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Really - this is a great show, always has been. I don't normally go to bat for PBS, but the majority of their kid's shows are far and away the best on TV. For homeschoolers, PBS rocks.

I wonder if a person can just give to the shows they like? In that case, I have some change in the sofa - that's all I have for a savings account nowadays :P...

I'm glad something on PBS is worthwhile for the kids, and it would be too bad to see it go. However, take a look at this from the CNN article: "This season, only four new [Reading Rainbow] shows were made. The production company has a $2 million annual budget, and no money to go forward, he said." Hey, that's $500K a pop...for reading children's books? What do they have...special effects? a cast of thousands? That money is lining someone's pockets, and I don't think they're Mr. Burton's.

Here's an e-mail I got in reply to a letter I wrote to Reading Rainbow:
"We appreciate your concern for Reading Rainbow. Many people like you have graciously offered to contribute, and the overwhelming response has touched our hearts.
The most important way you can assure the future of Reading Rainbow is to communicate your passion for the series to your PBS station. Here's how
1) Send your PBS station program manager a message about why you value Reading Rainbow ? they need to hear that you believe the series is important and relevant. [Visit www.pbs.org -- look to the left of the page for a box to key in your zip code, then click on the station icon or call letters to get to the station site.]
2) Donate the amount you were intending to give Reading Rainbow to your local station in honor of Reading Rainbow ? this will signal the importance of the series, as well as help the station pay their fees for the series.
If you want to go a step further, send a message to PBS's national program chief specifying why Reading Rainbow is important to you [John Wilson, VP Programming, PBS, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria VA 22314].
Your message and donation will impact the continued scheduling of Reading Rainbow at the local level ? as will messages & donations from many others. This system-wide support is a very important factor for us as we work with companies and foundations to raise money for this nationally known and loved series.
Thanks again from all of us at Reading Rainbow.
Ann Hudson
1-800-228-4630"