Posted on 05/12/2005 1:34:13 PM PDT by Graybeard58
Imagine a television landscape that offered, for example, the Newshour with Jim Lehrer on the Discovery Channel, Sesame Street on Nickelodeon, Frontline on the History Channel, and Masterpiece Theater and Mystery! on Bravo. And put those wonderful BBC comedies, on, well, BBC America, or even ABC. Not too far-fetched, is it?
There was a time when such staples of public broadcasting were more unusual than they are in today's saturated media environment. And now that cable and satellite programs, such as those on Discovery, Animal Planet, and the like, reach some 85 percent of American households, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) just isn't really all that distinctive anymore.
In fact, its ratings began dropping in the 1990s, as cable and satellite TV spread. And it's no secret that the 349 stations that support PBS have been struggling with their identity and niche in the media marketplace as a result.
Even though PBS brags that it's commercial-free, in recent years, more and more commercial-like promotional spots have appeared - many even arguably crossing the line between corporate support and outright advertising.
Is it time for this successful nonprofit institution to go fully private? (It now depends on federal funds for 15.3 percent of its budget.)
One suggestion: Have PBS run its own cable channel with no tax dollars, if its locally owned affiliates agree.
Or it could be allowed to simply sell ads and become a nonprofit network, available for free.
The country's increasingly polarized political climate has put more pressure on PBS's programming decisions. Wouldn't it be better if government simply weren't involved? Then market pressures alone could decide what programming was worthwhile - and whether it was too liberal, or conservative - free from political pressure. And those who disagree with perceived or real bias in programming could no longer complain that their taxpayer dollars were subsidizing viewpoints other than their own.
A new PBS "Frontline" documentary, airing this week, helps prove the point. In "The New Asylums," producers take a much-needed look at the half million individuals with mental illness locked up inside the US prison system. But in a way, that's investigating government - with government money. Surely, those journalists and producers who work for PBS would appreciate having the independence to criticize the government when needed, without fear of political retribution.
A PBS that no longer depends on government dollars wouldn't have to lose its stated mission - "to inform, inspire, and educate." And it could still run public fundraisers (members fund about 26 percent of PBS's budget).
PBS has served as a capable hatchery of ideas that have subsequently flown into the public realm. Let it now serve as an example of a public institution that's served its original purpose, and simply must evolve.
Sounds good to me.
frontline is actually a decent show. still, it doesnt deserve our tax dollars.
We have a cable channel dedicated to golf and another one to motor sports, for cryin' out loud. Surely these popular PBS programs could find air time somewhere.
"Imagine a television landscape that offered, for example, the Newshour with Jim Lehrer on the Discovery Channel, etc."
And we could have commercials instead of suffering through their incessant begging.
I just wish the Sci Fi channel would follow PBS's lead and show Doctor Who! The BBC priced it right out of PBS's range years ago. Those were the days.
Judging by the money that I spent on Teletubbies, Sesame Street and Barney merchandise when my daughter was 1-3 years old, I am certain that Barney, Tinky-Winky and Elmo would have NO trouble at all paying for all PBS programming out of their own pocket change.
Defund now.
Surely Discovery Network could absorb PBS' shows and instead of taking our tax dollars, would actually pay taxes.
The whole point of PBS was to provide or otherwise make available "educational" commercial free programming, as a balance to the 3 major networks. There are no longer 3 major networks as you pointed out.
sp
I have spent my share over the years for that stuff. Somebody is making a killing.
P.S. I'll never forgive PBS' Arthur for teaching my daughter to roll her eyes at me and say: "Well, Du-uh" every time I tell her something.
(Of course, I broke her of that habit, no thanks to OTAW*).
_______________
* Our tax dollars at work.
That and Red Dwarf were my only reasons I watched PBS. Scifi pasted on the new who series. God knows why. Maybe because it was Scifi. I don't think Dr. Who has been on PBS for a least a decade or more.
Tinky-Winky is the Antichrist.
"Frontline is actually a decent show."
I agree. I also like Antiques Roadshow, American Experience, The Red Green Show (the older ones, though) & NOVA. I also agree PBS could do fine as a for-profit with the programs they have in their stables. And we're only seeing a portion of what's out there in our individual states. Wisconsin Public Television puts together some awesome shows that could easily attract a national audience with a little tweaking:
The Wisconsin Gardener (I'm biased. The host is a friend.)
Outdoor Wisconsin
In Wisconsin (Award winning!)
Here & Now (news stories)
I'm certain each state has some national-audience-worthy locally produced shows as well.
Cut 'em loose! (I've never donated to WPR or WPT.)
I thought Bill Clinton was the anti-Christ. Hard to keep track of who has the job nowadays.
When cable offers suitable programming WITHOUT COMMERCIALS
free of charge as does PBS I'll consider watching it.
we do not let our 4 year old watch Arthur! whatta crappy show
I actually think it's pretty good. I have rarely been offended by it (other than the recent flap with Buster and the two mommies in Vermont).
Frankly I think they should negotiate a deal with the folks selling all those Sesame Street toys for a bigger cut of the sales, after all, no Sesame Street, no Cookie Monster or Elmo. That should give them plenty of money.
I watched this show with my kids a few times and was appalled. Not only was it disrespectful to parents but Arthur and his friends lied all the time. Great messages for kids.
Warning: Beware of the Disney channel. It's even worse.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.