upgraded. That was probably to appease the masses.