Do we still need PBS?

Jules So IL Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 02:17 PM EST

Shut it down, they took off Keeping up appearances - the rest on that station is too political

victoria Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 01:19 PM EST

We still need PBS. I'm glad it's still available and i watch it every week. I may not always agree with the bias of much of its programming but let's face it, much of what is offered on commercial broadcasting stations is trash.

Rush Limbaugh Not Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 05:07 AM EST

100 of billions to banks, subsidies to oil, corn to name a few well our country lags way behind in education. I say chump change tax dollars well spent to pbs.
pbs help educate and inspire on so many levels. Tops in local programming too. Godspeed pbs

Robert Sun, Nov 9, 2008 at 04:31 AM EST

I'm disappointed of the news reporting on the networks and cable of how much important things they don't report. Where as NPR and PBS are much more extensive on a report to allow one to make there own conclusion. Now I got rid of cable and am reading and listing to PBS for my news.

KRAGWULFE BRON Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 01:55 AM EST

PBS SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN--BABIES WOULD BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT TV-WHERE IS THE PERSONAL CARE & INTERFACE W/LOVED ONES--YOU THINK TV IS GOOD BABYSITTING--YOU E3NCOURAGE WRONG THINKING BY THE EXPOSURE--GET REAL- LOOK HOW 5THIS NEW GENERATION CAME OUT-THEY THINK THEY'RE OK!!- HOW BQAD IS THAT--TV SUBSTITITES DID THAT--TURNED WHOLE GENERATION INTO LIBERAL PUPPETS; THINKING THEIR THOUGHTS ARE THEIR OWN..WHERE'S THE INIQUENESS.--WE'RE DEFFINITELY ON THE SWLIPPERRY SLOPE THANKS TO PEOPLE WHO USE TV FOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HUMAN INTERRELATIONS. I PITY THE FUTURE--YOU HAVE LOST BY PEOPLE'S ACCEPTANCE ON TV AS A TUTOR.YOU HAVE SEALED OUR WORLDS FATE--WHAT MORE CAN YOU SCREW UP.
FARE THEE WELL

Milo Blankenstern Wed, Mar 26, 2008 at 12:23 AM EST

PBS is certainly needed for the diversity in programming. There's nothing "cheep" about the hard-hitting reporting from shows like "Frontline" or "NOW". The news programs on other TV stations do not cover the important topics, such as the fatal blunders of the Bush Administration, or the tragedy of corporate welfare, or about the disregard for consumer safety. Furthermore, I can't remember the last time I've seen an image of Britney Spears on a PBS station. Now, there's a few good reasons not to pay for YOUR cable or dish, Brian.

Brian Terrill Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 11:28 PM EST

If you want PBS pay for it yourselves. It's crappy programming and we don't need it. Sesame Street can be put on another channel as well as all the other shows you like.

This just shows that liberals are stupid, you are the only ones who need tax payer dollars to go to YOUR viewing of television.

PBS is boring, and I'm not paying for it because somebody in America is too cheep to pop for a dish and watch the better quality educational programs on the Discovery Channel.

Pick pocket liberals

Laura Tue, Feb 26, 2008 at 10:51 AM EST

Two words:

Super Why

Jon Sun, Feb 24, 2008 at 11:05 AM EST

PBS is still essential. The American Experience is better than just about anything on The History Channel. The "arts" cable stations are nearly all reality or (worse) tabloid news. And while cartoons abound on cable, they offer nothing as calm and developmentally-oriented for very young children (under 4) as the numerous PBS programs.

Kathy Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 11:01 PM EST

I ONLY watch PBS. If I watch news on any commercial station I am ready to kick in the TV screen. Jim Lehrer is a class act. No stupid "news" on Britany or any other nitwit.
also, Frontline, POV, NOW are programs I cannot do without. I also need the Nightly Business Report.
When my grandkids are here, we need the Sesame Street and friends.
Lots to see on PBS. thank goodness I have TIVO.
You can cut CNN. when I watch in the airport, it is sooooo sacarine and artificial.

Kathy Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 11:01 PM EST

I ONLY watch PBS. If I watch news on any commercial station I am ready to kick in the TV screen. Jim Lehrer is a class act. No stupid "news" on Britany or any other nitwit.
also, Frontline, POV, NOW are programs I cannot do without. I also need the Nightly Business Report.
When my grandkids are here, we need the Sesame Street and friends.
Lots to see on PBS. thank goodness I have TIVO.
You can cut CNN. when I watch in the airport, it is sooooo sacarine and artificial.

Alex Feldman. Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 07:58 PM EST

Leave PBS alone.

Cidaho50 Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 07:58 AM EST

Leave PBS alone. It has been around for ever and so have I. I like several things on there.Like the BBC News, it and Fox are the only unbias news networks out there.

Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 10:10 AM EST

In addition to all the other arguments supporting keeping PBS on air, I'd like to add one more. I've watched Masterpiece Theater, Mystery, Great Performances, et al, and they've given us great chances to watch future film and tv stars in action. In my teens, I watched an equally young Helen Mirren on MP; last year I watched her win an Oscar. PBS gives us a chance to watch future stars, or stars when they were just starting out. I'm a long-time contributing member; hopefully I'll always be!

Dana Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 09:59 AM EST

PBS must endure. my husband and i are in our mid-20s and regularly watch masterpiece theatre, america's test kitchen, my family, random documentaries. though here in canada, PBS does have competition with TV Ontario (TVO), which has similar programming (but no america's test kitchen. booo.)

Corrinne Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 09:32 AM EST

Our home weekly watches PBS for the travel and NOVA shows.

dwight Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 07:56 AM EST

Yeah, I could always rent or buy "Keeping Up Appearances" or "Are You Being Served."

Kizzy Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 07:54 AM EST

I love PBS. I don't have cable so I need it. I have a son who loves it. What will we do without Arthur, Curious George, or Cyberchase? Why George why!!!!!

Lauren Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 12:13 AM EST

I grew up on PBS (Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, Square One) and still watch it today (Masterpiece Theatre, documentaries) ... it's been a staple in my family for forever. It would be a travesty if the Republicans ended up cutting its public funding.

Crystal Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 10:58 PM EST

I have 4 PBS shows towards the top of my TiVo list and watch Reading Rainbow at lunch. And I'm 30. PBS rocks!!

rcr Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

Well... Real journalism ended with Mr. Cronkite. With the consolidation of the media players, all that is left is really only four outlets, that are far from independent.

Bill Moyers pointed that out when the media consolidation was not being reported by the "big media".

Propaganda be it from a government or a few powerful companies is just as dangerous. Control over the media and what is or isn't reported is a big deal...

Thank you PBS for being there.... At least someone will report the whole story... And the viewer make up their minds... Not spinning the story for one side or the other....

It's the closest you will get to "Fair and Balanced" that you will get these days from big media....

Joe Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 10:24 PM EST

The "republicans" haven't been trying to get rid of PBS, just the government subsidy that supports it. Why shouldn't it fly on its own merits? Apparently most of the bloggers here would be glad to give to it. I like some of the programming, too - "The Civil War" was great. But, having news programs that rely on funding from the government? Is that unbiased?
I'm guessing that they will favor the party that wants to fund them - is this not evident?

Shelly Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 10:15 PM EST

Right now, PBS is showing the BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries with Colin Firth on Masterpiece theater. Why oh why would anyone want to get rid of such a channel?

DJ Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 10:03 PM EST

I think sometimes PBS can be boring and a bit out of touch with what people are interested. However, PBS is necessary for funding/airing locally-produced specials. Also, some of their Independent Lens films CANNOT be denied.

Toni Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 08:58 PM EST

PBS plays a most vital role in the lives of millions of youths. There is programming on PBS you cannot find anywhere else. It is a great thing and I think we'd be a lesser Country without PBS on the airwaves

Lee Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 08:32 PM EST

Yes we need PBS. Frontline by itself is more than enough to justify its existence. So many major stories have been broken on that show.

Bella Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 08:08 PM EST

I'm so excited about the number of avid and enthusiastic PBS viewers posting here! I adore PBS. My childhood was all about Reading Rainbow, Mr. Rogers, and Sesame Street. Now I love Independent Lens, Nova, and American Experience. Oh, and Masterpiece Theatre, of course! I'm going to start supporting my station financially...once I'm out of grad school.

Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 08:01 PM EST

Zod- That "fuzzy-haired oil painting guy" was Bob Ross.

actingup Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 08:01 PM EST

I love PBS - and YES I watch PBS (and listen to NPR). I love Mystery! and Masterpiece Theater. How about Great Performances? I still have my tapes (which I am putting onto DVD) when they showed "Into the Woods" and "Sunday in the Park with George". And just this week they are showing the Broadway production of "Company." Where else can we see that? I have always said if I ever became rich (or at least had something to spare) I would donate to PBS (and NPR, and libraries)because it serves a purpose. It brings music and brilliant tv shows and concerts and travel shows and cooking shows and kid's shows....

If you want great art and entertainment in a society - the society needs to help pay for it. It enriches all of us.

jaime Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 07:53 PM EST

OMG I FORGOT ABOUT READING RAINBOW. . .AWW!

cme Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 07:21 PM EST

Antiques Roadshow, Are You Being Served?, Austin City Limits, and a recent documentary on Jewish Americans (which I am not,) are just a few reasons I love PBS. I still remember John Williams directing the Boston Pops when I was younger and kick myself for not being able to appreciate it like I do now.

Sven Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 07:15 PM EST

Jk, you are are wrong about how much money PBS makes from the different sources you cite. The local stations don't get the money from the national underwriters (they are NOT commercials by the way). Nor do the local station see money from the "merchandise" (if by merchandise you mean the sale of the dvd copies of the show). That money goes directly to PBS and the producers of the different shows (Nova, Ken Burns, etc...). Again, the local affiliates need some level of support from the Federal level. Perhaps you ought to contact your local PBS affiliate and ask a few questions about where their funding.

Sven Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 07:07 PM EST

It is wonderful to see all this support for PBS. But let me ask how many of you financially support your local station during the pledge drives? Like your public radio stations, most of the funding comes from you, the viewer/listener.

Jk Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 06:45 PM EST

PBS has some nice things to it, for example, I personally like the nature documentaries and music programs, but there's no reason why they need money from taxpayers. Between all the commercials they run between shows, the donations they receive from people, and the merchandise they sell, they make enough money to stay on the air.

Anne Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 06:41 PM EST

I watch PBS all the time. I don't have cable and see no need for it - cable channels are terrible. Without PBS amazing reporters like Bill Moyers or the Frontline series would be lost.

NotoFunding Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 06:39 PM EST

I didn't realize PBS was government funded. Not a good idea. Government has too much control and it trickles on down through the broadcast execs. Here in Canada it's the same, CBC/gov. funding. It ticks me off that my tax dollars pay for the biased crap on CBC. PBS has bias too but not as bad. I'd miss PBS if it were gone.

steph Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 06:36 PM EST

As a child, I was weened on Oscar and Big Bird. I was bilingual entering kindergarten. PBS is still very, very necessary. What's the alternative for children? Endless Disney promos between self-serving shows? Toy and cereal ads among obnoxious kid-fare on Nick? Keep Sesame Street, keep Ken Burns, and keep PBS. And this is from a self-described conservative.

Amy Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 06:36 PM EST

I can't believe this is even a discussion, I grew up with pbs and I watch it still. sure there are other educational childrens programming but there is just something special about sesame street. Where else can you see bbc world news and other bbc shows without having to have cable to get bbc america? If I do ever have children I am sure I won't allow them to watch the current crop of sugar fueled junk that passes for childrens entertainment.

Em Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 06:33 PM EST

Add me to the PBS Lovers List...my personal favorite now is the Independent Lens series...as a kid I loved Square One...I wonder if that's still on?

Zod Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 06:04 PM EST

I love PBS, it was the channel where I first saw Monty Python & The Holy Grail. It's got so much great programming that you'll never find anywhere else. And you have to love that fuzzy haired oil painting guy. He's the best ever! "soar with the eagles, you little devil"

jchel Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 06:03 PM EST

PBS does have a cable channel - SPROUT that is dedicated to pre-school programming. My 3 year old LOOOOVEES it. In terms of programming for kids that isn't offensive (have you really watched an episode of sponge bob lately?) or promote violence or disrespect AND is entertaining - there is no beating PBS and Sprout. (although the teletubbies make me want to puke- sorry)

E Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 06:01 PM EST

The mere fact that PBS is showing Company tonight makes the network worthwhile. Don't tell me there's any other channel, cable or network, that would be showing this.

Mike Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 05:38 PM EST

I am from Canada, and i love PBS. It would be a true shame to lose such a resource. I could not live without all three of my mains, BBC, CBC, PBS.

Raven_Moon Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

I rather like PBS. With shows like "Great Performances," "Austin City Limits," "Masterpiece Theater" and interesting documentaries on subjects raniging from WWII to Mormonism to Willie Nelson & Bob Dylan, what's not to like?

Canadian PBS Fan Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 05:25 PM EST

I watch PBS. In my area, I watch PBS for Saturday afternoon cooking shows, Saturday evening Britcoms and Sunday night Masterpiece theatre. Also, they still air Bob Ross on Sunday mornings. Could there be a better weekend?

Francisco Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 05:23 PM EST

To angel:

I completely agree with you, No Child Left Behind has been a complete disaster. My comment was in regards to a successful initiative, not a successful plan. Sorry for the confusion.

Please look to my earlier post in regards to contacting your Congressperson and Senators in an effort to keep PBS fully funded!

Robin Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST

Keep PBS! Actually, we need more stations like it. I miss my Saturday and Sunday mornings with Shining Time Station, and yes, ZOOM! I don't believe children should be exposed to regular or cable television until they are past grammar school age anyway - they don't need all the gratuitous violence, foul language and sex - so the more stations you can find to offer kid friendly programming, the better.

Amy Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 05:05 PM EST

I'm also in favor of saving PBS. PBS does provide a public good, and as you said in your post, not everyone can afford cable, or wants to scroll the other 200+ channels of crap to get to the one desired channel. Providing commercial free entertainment to children is an incredibly important service, and I'd miss my Masterpiece Theatre, especially these new Jane Austen movies.

nvrstp920 Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 05:02 PM EST

simply put: no. i find myself going to PBS for quality programming the older i get and I'm 18. Simply Ming can whoop on Martha nad Emeril anyday, Globe Trekker is unlike anything you'll find on the travel channel, and I'm pretty sure America will die the day Sesame street goes off the air.

Floridaboy8703 Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:59 PM EST

Two words..... ZOOM!

vw Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:56 PM EST

First off, labeling the ENTIRE Bush administration and all republicans as non-readers and anti-intellectual is completely ABSURD. The people who would end it's reign are misinformed, narrow-minded or just plain greedy like the ones trying to end any quality programming out there in their desire to make a buck. That goes across all lines. As a very conservative person I love PBS and know most others do as well. Favorites are all listed here.Culture,sophistication and education are all things that are unfortunately not valued much anymore and in the world we live in need to be cherished more than ever. PBS is an oasis of all three.Please don't be like others who do not value anything but gossip,divisiveness and the almighty dollar.If nothing else these shows and this concept should keep us open-minded,enlightened,honorable and giving.

dan Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

i have been looking forward to Great Performances' presentation of COMPANY for a long time now, and i finally get to watch it tonight. where else on TV (besides the obvious pairing of MTV and Legally Blonde) can i watch an entire musical performance without going to NYC and paying $100?
the same goes for performances of the Boston Pops and that freakin' CATS movie i saw ad nauseam as a kid. i willingly watched a piece called GORILLAS last night, and enjoyed it.
i'm only twenty, but PBS has indeed improved my life ... and i think i am a better, more creative person for growing up with just it and the big four networks.

Kirsten Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:39 PM EST

My kids still watch PBS all the time, and I still watch it from time to time- I wouldn't be able to see "Company" any other way.

hbomb Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST

Yes, there are other options available, but they ususally aren't as good as PBS -- ie the cooking shows are usually better than Food Network's shows.

MM Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

Why would anybody want to eliminate a channel that has aired shows like Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, Nova and Masterpiece Theatre (to name a few). Without PBS, there would be no relief from the abundance of crap television these days.

Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST

PBS has NOT outlived it's usefulness. I watched it as a kid (Sesame Street!) and even now (Masterpiece Theater). It broadcasts shows that would never be seen on regular network television and better yet, the programs are commercial free!

Jessica Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:19 PM EST

There have been a series of articles in a wide variety of publication that cite the alarming "dumbing down" of American the American mindset, and to eliminate PBS would just be one more nail in that coffin. I couldn't imagine childhood without Sesame Street, nor could any one else I know. Long live PBS!

JG Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:16 PM EST

There are too many great programs on PBS to list and to think that you don't have to watch commericals or pay for it. I donate every year and will continue to do so. Wouldn't it be great if we could get the presidential candidates to guarantee that they won't cut funding?

nunyobizniz Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

we definitly need PBS. it's the only station I can stomach the political goings-on, and learn something. they don't cover brit or linds or paris because they are not news.

Kami Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST

I've been watching PBS a lot more recently and have experienced the lack of PBS (for some reason that channel refuses to work in my dorm room. My brother DVR's shows at home for me, so I don't miss much.) The shows that they have on there are great, memorable, and educational. From current shows like African American Lives, America's Ballroom Challenge, Masterpiece Theatre, local political news shows, the Topeka quiz bowl show (Quest) to older shows/ movies like Anne of Green Gables, the 6 wives of Henry VIII, and Mental Engineering, you just can't get this variety and quality anywhere else, at least not in America. Usually I hate reruns, but I would love if PBS showed more reruns and not just at weird hours like 2 am. PBS is appointment TV for me!

J Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:49 PM EST

Watched Nova last night. Watch Masterpiece on Sunday nights. Check, Please on Friday nights. Grew up on Sesame Street, Mister Rogers, Electric Company, Zoom, and Villa Allegre. PBS rocks!

Julia Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

One word- yes.

angel Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:34 PM EST

I adore PBS and watch it every night. Please don't cut the funding!

PS: Francisco, if you think No Child Left Behind was successful, you must not work in eduction. It is a time, money and resource-wasting program designed to make the public think something good is happening, when in truth we are testing these kids to death.

Moo Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:31 PM EST

I heart PBS. Masterpiece is great, esp with all the Jane Austen adaptations and I can't imagine that when I have kids, they won't be able to grow up with Elmo and Big Bird. PBS is def something that should be passed on to the next generation. It's quality television period.

tamara Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:28 PM EST

I love PBS, and so do my kids. We have digital TV, and don't get cable. I don't miss the trash, and my kids don't miss the commercials. Don't get me wrong, I watch quite a bit of network TV, but I grew up with PBS, and want my kids to have it as well.

tamara Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:28 PM EST

I love PBS, and so do my kids. We have digital TV, and don't get cable. I don't miss the trash, and my kids don't miss the commercials. Don't get me wrong, I watch quite a bit of network TV, but I grew up with PBS, and want my kids to have it as well.

Andrea Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:24 PM EST

My young kids only watch PBS when they watch TV, it is the only place to get decent, non-violent shows for children. Also, African American Lives is a riveting show.

duder Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST

PBS is awesome. I donate every year, and it would be a tragedy if they cut funding. If they need to cut funding to something to save money, why not start with our aging nuclear arsenal?

rc Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:15 PM EST

I haven't donated recently. I should get my checkbook out.

Pamela Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:11 PM EST

In conjunction with a more sophisticated line up of television entertainment, PBS stations across the country have done outstanding community services through projects and events. In this way, PBS stations have made themselves invaluable to the communities they serve. Without PBS, there is a vast wasteland of reality shows and programs that focus on the stupidity of people and bad choices. Not very inspiring television to watch.

kanuck Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:10 PM EST

PBS is seen from the other side of the border and is loved in Canada.

SIna Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

I need PBS. The show African American Lives. The Masterpiece Theater (oh Elizabeth and Darcy, swoon) and hundreds of other shows my neice and nephew love. I need PBS!

Cassie Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:07 PM EST

Three words: Happy. Little. Trees.

Ashley Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:03 PM EST

I love PBS

donner Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 03:00 PM EST

I actually DO watch PBS...Masterpiece Theatre (they are airing Jane Austen pieces on Sundays right now, Mr. Darcy rules!)...Mystery!, Nova, Frontline, Charlie Rose, Antiques Roadshow, Signing Time (a show to teach us how to use sign language), America's Test Kitchen, This Old House, Victory Garden, Lidia's Italy, Simply Ming, Everyday Food - the list goes on and on...Just cause YOU may not watch doesn't mean the rest of us aren't...I LOVE it!

Cynthia Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST

That's like saying "now that we have Barnes and Noble and Amazon, libraries have become redundant." I consider PBS a form of education, and everyone needs equal access - I'm a proud donor to my local PBS station.

Steve Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 02:46 PM EST

Over the air television is the ONLY place where you can watch HDTV for FREE and it is my understanding that PBS has the largest Hi-Def library of any network that is available for free.

Sharlin Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

Frontline and NOVA. You get rid of PBS... you get rid of television's soul.

superhonky Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 02:43 PM EST

i'm 41,christian(not conservative) and do not have cable.i have been appalled by the bush administration's atempts to end funding for public broadcasting and have been surprised that they have not tried to transform it or create a rival public broadcasting along the lines of "tass"(the official government news of the old soviet union).PBS has TRULY unbiased news reporting in frontline, real commitment to the arts and education of youth-every time i watch cable at other people's homes i am gratefully reminded why i don't bother to pay for TV!free broadcast tv is still good enough and with HD PBS channels like create it is even better.when the NFL finally stops airing their games for free i may actually have to get a pay tv service-till then $30 a month for 20 "news" channels i wont watch,a couple of nature channels and the same channels i get for the price of electricity is a waste.REGULATE THE CABLE INDUSTRY AND FORCE A LA CARTE CHOICES FOR YOUR MONEY people!THEN discuss removing PBS!!

jaime Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 02:41 PM EST

I used to watch Molly all the time on The Big Comfy Couch!!! That was a funny show.

birdgirl39 Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM EST

There is no substitute for PBS. Discovery has good shows, but they lack the "intelligence" of, say, Nature and American Experience. When watching the cable shows, I feel as though I'm watching something geared toward kids, when in fact it is supposed to be for adults. PBS never talks down to the viewing public. Keep it, keep it, KEEP IT!

NineDaves Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

I'll jump on the "Company" train! I'm so excited about tonight's airing. In fact, PBS is the only station out there that shows musical theater. That's important for gays like me.

Emily Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

Yes, some of the programming could be replicated on other cable channels. But, all the other channels exist only to make money. That's why A&E, etc., have become the great re-run stations - more money is made by the almighty shareholder that way. The quality programming that PBS provides would only be replicated if it were profitable to do so. PBS is VERY necessary.

Geoff Todebush Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 02:02 PM EST

Keep PBS!!!!

HA Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

I am a frequent watcher of PBS, and I have satellite TV. I don't find the programming everywhere else. Yes, I love Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, but I still think Nature is must-see TV. It is the mark of an enlightened society to provide quality programming at no cost to the their citizens. LONG LIVE PBS!!!

To Scott P Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

Yeah, totally missed the sarcasm. Whoopsies.

Stephanie T. Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

PBS has already gone cable with their children's programs (PBS KIDS SPROUT), creative shows (Create), and travel shows (WORLD) but not with anything else. Also there are some of us out there who can't afford cable or a computer, so I don't think that PBS should leave the airwaves.

cherry Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:49 PM EST

Exactly PBS is VERY Essential...I Absolutely LOVE Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, Jim Lehrer, Word World, Sesame Street, NOVA, African-American Geneology, Just lerning about Various Culture its so fundamental...and it broadcast REAL News UNlike many Networks...

cherry Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

Exactly PBS is VERY Essential...I Absolutely LOVE Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, Jim Lehrer, Word World, Sesame Street, NOVA, African-American Geneology, Just lerning about Various Culture its so fundamental...and it broadcast REAL News UNlike many Networks...

cherry Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:43 PM EST

I Absolutely LOVE PBS & I WILL Fight & Protest anyone who try to take something so educational away from the children..how about you take away MTV & BET for exploiting AMERICA'S YOUTH to be Oversexed BI SEXUAL AIDS Victims..Its Disgusting

lavieboheme94 Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:34 PM EST

I am 32 years old & I grew up with cable being a constant presence in the house, yet I watched PBS regularly. Still do. Masterpiece Theatre, Frontine, Nova (best science show on TV), Wired (2nd best science show on TV), Antiques Roadshow, anything done by Ken Burns...the list goes on & on. Even the reality TV on PBS is phenominal (if you've never seen Frontier House, it's worth buying on DVD)! I grew up watching shows like The Electric Company, Square One TV, Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, 321 Contact and Reading Rainbow (still watch that one) and I am a better adult for it. And there's a reason Sesame Street is still on television. Simply put, it is the best educational show for young children on the air, hands down. And on top of that, NO COMMERCIALS! Though I am a member of the first Nickelodeon Generation, my heart has always remained with PBS. We need PBS now more than ever because it reminds us what television COULD be when it attempts to reach it's full potential.

Craig Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:23 PM EST

I agree, we still need PBS! The 24-hour news channels are more infotainment than news, the cable channels are too narrowly focused and of too varying quality, and almost every channel comes with advertising from the pharmaceutical or energy industries. I have to cleanse myself periodically by enjoying programs that only PBS would have provided.

VileEvilCat Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST

Two words, Bob Ross. I spent too many hours as a small child marveling at the happy little trees he created. My husband and I are still mesmerized when we catch the show now

Doug Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST

Way to make a post about PBS without mentioning Frontline or Charlie Rose, two of the best shows on television, period!

Yes, PBS is essential!

Scott P Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

To the person who address "To Scott P": It's called "sarcasm." I'm the guy who's still driving around with a "Defend America Defeat Bush" bumper sticker on my car.

Remember folks, it's never too late to impeach Bush and his pals up there.

wildecat Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:11 PM EST

PBS is absolutely essential! The kids programming is top-notch and not obnoxious (ooh, try saying that 5 times fast!). ;-) Also, the music, documentaries, news, etc.... I mean, "Company" is on tonight!! Hello?!?!? Do you see any cable station showing that? And it's FREE - let's not forget that just because some people can't afford ridiculously high cable rates doesn't mean they don't deserve to see quality programming.

PJ Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:07 PM EST

The Lehrer Report is the best daily newscast in the country, period.

Mitchell Goldstein Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST

PBS is the only channel I can let my kids watch without advertising aimed to target my money through them and without worrying about how suitable the programming is.

Lucy Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:01 PM EST

The past few weeks I have been enjoying 'Pride and Prejudice' on 'Masterpiece Theatre' (worth 6 hours just for that scene of Colin Firth walking across the field all wet and hot and bothered). Back in 1995 this originally aired on A&E back when they actually showed some A and not just CSI reruns and true crime shows. Enough said.

Katy Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 01:00 PM EST

I don't think that anyone is arguing that its programming is without merit. But the question becomes, in a world where every subject has a niche cable channel, if any of the essential PBS programs would be orphaned. I'd be surprised if any with a decent viewership were.

Even so, I'm all for keeping PBS as is.