With all the various choices on cable, why do we still need Public Broadcasting like NPR, etc?

Sgt Wayne Wood — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 09:06:23 -0400

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 16 at 2017 9:30 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 09:30:58 -0400

As a public funded entity we dont...
If the public wants it enough to fund it though donations, go for it

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Sep 16 at 2017 9:37 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 09:37:26 -0400

I think it provides a valuable public service (the news portion, not the entertainment portion). The vast majority of other media outlets exist to make a profit, and I think that profit motive alters the way they interpret and report information to the public. They shape information in ways meant to draw and maintain a loyal audience, thereby generating profits, but not in ways meant to be objective and unbiased (i.e. to inform). That's why everyone on the left hates right-wing media, and everyone on the right hates left-wing media. Those media outlets have successfully divided us up into loyal consumers of their products. It's the American way.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 16 at 2017 10:10 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 10:10:43 -0400

I'm OK so long as they don't push an agenda. NPR should go away because they push an agenda PBS is a different story. It's funding structure with a lot of grants makes it the platform for stuff the others simply won't carry. Ken Burns documentaries comes to mind. Overall, the taxpayer doesn't need to put the money into it.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 16 at 2017 12:19 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 12:19:15 -0400

That's a helluva good question. I've long advocated that it be put out of our misery. The only unique program they offer is Sesame Street and can you imagine the bidding war that would ensue as soon as it was announced that PBS was folding?

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Sep 16 at 2017 12:44 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 12:44:12 -0400

It is another source of programming if You care to watch it. I find however in example watching some of the Do-Wop music programs which I enjoy, they interrupt the program for as much as 20 minute of phone pledge breaks which I find very annoying I end up changing the channel as I can't stand that right in the middle of a program. It annoys Me so much I wouldn't give them a dime !

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2017 1:35 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 13:35:57 -0400

NPR and PBS should be removed from public funding. It's been proven that they can be profitable with advertising revenue and private donations, alone.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 17 at 2017 2:48 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 14:48:27 -0400

They should live off of voluntary donations.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 17 at 2017 10:48 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 22:48:05 -0400

40 years I still don't know how to get to Sesame Street

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 18 at 2017 12:09 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 00:09:27 -0400

Why don't they get money from the Russians. They seem to have a lot and hand it out freely

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2017 11:42 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 11:42:00 -0400

I watch PBS once a year. On Memorial Day. My whole family watches the program and it's usually very well done. We might watch on the 4th of July too if we think about it.

However, so I can completely and immediately contradict myself, I did happen to catch episode 1 of Ken Burns' Vietnam documentary last night. I thought it was very good. I plan on watching the rest of them.

Response by Sgt Demarest Newman made Sep 20 at 2017 12:30 PM

Sgt Demarest Newman — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 12:30:01 -0400

Because most of the cable channels are full of garbage and endless commercials. They are designed for morons who think " reality shows " are worth spending time watching.