The FCC owns 12 stations of PBS, meaning censorship for many of the programs. Despite this sounding like a bad thing, the FCC pays no special attention, or favorites, to the stations simply because they are publicly supported. “One of PBS’ anchor programmers, says that some two-dozen stations have now notified it that they will bleep a profanity from the Oct. 16 airing of its civil rights documentary, Eyes on the Prize.”
VIOLENCE ON THE TELEVISION
Let’s step back for a moment, and look at television programs targeting minors.
In the beginning of television, programs were suitable for all audiences. Shows like “I Love Lucy”, “The Ed Sullivan Show”, and “Bonanza”, were all programs set in primetime that a whole family could enjoy together. Content was hardly a concern in these days. Why? Entertainment had yet to evolve.
Flash forward 50 years. The television battles the internet for consumer attention. Every program comes with ratings, disclaimers, or warnings before air time. Channel surfing is risky business, who knows what will flick by as you attempt to find the Discovery Channel. The deeper one gets in the day, the raunchier the content. Of course, this doesn’t mean daytime soap operas and talk shows are to be omitted entirely. Many are equally appalling in relation to their late-night cousins.
Is there ever a break to this hurricane of debauched viewing?
On public broadcasting syndicates, suitable, educational dramas replace dating shows and police chases. News is neither left nor right. Classical concerts overshadow naughty music videos, reality shows are exchanged for ballets. This alternative viewing doesn’t mean public broadcasting is a push over, sensitive, mediocre station. Public broadcasting is, in fact, a safe haven for viewers not looking to be force fed “media bullshit”. On top of these facts, what else could possible persuade anyone to watch public broadcasting?
Two words: Commercial Free.
Thanks to “Viewers like you”, the station remains commercial free. But without federal funding supporting 40% of Public Broadcasting, this environment might disappear forever.
I don’t know about you, but in between a documentary on Henry the VIII’s Six Wives, I do not want to watch a commercial on “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”.
Maybe that’s just me.
PBS WINS 4 AWARDS AT EMMYS
“CBS and PBS each took five awards at the annual news and documentary Emmys, where PBS public television’s Bill Moyers was presented with a lifetime achievement award.” China Post
The catagories in which PBS won are:
- Continuing coverage of a news story (long form): PBS’ “Frontline” for “The Storm.”
- Investigative journalism (long form): PBS’ “Frontline” for “The Torture Question.”
- Informational programming (long form): PBS for “Rx for Survival: A Global Health Challenge.”
- Cultural and Artistic Programming: For PBS’ “Independent Lens” for “A Lion’s Trail.”
Congratulations PBS for turning out these spectacular wins!
POINTING THE FINGER AT REPUBLICANS
Since the majority of the Senate and House are composed of right-winged canidates (55 represetatives make up the Senate), the pulling of majority funding for Public Television is a battle brought to the steps of many Republicans. Bury that stereotype well, to date there are Republicans lending a hand in the support effort. Though none are fully saying what the Senate voted against was justified, or wrong, the Republican chairman of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Kenneth Tomlinson, advises petitions to be issued that will allow the people to decided.
I’ve had little faith in the power of human persuasion in the form of a signature. Unless every man and woman under the United States signs a petition supporting Federal funding towards PBS, the Senate won’t think to even bring the bill to the floor for reconsideration. With the economy in a state of catasprohic debt, there are bigger fish to fry (so to speak) than in the area of Public Media. However, that doesn’t mean it should be over looked. More often or not the smallest changes can lead to cause and effect.
If you are interested in signing the petition to support PBS go here
THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING AND THE VALUE OF NOTHING
Like it or not, since 2005 the government has slowly been pulling the funding-plug on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It began in January 2005 when Sen. Jim Hargrove revised Bill 5454, outlining the priorities of federal spending. Since then over $100 million dollars has been yanked from CPB and other federally funding programs (such as No Child Left Behind), and directed towards aiding children with disabilities, “higher education, student loans, and research grants to local hospitals are among the areas that would see funding boosts.”
The Bill was passed by the Senate on May 13, 2005 by Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington State, to revise trial court funding and provisions. This sets into motion the impending noose around CPB. With a majority of its funding coming from the government, the idea of CPB supporting itself on donations alone looks bleak. Especially since all networks and stations are looking to re-vamp to digital technology. New equipment will be brought in to bring popular television shows like “Sesame Street” and “Clifford the Big Red Dog”, into the competitive pool of visual appeal. Dated technology can be seen in the actual picture, and simulated commercials in between programs such as the “alphabet hosting”.
There is hope, however, that the face of CPB will not fall off the television forever. Supporters of CPB range from all backgrounds, some ever in high places. Those with the power to speak out and voice their opinion based on principle will be the ones heard first. Soon, I hope, there will come a day when CPB no longer looms beneath the threatening shadow of Capitol Hill.
For more details,
GOP Takes aim at PBS
2005 Senete Bill 5454
