Re: Digital TV Conversion

[Dib9@aol.com]

1.  The people who want the programming should pay for it.

2.  Public broadcasting's credibility is effected by the people they do take 
money from: the government and foundations.  The influence of grantmakers on 
programming has been well documented.  See today's Globe for the latest 
outrage concerning Bill Moyers.  As for the government: how do you 
objectively cover politics and public policy when the government is your main 
source of funding?  In some ways, commercial broadcasters have more 
independence because they depend on many advertisers for their income.  
Public broadcasting depends on much fewer sources of funds, all of which 
therefore have much more influence on the institution.

That said: I listen to public radio everyday and watch public TV regularly.  
I would gladly support them with a contribution if they didn't already 
confiscate part of my income through taxes.

-- Dan Billings, Bowdoinham, Maine

In a message dated 10/9/99 11:03:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time, sven@lily.org 
writes:

<< Because the type of programming they do appeals to people who are more
 likely to question advertiser's usually outrageous claims for their
 products.
 
 The advertisers wouldn't benefit because -goddes forbid- they would have
 to be honest in their sales pitches.
 
 NOt to mention that Main Public Radio's (and NPR's as a whole) credibility
 would be severely compromised.  Would you expect a radio station to run
 news reports critical of companies like Monsanto or General Electric if
 they wre receiving advert. dollars from them?  I don't think so. >>