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March 10, 2008
PBS : Needed Now More Than Ever
I feel compelled to respond to the opinion pieces made in the Chattanooga Times Free Press Perspective section (Feb. 24, 2008) that questioned the value of PBS. I am so happy the American people do not share Charles McGrath and Ken McIntyre’s opinion about one of the most successful public-private partnerships in this country. Since the column was originally published in the NY Times, there have been more than 6,500 positive comments from supporters of PBS.
It’s a misconception that PBS receives a great deal of monetary support from the federal government. For just $1 per tax payer per year, PBS stations nationwide provide commercial free news, information, and entertainment to over 2 million viewers each day, an audience that is double or triple that of most cable networks. On a local level, WTCI is producing quality programs, documentaries, and specials that are relevant to the Tennessee Valley and explore the issues that affect our lives every day.
However, public broadcasting is so much more than what you see on your television screen. An engaged PBS station is a productive, active member in the community we serve. WTCI provides a great wealth of educational services to our community. We offer free books to low income, disadvantaged families and workshops to parents, teachers, and care givers. We are truly focusing on the importance of developing “pre-reading” literacy skills throughout our region.
I must say, it's never easy to pick up a newspaper and see your work attacked. But we at WTCI take comfort in the loyal supporters who rise to our defense when we need them most. They remind us to not allow critics to distract us from the important work we do. Our viewers never let us down. That’s why we won’t let them down.
Paul Grove
President and CEO
WTCI-Tennessee Valley PBS
Respond to this post at http://wtcitv.org/news/pbsnow
| By wtci | 10:39 AM