The free market - like the Truth - will out. IOW, if this show is so great why are they pleading for money?
I am not a fan of PBS, but Reading Rainbow is about one of the only things that makes it worthwhile. It just shows kids the magic of books. Period. Unless, you think Lavar should jazz up the show by picking titles such as "The Trix Bunny's Guide To Yummy Breakfasts", it will need underwriting to survive.
This very site pleads for money every couple of months if you haven't noticed.