Inside PBS Blog

I would air substantive news programs, which would always Identify sources and refuse to air unattributed comment from unnamed administration propagandists.I would always independently verify all information, and if not verifiable will never use it.I would never seek comment on Iraq from anyone who did not speak Arabic. Similarly I would not seek comment on Iran from anyone who did not speak Farsi. If I had a program called Washington week,I would not staff it with pampered millionaires,who seem to derive amusement and laughter from the serious concerns of the little people they are paid so lavishly to misinform. As you can see, following my advice would eliminate most of your news coverage. Perhaps you could donate the resources saved by their removal to doctors without borders, where we know it will do some good. Finally, I am a retired home builder, and if I were to build your home the way you report the news, you would sue me in a heartbeat. Justifiably. What's my recourse?

I have long since stopped watching PBS or contributing to the support of local stations. I find it so bias in not only it's news shows, but everything else it presents, that I cannot bear to watch it.

I would stop allowing public money to be used for PBS...until it stops pandering to the left.

Firstly, I would ignore rightwing trolls who claim they won't give you money. They don't anyway. Secondly I would have programs examining peak oil and how we will have to handle that with our current infrastructure.

Frontline is the best example of PBS programming that can be had nowhere else. If only its fictional work were as strong.
I also like the very human and insightful work in the Nimitz series.
I feel that PBS does not market itself strongly enough in other media, nor does its programming well reflect the interests of younger adults. By younger, I mean those below my age, 64.
I suspect that there are a wealth of documentaries and fictional film, both short and feature length, that PBS should be mining for showing.
I am a huge fan of HBO also and have often wondered why PBS can't take some hints from the kinds of unique and challenging programming available on premium cable and apply it to the public TV audience.
Finally, I hope along with Lesley, that you do not give any credence to the "PBS is all bad" crowd, dwindling as I write this.
They are a cut-and-paste minority.

As long as there's a corporate-owned mainstream media, there's no need to "balance" PBS. We're the antidote to that, and PBS presents programming found nowhere else. Keep "Frontline", keep "Bill Moyers Journal", keep "Now" and of course, the science programs, particularly NOVA. I'd like to see more educational programming, especially regarding climate change. If we don't address that, we really don't have to worry about too much else in the future. Where will we grow our food as droughts and temperature change causes crop failure here and abroad and where's that tipping point for growing crops? How quickly can that move take place? I'd like to know more about the droughts in the Amazon and Australia and what the loss of glaciers means to millions of South Americans. I'd like to see more about the loss of honeybees and what that might mean to food/fruit production. Broadcast the international BBC news so people can see what other nations are reporting, and more importantly, what isn't getting coverage here. More on election fraud, and on Don Siegelman. The dark side of nuclear energy and coal. (We all seem to think there's a magic bullet out there but in a closed system a gain "here" is a loss somewhere else.) Success stories on use of wind, solar, tidal currents as energy. Home solar innovations. Or go way out on a limb and touch the untouchable: population growth.

Others have already named my favorite shows, but here are my suggestions: Frontline, Bill Moyers (these are the best of the best),
Nova, Now, Nature, Jaque Cousteau, American Experience, Quest, Spark. As you can see I like the intelligent programming that we can get no place else. More science, history, biography, art and some "real" music (not the crappy specials you have on).
Please, please, no more: Celtic Girls, Yanni, John Tesh, Do Wop Delights, Ballroom dancing, fake folksingers etc. Also, this is the USA, so enough of that British Royals crap; nobody cares!
There must be thousands of unseen, good, documentaries, independent films, plays, dance, art. How hard can it be to present those rather than yet another materialistic Road Show. Show us the world.

Broadcasting her show would be a brilliant move. She is certainly an heir to Bill Moyers' commitment to honest and in-depth journalism. And, just as bringing Moyers back to the air, broadcasting Goodman's show would a) bring back viewers you previously lost during your ill-fated Tucker Carlson era and b) new, younger voters who've become more engaged in media and politics during this historic campaign. It's a win-win. A short-term and long-term no-brainer.

Every commerical or ad has deceptions to sell that product. Advertisers are very clever to use these deceptions to exaggreate the good factors of the product. They down-play, distort, modify,cover-up,photoshop, and confuse the negative factors of the product.

examples: very small print
photoshop to beautify product
eliminate important parts
confuse
refuse to disclose ingredients

The first thing I thought of was to guarantee that Frontline stays and put Democracy Now on; apparently everyone else here was thinking the same thing. I would love to see a wider variety of independent films (not just drama) and documentaries on PBS. I really don't care much about British dramas or antiques. I never watch shows about the high arts, but I am somewhat reassured to know that they have a home on public television.

It would be great if PBS would put more of its shows online or have a cable "on-demand" channel, because I miss most of PBS's great shows when I'm not in front of my TV watching PBS, at just the right time. The schedules give a really narrow window of opportunity to view or present a program. I only watch the occasional parts of Frontline on the original broadcasts, since I don't plan my life around the TV schedule, but I do get to see it online at my convenience.

If I could run a program, mine would dive into the realm of the US Haelth Care System. Now, not like any other program has tried do do before either. In true PBS fashion my effort would be a ever adaptive, always current educational information forum designed entirely around the average person's understanding, or rather lack of understanding all that is really going on with the health care system.

I can use my own life as the key example of how it is actually possible for someone with no degree(s), formal college, or anything considered as extra vocational training, to understand, and grasp the US Health Care System on all levels, from all sides, and how you as the person with provate medical insurance to Government provided insurance... Can work with the current system as broken as it is, and actually get better coverage, better levels of service, all done in far less time, with less overall energy, frystration and suffering than anyone had ever imagined.

Using me, and this is recently also.

1995 Partially Disabled... I apply for and am denied SSD in the late 1990's. At age 25 in 1995, I had no freaking clue. But, I did have as I still do to this day one thing that the health care system was not ready for... Determination, and the will to never, and I mean NEVER give up.

Going from a retail sales background and manual labor, after the state of NY unemployment office staff suggested many times for my wife and I to divorce in order for me to get benefits from the state... I decided then, I will not commit fraud, even at the suggestion of a state employee. My wife made something like $14.00 a month to much and so I was to not recieve any assistance from the state of NY. No job retraining as I requested, and nothing else... No, I would not be able to have that benefit, or any others.

So, the struggle begain... For the first 2 years plus, I taught myself how to use every office program on my Mac SE 30, and when we got even back then 2 old Power Mac PC's I kept up my retraining. And, two days after I requested to be allowed back to work I was a medical records auditor for a local home health aid company for the summer...

And, that would be the start of my Medical Office Industry career, where unknown to me my past job diversity combined with my new skill set, would educate me in ways no college could ever. How could I know this? Well, I worked at Stanford University during rush in the book store a couple of years, and worked as store manager of a retail store, and many other jobs, I would work at the book store of R.I.T., and soon where I would end up at Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester as a secretary.

I would know my rights as a customer and how customers are taken advantage of by many companies banking on a good 98% of the public fully unaware of the rights they have. I would then start to read, and study medicine in regards to my medical condition. Not formally, but using the same books, the clinical documents that also teach future Drs. I became proactive in my health needs.

I would also learn much about locating resources to help when no one else could or would help... For instance, when I required a cane, and wheelchair for longer walks, I first asked my treating Dr at the time. He explained that he did not want me at age 25 becoming dependent on these items... OK, but, what about me wanting to go to events, festivals, and remain out of the house for a longer time than I can now? You are way to young to need these things... You to young to have been injured this way... So I asked... When would you suggest is the best time to become injured? What age? I mean to me, the pain, the injury do not seem to care on bit about my age... So, if I am to young, what age is best for this? He could not answer... Well, the fact is NO age is.

I located the needed wheelchair and cane, and never once hid these from him, or any of my providers. When asked why I have them, I told them flat out... I need them to make the walk from the car out in the parking garage, to your office several hundred yards away, when I can barely make 100 feet on a good day... How can you reasonably expect me to make an even greater dustance without assistance? I only use the wheelchair for situations where the distance is over the over the 100 feet or the distance I can walk before I collapse.

At no time in the on and off again use of these items had I ever been asked or considered to not need them... And, oddly enough I donated the items when I thought my condition was resolved. And, to my providers surprise I would not come to depend on any item for assistance, more than I would depend on my own common sense.

2005 I sent my appeal to SSD, and in 2/08 in less than 20 minutes I was granted full disability by the Administrative Law Judge, and he had been the same person in the late 1990's who would deny me. And, even then I thought he was a great person, as he saw I was partially disabled, he also took his time to explain how SSD is not for that kind of person... OK, I was greatful he explained it to me, so I could understand it.

In 9/07 I would try the last, and only treatment left that was non surgical in nature in order to resolve my condtion... That was SJ Joint Dysfunction my left SIJ. The treatment Radio Frequency Ablation, and it made me much worse... So bad as to where I am reminded of it every day to this day. The risk was very slim, I mean tiny that it could leave anyone worse. I knew the procedure, and trusted the Dr. The Dr. was a proper Dr. actively on the Medical Boards, and was practiced in this area of specialty... I have had so many treatments before, some offered short term resolution, and others made it worse, then it would calm back down...

Through all of my adventures in all realms of the medical health system... I would learn the innermost working, I would also learn to advocate for my patients when they had issues with insurance, and of course when you call from the providers office, one as large as Strong Hospital insurance companies tend to listen, and allow the needed medical service to be covered. That included brand new, so called untested, or unproven medical options... I mean access to the very best levels of the medical system, covered by insurance.

That was totally different when I called from home, and started the process of my own medical needs... 12/07 The Predetermination packet was sent in... 30 days about later the intitial denial came back.

Now, the part that makes my idea interesting to PBS... Is what I do next in order to get the full and complete attention of one of the largest, and most difficult to get an approval out of insurance giants of the US.... And, how in four days I got fully approved...

4/25/08 I contact the insurance company in a way I know will get attention of the people I need to take notice.
On 4-30-08 I am now going point by point over everything I found, and was able to explain fully so as to leave no doubt that I have a real medical need. As well as pointed out all of the issues that could in fact affect millions, and more....

If I missed anything at all in my health needs, I would still be to this day over medicated, and in a mental instatution... I also would not have been able to go head to head with the top most level Medical Director of one of the largest medical insurance companies in the world... And, with the clinical medical documentation I have to support me alone, proved I deserve the coverage.

The other issues, are well... Let's just say that should I ever decide to uhm write a book... Or, if given the shot to share my experience and knowledge some other way... Will shock the, and amaze lay people as well as medical professionals alike...

And, with the information I would provide, it would not matter how broken the medical health system is, or how wrong it seems... With these tools... Tools that once you have, will always be able to adjust to the new or different systems as they are introduced... Tools, that my insurance company never imagined someone like me could possible know. Tools that will not allow fraud to happen, as I did medically prove my case first, and the other issues just turned out to be a bad business model, and not so ethical or legal practices that I called the company out on. Alone, they would not, could not ethically, or legally made the company approve my request. I knew that, I also read ERISA not just Section 502(a) but almost all of it... That is the most messed up, goofy thing I have ever seen... And, I could only laugh at it. In the end, it is tripple talk, designed to mask the fact that it protects the insurance company more than the customer/member, and if you prove that you had been singled out, and made an example of, even with proof of error on the insurance company's side, you can only ask for what was denied, and nothing else. Even if the insurance company abused the system... Well, let's just say I was being abused, they made errors, my providers made some oversights and the mess was missed... And, if I did not catch it... I would be to this day denied, and still appealing... To just point out the errors they made, and issues missed... Not even getting to the medical proof... And ERISA kicks in after all internal appeals have been used... That can be over six months to nearly a year later... Where I could have been forced into isolation for a good seven ot more months...

Forced isolation does not affect just disabled, newly disabled people, children, but, also the elderly... One day if we are lucky we will live to be elderly... What happens when Medicare leaves you in the cracks... A limbo like I was...

My knowledge is just for private, but ALL insurance... No only medical, but ALL insurance... All situations where we as people depend on a company for a service, and or a product...

It is amazing all the hidden rights, that a good 98% of the general public is not even aware of... And, it is not just medical insurance companies that prey on people who do not know these rights...

The program name would be: Broken
The subject: How to make it work as it is, and as it changes.
The Market: The General Public
Age limit: 5 years to 205 years...
Intersting: Oh, yeah.
Actual hard core proof: Of course.
Is my knowledge worht knowing: Only if you're a customer, patient, disabled, seeking help or resources... If your human, and live in the US, or anyplace... This can be adapted to help you.

College could not, is not, will not ever offer more than what real life offers... Granted I do not have a fancy degree to be a Dr... Or other professional... I went to the school of hard knocks, and came out a Professional Proactive Patient & Advocate...

My goal is a win/win for all sides. That means, I also will cover the methods to improve the broken system at a profit to the medical insurance industry, and to show how this method could provide the best for all sides...

So, if you ask me... I think a show about what can we do, can be done, and just how to make things work as they are, and may change to... When it comes to the US Health care system... And in layperson speak... A real educational experience to be had by all... And, the information I would present would be timeless as well, so that 10 years later when most people will have forgotten all about this... Replay it, and poof all over again your educating the next generation of people... And, repeat as needed... Commen sense does not get old, it just gets forgotten... PBS os here to help us remember it...

Wheelman.WordPress.Com where I retyped the approval letter I got from Aetna.
What was approved for SIJD that is not medically treatable with todays current medical science: A Wheelchair system, that meets my needs.

Imagine now, how many people have missed error, not known rights, and got denied? Maybe someone you know, or knew may have been in this same spot... For the time private health insurance has been in place... How many people have suffered, been forced into silince and isolation, and how many went insane and lost it, how many lost there homes (Like I am soon), how many people got divorcced because the spouse could not support two people ill family members, and work many jobs (like my wife does now), how many people killed themselved feeling that was the only option left, how many people never got medical treatments, medicine, and tests that could have saved them? How many children do we need to see die from this? How, many elderly people will Medicare force into isolation until they just die?

I speak up not for me anymore... I have decided to become the voice that ROARED this is WRONG! And, I can not stand by and allow people to suffer... So, I will do what I need to in order to share my knowledge... I do not care if I get paid for it or not. However, I would like to move out of the cold, and damb humid area I live in... As, I can produce clinical studies that show people in severe chronic pain... Do a ton better in a constanly steady climate where it is warmer year round...

I speak in layperson, I can go point by point with the best of the best Medical Directors, with humor, with the ability to keep people wanting more... Like I always want...

I never give up. I mean never!

Join me on this adventure...
It's airing on PBS sometime soon. :) (well I hope at least)

Or I will just write a book... O,o Maybe Reading Rainbow will highlight it... :P

I like that I can go to PBS to get honest and in-depth journalism. I'm sick of all the Talking Heads with an agenda on CNN, MSNBC, FOX. I also enjoy the British comedy's and nature shows. I would like more documentaries and/or specials on hot topics, history, scientific discoveries, etc. I think of PBS as a place I can go to get unbiased information and also learn about other cultures. Thanks for doing what you do!

I want more Rick Steves episodes and be sure to keep America's Test Kitchen and Charlie Rose.

I would like to see programs similar to Bryant Park Project on NPR.

Keep Frontline, Bill Moyers and Washington Week. I would like to keep the nature and science shows and History Detectives. I enjoy the
British comedies too.

PBS for a short period of time in the late 80s and 90s aired really excellent programs like American playhouse--Serious, Sophisticated and Challenging Art, but nobody watched it apparently.

Now days I barely watch PBS: frontline and nova are still interesting--the newshour is not bad and I watch it occasionally. But PBS is about as relevant to me as a Community College Symposium or School Board Meeting. It smells too much of the democratic mediocrity, of political correctness, of modern American liberal pathologies.

Your Political coverage and coverage regarding social issues is above average. Why not add some arts programs? Although you probably would choose the wrong ones and even if you didn't Americans would probably not watch them.

While I love the revealing journalism that PBS has done I feel that a lot more needs to be done. While the science shows can be both informative and enjoyable I feel that there is a need for more coverage on the partisanship that has been strangling our government as well as the flaws in our two party system (such as Republicans voting in the Democrat primary...).

I'd also like to see more reporting on how our policies hurt and help the world (such as the evils of ethanol and our subsidies given to the industry). Overall I'd say that pushing public awareness of what we do and what our options are (literally a "we report, you decide") on subjects ranging from our infrastructure to globalism vs isolationism. Oh how I would love to see comparisons between today's banking systems (the Federal Reserve) and how it does done through the early days of America and bringing real issues of substance back into the voter's vision.

Perhaps even Frontline style episodes on those that run for our highest office? I shouldn't have to hunt through blogs like the Daily Kos to find out a dirty story about one of our presidential candidates while trying to ignore the main stream media running about like a chicken with its head cut off but still managing to squawk about something useless like lapel pins.

I'd summarize it up like this: educate and motivate. Abe said he'd trust the public if they were properly informed and PBS is the last place the last TV station that the public can turn to.

I admit I'll find the British comedies amusing but I don't watch PBS for entertainment (God knows they don't play my kind of music...).

Just keep The News Hour, Frontline and Bill Moyers. Oh, and Washington Week, too. These programs are the backbone of PBS. Also, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Put Mystery back as a weekly show. Keep POV and Frontline. More documentaries and fewer violin-wearing, prom dress-wearing Celtic singers. Please. That is PBS sterotype right there.

Please stop putting garbage on PBS. Examples: Carrier, Lawrence Welk reruns, doo wop retrospectives.

I'm a fan of the news and documentaries. I also occassionally watch Nova and History Detectives. But please stop airing all the 60s Summer of Love documentaries and programs about aging rock stars. The baby boomers may be your biggest donor base, but really, do we have to keep seeing this stuff? What are you doing to attract viewers between the ages of 12 and 50?

Look at what Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media is doing to attract younger audiences. There are a lot of 20-something Prairie Home Companion fans who grew up listening with their parents. What family entertainment can you put on that will bridge the gap between Sesame Street and Frontline?

Back in the 60s or 70s, my mother would sit down to PBS each day to learn shorthand. If I recall right, the class played wach weekday, in a progressive series. It was very helpful for her as a stay-at-home mother and the local college was ten years away.

Maybe shorthand isn't in so much demand these days, but I would love to be able to turn on PBS on a regular schedule and actually receive course instruction for learning a language (Français, s'il vous plait!), basic business or accounting acumen, computer/internet basics or even creative writing.

Hello PBS.

Thank you for asking what we'd like to see.

HBO is airing Hacking Democracy many times in May.
For those of us who don't have HBO, we need to see this somehow. Please. Honest elections NOW are almost a thing of the past.

Also, a blogger on www.BlackBoxvoting.org mentioned "An Undetectable Computer Virus," David Chess & Steven White - shows undeniable results that any computer cannot be certain of an honest tally.

I'd like to see that one also.
Even though Bev Harris (BBV) showed on tv before the 2004 election how easy it is to hack into a computer and change the tally, leaving no trace, Americans need to see this.

I believe PA elections were hacked.
Any why did the machines in NY in Obama's strongholds "fail" and in Clinton's strongholds work fine?
And why did 80 (82?) precincts not recored ONE vote for Obama?

I don't believe Clinton won PA, and I think NY is Obviously suspect.

Thank you PBS.
God is Blessing You Now.

Marrion Steele

Please , please set a weekly schedule for your shows! There are many shows my family enjoys, Nova, History detectives, Masterpiece Theater, Mystery, This Old House, Frontline but we rarely watch them anymore because they are not on a set weekly schedule. Shows are frequently moved around or interrupted for weeks. Consequently, we no longer sit down to watch them and then forget they are on. I don't expect 26 weeks of programming, 10 or 12 weeks of a series is fine but have it on sequentially!

Also I agree, lets move on from the '60's.

Maria

PBS is a wonderful broadcast channel offering some of the best programming on air. It would be great to see PBS to strive to be a leader in the U.S. broadcast industry for diversity in programming, that is, to reflect and represent the diversity of their audience behind the scenes and within programming.
Britain television has been a leader in this area for the past several years.
What does diverse broadcasting look like? Reflecting the wonderful diversity of our country. Having a database of diverse experts to draw upon for news stories and features; persons with disabilities reflected in programming, and of course, multicultural representation on air. Stories with and about the diversity of your audience. It is having an awareness and making diversity a part of all facets of your programming department from hiring, production and programming. Television is a powerful medium which can influence attitudes and erase stereotypes.

I like the variety of shows on OPB that tries to please all ages and all points of view. If there were a second channel, those who are displeased with one choice (i.e., Lawrence Welk Show for seniors or Sesame Street for tots) could switch. This is the only station that attempts to give facts without slanting them. I'd like Independent Lens and POV to be on earlier. There should be far more science/natural history shows as our earth is getting more crowded and the common people don't seem to see what consequences for over-population lie ahead. Generally, the station may not please all the people all the time, but do please some of us most of the time. I like your present scheduling mindset. Thanks.

First of all, THANK YOU for asking!

Please keep Bill Moyers, Frontline, NOVA and the children's programming Between the Lions, Sesame Street etc.

Perhaps it's too hot to touch, but I'd love to see Democracy Now! on PBS.

Please also consider adding more shows on Climate Change, Sustainable Living, Urban Farming, Intentional Communities, Permaculture, Alternative Energy - (what homeowners are doing, what businesses are doing).

I recommend looking at what is going at the grassroots level in Public Television across the country. There's a great sustainable living show being done through Vermont Public Television that is fabulous.

Also shows that educate the American public about innovations and strides in other countries - What kinds of health care systems exist in France, Australia, Japan, Sweden.... What kinds of educational systems exist in other countries - South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland..... what innovative strategies in other countries are being tried to address climate change and alternative energy, in say Brazil, Britain, Israel, Spain? What kinds of strategies are used to combat crime and drug addiction in Netherlands, Italy, Costa Rica.... Arts funding and Arts programming in other countries etc etc. Addressing international issues will help us think about new ways we could do things here, broadens our horizons about what is possible, public policy, different laws and programs.

Another show could look at solutions and innovations taking place all over the US at the local level - Bloomington IN, Portland OR, - what is happening at the local level that is inspiring and innovative etc etc.

And please make these kinds of shows about SOLUTIONS not just about problems. We badly need solutions to our problems not just a continual recounting of the problems. This inspires us and helps us move forward in our communities and our country. It would be a real public service.

Finally, more shows about art and different art forms would be great - again this could be international - say for example the crazy street fashion in Tokyo, mural artists in Brazil, spray paint urban art in Cincinnati, ceramic artists in Iran or Tunisia etc etc - who are the up and coming artists (young people) and what are the new mediums. For many of us who can't travel or won't because of airline prices, reporting around the globe is most appreciated and helps further educate and breakdown barriers

Thank you!

I like the current mix of Arts, Science, Culture, News and Current Events. With the advent of digital side channels, I hope to see even more specialized and instructional programs.

I know that this problem is about funding, not programming, but I'm old enough to remember when "public" television was called "non-commercial" television. I personally do not trust what I hear on Washington Week - it's sponsored by Big Agriculture, Big Oil and Big Weapons.

All viewers should increase their pledges and start nagging Congress to do the same.

I'd like to see less "business news". I don't care what the Dow Jones did today - I don't trade stocks daily... let's have economic news that's more useful to working people and consumers.

Network policy should permit local affiliates to broadcast each show at least twice. We all have VCRs - let us tape programs at 2:00am if we missed them at 8:00pm.

First let me say that, I love all the childrens and after school programming! As many shows as there are out there on other "childrens networks", none of them are as educational as PBS programming and that's what makes your station so important. It would, however, be nice to see some new programs or episodes, only because the same episodes have been airing since I was a child. But I do realize that repetition is key to memory and eventually change.

Also, while news and public affairs are important in daily programming, and should be run regularly, you should, by no means choose those programs over the science and nature content. Daily news unfortunatly and by no fault of your reporting is too negative and biased, we need the science and nature programs to remind us of the good in the world. Plus, it's important for people of all ages to be introduced to things that are not prevalent in thier own communities and back yards. If people do not understand different species and their plights they will make no efforts to protect them or to understand how these species' plights relate to thier own. It is this nature and science programming that brings us all together as one community.

P.S. I would also love to see programs such as 'King Corn', 'Affluenza' and 'Escape from Affluenza' run more often. When aired so far apart from each other it's hard to introduce new people to these concepts. After all, repetition is key to memory and eventually change.

I would love it if PBS would air the BBC television show Doctor Who. I thought they used to, but I can never find it in the TV listings online.

Bill Moyers is, in my opinion, the best journalist anywhere, anytime. period. Please keep that program. It would be wonderful if it could be expanded as well.
The other programs I watch regularly are NOW, Frontline, and Independent Lens.
I would love to see Democracy Now added to PBS as well.
Thank you for soliciting viewer input.

I would love to see more current documentaries that deal with taboo and controversial subject matter. It would be a great way to attract a younger crowd.

It's all just so exciting. At least you better say so if you're blogging. Everyday new technology tiering new technology. And where do my older neighbors jump in, the ones who still don't own a computer? One is the most talented artist you've never known, the other a founding member of a marvelous and flourishing 35 year old food coop in Brooklyn.

They could go on unconnected, as so many others are I'm sure. What is it that keeps them from jumping in? Remember double jump rope? You rhythm up and jump right in. And when I see them, look into their eyes, I sense a quietness, a time gone past. A time still very much alive. Are they content or afraid? A blend of both?

Early next year in the United States the mandatory digital television shift will make many people make updated purchases they wouldn't have otherwise. But just around the corner following, what aspect of financial services will become thoroughly computerized and no longer give them the option but force them into their first computer purchase?

I know there is a valuable way to view people who still don't own a computer and point and click for their nourishment for hours a day. They walk among us with traces of not Walter Brennan, but John Lennon.
My two sense.

I know Democracy Now is on PBS in some markets, but it is not in ours. PLEASE,, put Democracy Now on all PBS markets to offer an alternative to the infotainment fluff that is passing for news now. the people really need this, because a large part of them are clueless as to what is really going on

Thanks

I would immediately create/schedule programs about creating, converting, and conducting sustainable communities, small (local) energy production, and sustainable businesses with cost/benefit analyses reviewed annually. The station would present awards for great performance annually. I would appoint researchers and send out OPB personnel to see how others in the world are accomplishing these things. There would also be segments for "citizen reporter" reports from Oregonians overseas or within the state. We could send foreign pro-active communities an award, and honor the lay reporters at the annual ceremony! Along with these programs would be given funding assistance, investment information, and the overseas contact information.

Comparisons with how we do things now would be very interesting, I'm sure. In fact, programming teaching the true (full costs of impacts included) price of our existing development, energy, transportation, etc. would be highly informative. If we factor in the costs of maintaining our dependence on fossil fuels, a standing military -much less an actively warring military, tax subsidies, tax cuts, etc., gas must actually cost about $50 per gallon or so.

I'd schedule only propaganda-free news and set aside time for discussion of current propaganda and fact-checking of the mainstream media.

I'd also start airing Democracy Now! Democracy Now! is a stimulating, thought-provoking, excellent program.

I'd see if folks want to have school subjects taught over the air, and help coordinate testing for certification of academic accomplishments making truly public education available to viewers of all ages.

I'd like to see the Governor and legislators give updates for an hour every couple of weeks, take phonecalls/emails, and engage in debates at the assembled legislature.

I'd also like to see OPB journalists travel to, and report back from, our sister cities. Are they focusing on sustainability? How do they do it? What are their views on world affairs? What global warming and/or globalization impacts are they dealing with and how?

I would also appreciate hearing more comedy shows. Wonder if Lewis Black or D.L. Hughley would be interested in creating something enjoyable for general consumption on radio as well as tv?

Would folks like to see the excellent plays performed around the state or country on Sunday afternoons?

Is that enough for the first year? Ha!

I would love to see active investigative journalism really researching such things as claims that Iran is building nuclear weapons, what is happening with the Sibel Edmonds investigation, how Douglas Feith was able to distort and falsify intelligence and get the US into a war he had been pushing for for years with spurious intelligence that could easily have been disproven, war profiteering and the US elected officials who are benefitting, the rise of sex slavery in the United States, etc.

I'd also love to see the BBC documentary 'The Power of Nightmares'.

I'd love to see in-depth news from around the world, and travel w/ someone other than Rick Steves. Show different perspectives of news stories from overseas. More programming like Frontline, Bill Moyers, NOW.

Invest in more innovative kids programs like Zoboomafoo and Cyber Chase - they really helped my kids!

Please post all your shows online for 24/7 viewing going back to the very beginning of PBS... this archive is a national treasure! YouTube will be happy to help :-)

Your three best programs are Bill Moyers Journal, Frontline and NOW. I would also like to see progressive political views on PBS and not just the corporate Democrats and Republicans as "pundits". You don't have even one progressive political commentator. A Libertarian would be nice too. The past Presidential election where there was a debate between the Libertarian, Green and independent candidates was the only debate that covered the issues that entire election season. More of that please.

Regarding politics, someone mentioned "Hacking Democracy" which I agree, but not just that, have a program covering the state by state issues on election integrity as a regular feature this election season would be great. Nearly every state has a grassroots EI group, most states have several and there is a lot of good work being done that only is covered occasionally by Lou Dobbs. Less pundits like Gwen Ifel, Brooks, and all those shows that have the same talking heads saying the same thing. You only need one of those if you are going to have panels that don't cover the real issues. We can get that pop candy kind of commentary from the regular network. That is the main reason I stopped becoming a regular donor to PBS.

I also agree with more independent films and documentaries like the ones Bravenew Films puts out or posts free from other film makers on their website.

I love cooking shows but that Test Kitchen one is so boring as is that one with Chinese chef whose food is always so bland. Get more like Christina Cooks or new ones we haven't heard of that use sustainable agriculture in their way of life like organic cooking.

I would also like to see more good history programs. Less about wars (please, don't we get enough of that past and present?) and more on general history, women's, African American, native American, etc. All the things most Americans never learn.

I predominately only watch PBS and am happy with about 50% of the programming but there is really a need for some improvement.Less corporate, more new media.

The recent BBC/WGBH Boston miniseries like "My Boy Jack", "Sense and Sensibility" and the rest of the new Jane Austen lineup were absolutely stellar. There is nothing quite like a BBC adaptation (preferably written by Andrew Davies) and I would very much like to see many, many more of them aired on PBS stations and sold on DVD in future - and I know I'm not alone.
Thank you for taking the time to come to understand that there is a huge market for such programming - the quality is incredible and unlike many films and series coming out of Hollywood, they do not insult our intelligence.
If BBC/ITV/Canal +/WGBH and WNET all teamed up and pooled resources to work on some new well-written, well-cast, well-acted, well-directed historical/literary miniseries, I would be on cloud nine.

I agree with above posters, less "business" news which is really large corporate news and how about covering the small business owners instead who make up the bulk of the US economy? Also, more science and nature like another poster said. I love politics but you have about 6 programs that are all the same kind of pundits saying the same thing. We don't need that. Again, that is what the MSM is for.

Yes to the other poster saying about the Sibel Edmonds investigation, like the person who had their house burned down and was run off the road.

American Experience, Nova, In depth history series such as Black Experience. Nature Programs, and of course more Bill Moyers. Love the Friday Night Movie - not so much the British shows Less financial news I understand the need for fundraising, but it would would be much more tolerable in smaller doses more often. Makes me crazy when I have no PBS for two or three weeks straight! Overall I'm a big fan.

Thanks for asking...

I want less "inside the beltway" stuff from people like Ifill and Jim Lehrer. Their polite brand of journalism usually defers to DC insiders and "conventional wisdom."

We want more Frontlines, more Moyers, more Amy Goodman style journalism.

How about a spot/slot for Josh Marshall and TPM media? How about some time devoted to real media criticism from folks like Bob McChesney and Janine Jackson at FAIR?

Enough catering to DC. Let the P in PBS reflect a bit more "progressive" values.

I honestly feel that PBS, as an entity that does receive some funding coming from the taxpayers, should avoid political comment. Its present and past political commentary and presentations have been unremittingly left-wing anti-military and always pro long discredited "environmental" and "green" issues. The Conservative viewpoint never gets an equal opportunity to present its case. There is a sense of righteousness and omniscence in PBS presentation of news events -always weighed and slanted to the left/Democrat view. "Well, after all, it is the only correct view of things, Republicans and Conservatives are selfish and bigoted" is always the rule. The view that taxing the oil companies and big corporations more heavily has been constantly presented as the correct view.
Get politics out of PBS and stick to Artistic and educational presentations without any political slant. It's only fair. Nobody asked you to be the moral judge of things.

Moyers, NOW, and Frontline are reasons I'll never support PBS again, until their likes are off the air. Even Nature has an agenda! They are nothing more than left wing mouth pieces, and it is so-o-o obvious. I reject anyone telling me what I should think or not think! Lehrer, on the other hand, is the only one who tries to get a balanced view out. Balanced and fair viewpoints! On the other hand, I recognize that that is too much to ask of PBS. Therefore I want all public financing of PBS to halt. BTW, I don't watch any national news programs or listen to talk (puke) radio. I can live without PBS too, if I had to.

I would like to see more conservative thought leaders. Not partisan talking heads but solid intellectuals with well-thought out ideas.

I enjoy listening to guests who have a viewpoint contrary to accepted dogma (ex., the military didn't try to cover up Abu Ghraib Prison but immediately launched a full investigation) and who can substantiate their opinions with facts.

PBS should raise the bar on liberals by challenging their popularly held beliefs. Start with whatever viewpoint makes them uncomfortable and go from there. For example, why do African-Americans reject African-American conservatives? Do Americans really support gay marriage? Why are family values so threatening?

Masterpiece Theatre is great, most of the rest is Liberal political correctness and green nonsense. Even MT sometimes slips toward the void. My Boy Jack was in the end sensitively done. I would like to see more American classics. Carrier was first rate. From a retired Sailor, it was warts and all. From all of the posturing above from the PETA and AL Gore zombies, I fear that it will be hard for you to resist continuing to provide a forum for shrieking anti-americanism. Jim Lehrer manages to at least put a sembelence of decorum and balance into the news reporting. I fear most of the rest is screed. "Yes, let's make as many people as possible listen to my warped take on why America sucks and isn't pandering to MEEEEEEEEE!!!!"

More programs like Charlie Rose where actual conversations occur and different viewpoints are tolerated, discussed, and probed intelligently. Fire Bill Moyers!

More long form documentaries please. Especially the ones that are observational and follow compelling characters for long periods of time. More the likes of the The Carrier series, POV, and Independent Lens!

Masterpiece theater, Foyle's War, Leher report.

Real debates by knowledgable people with different viewpoints- and a moderator who will lay down the law about interrupting and filibustering.

NO MORE Bill Moyers!

Long form documentaries about current events and world history, biography- with no political agenda except to treat the subject accurately and fairly.

EDUCATIONAL programs.

More: Moyers, Lehrer, Brancaccio, Frontline, American Masters.
More: DIYs, Cooking Shows, R. Steves, Gardening.
More: Classics, Documentaries, Plays, Music, Art.

Add: Documentaries about people working to provide solutions to the Environment, Social Inequalities, Energy, Education. The type found on Ted.com or Ode magazine.

Most important: Keep up the standard of quality that has for so long been PBS' trademark.

I (my husband also) have been fans of PBS for decades. A long list of my favorites include: Bill Moyers' Journal, NOW (should be back to 1 hour as it is now not even 30 minutes), Newshour (still better than regular TV news), Nova, Nature (but fewer closeups of teeth biting into flesh), Independent Lens (great!), Masterpiece Theatre, Charlie Rose, Mystery.

As others have stated, bring back American Playhouse; also, less Jane Austen - how much can we take at a time? The aging rock star extravaganzas are embarrassing, to say the least.

More operas!!! I first became acquainted with the great tenor Placido Domingo from PBS broadcasts. Opera is NOT elitist; it (& Shakespeare) were the entertainment of the masses. I also include Broadway musicals. Expose us to what culture is like in NYC, for example.

Politically one-sided? Not as much as Ann Coulter, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. PBS is the source of reasoned political discourse, which the above poeple lack. Look up the definition of liberal; it is not one-sided but considers all ideas.

Bill Moyers is amazing and a national treasure. I was mesmerized by his interview of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who damaged his image on Moyers by his egocentric diatribe at the National Press Club. Can you say egomaniac? It was Bill Moyers who had the courage to have an indepth interview with Wright. Indepth is the key word - not just sound bites which tell one very little but inflame a lot.

We need more programs about the fragile state of planet earth and the seriousness of global warming. Al Gore is another courageous national treasure; he has been aware of the global warmingg problem since his undergraduate days. I am glad I am old and hopefully will not live long enough to see the planet "fry." But my grandchildren . . . . .

How can anyone doubt global warming. Just because the scientists don't have all the information to a 100% certainty is no reason to not take precautions. The precautionary principle should be applied. Please keep us informed of this very serious problem.

I know I could live without PBS (or NPR for that matter) but my life would lack a richness that it now possesses. Keep up the good work PBS!! Don't let the "conservatives" prevent you from presenting excellent food-for-thought.

Do none of these commenters understand what's happening in the media?

Doesn't anyone get it? The media are digitizing and expanding and democratizing, in new and exciting ways. But public broadcasting, especially television, is still very much a dinosaur in terms of genuine innovation and risk-taking.

The fact that many of the commenters called the names of PBS stalwart programs, instead of suggesting something (dare I say it?) NEW, shows the stale, same-old-same-old attitude that is dragging the organization down.

PBS needs to air more shows for younger audiences. Not dumb stuff; there's already plenty of that! But something that's smart, that's pithy, that's empowering, that's daring, that's fun. That will mean stepping (dare I say it?) out of your comfort zone and actually (sacrilege... sacrilege!) giving someone outside the PBS system a chance to bring in new ideas.

Take a risk! Take a chance! Don't let the pursestrings of government funding be the shackles on your creativity! America really needs you to thrive: needs a network that cares about educating young children, and about the lifelong learning of its audience. But in order to do that, you'll need to take some risks and stretch into new territory. Build new hit shows, find new avenues of distribution. Public radio does this well; why doesn't public TV have a clue?

Oh, and stop being so stingy with your content online. I should be able to watch EVERY PBS PROGRAM ON PBS.ORG: not just a few. I should be able to download PBS shows FOR FREE FROM ITUNES: not just watch snippets. Trust me, compared to the other available shows you don't have a strong enough product to make me pay for you, when I can get other good stuff for free!

Don't deceive yourselves: America loves PBS, but we won't wait forever for you to get your ducks in a row. If you're going to compete with the other networks, then take a page from them: put on some original, dynamic and powerful programming, appealing to more than just your core. Give us a chance to feel good about being a part of PBS, of doing something to invest in our future as a nation by protecting this valuable and powerful institution.

But do it fast! Believe me, there are plenty of twenty-somethings in America who can create great content with a few thousand dollars of video equipment in their bedroom or basement. Your competition is in the living rooms of America, alongside the television sets that bring your programming across the airwaves every day.

Besides... you don't really want to air that damn Doo Wop Reunion again, do you?

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in (long-running PBS series) "Nature", nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure."

--Helen Keller

I used to watch a good deal more public television than I do now, having become sick of the filler programming: Antiques Roadshow, America's Test Kitchen, all of those dull British costume-dramas are a major snore. If I never see another Ken Burns documentary on one war or another I will be very happy.

Please bring on more Bill Moyers, Charlie Rose, Independent Lens, Frontline, Now (for a full hour), cooking shows with exciting recipes, interesting and even controversial documentaries. Amy Goodman should be automatically available to all PBS stations.

Please make PBS more exciting, more pathbreaking, more creative, more with-it. It is way too middle-of-the-road and vanilla. I wonder why I continue to support the various public television stations in my area: I suppose it's a habit, but I'm really starting to question why.

I am not a fan of Bill Moyers and would say that PBS is too far to the left politically.

I liked Carrier. I like Tavis and McLaughlin. I like Charlie Rose when he has guests that interest me.

I like Soundstage and Austin City Limits.

I want to see shows exposing the truth of the CIA's drug running. The FBI's cover up of 9-11 evidence. The third reich's going underground, and the fifth column in America. (Links: Madcowprod.com spitfirelist.com john-loftus.com)
I also want to see you tell the truth about industrial hemp, and how it could solve our energy problems, and carbon emission problems

I like just about everything PBS offers up on its schedule.

Why not make a show the commercial networks can never imitate. Sort of a 'Politically Incorrect' about TV commercials. Entertain the public while filling a vital public service teaching about how marketers manipulate the public. It would be a hugely valuable public service and the most 'Public' show on television.

Over time, PBS has evolved a unique form and purpose of expression, that extends far beyond America. I love the science and nature shows Nova and Nature, and the insight of Frontline. I will also always cherish Bill Moyers and his capacity to engage the spiritual-political stream of the public policy narrative.

The challenge for PBS is to somehow keep arms-length from its own success and to challenge its own programming to maintain, what I believe David Attenborough called, the ability to entertain and educate.

Also, given the importance of the United States, and the American perspective, I find it fascinating to watch you, from outside the U.S., relate American perspectives on American issues without unnecessary flag-waving or excessive self-awareness. You are rivalled in this sense by the BBC world news coverage.

I think you have room for growth in the coverage of 'foreign affairs'. I have found the brief Foreign Exchange program to offer a platform for a dialogue that we all need to see and hear. More of this perhaps. Less coverage of how Americans are trying to make themselves understood to the rest of the world and more coverage allowing others to express themselves to Americans.

In my home country of Canada, journalists such as Brian Stewart, Don Newman and Joel Schlesinger come to mind, as possibilities for you to consider inviting over to PBS to expand and deepen your capacity to understand yourselves understanding the world.

To-date, PBS has not been much involved in the world of mainstream sports, save and except for key documentaries of doping in the olympics, and baseball. I wonder if, or how, you might consider some form of regular coverage of mainstream commercial sports, to offer interesting and innovative observations and insights we are precluded from receiving from the commercial networks. As someone who is both a fan, and a student of the game, how might you contribute to my enjoyment of sports?

Thanks for all you do.

Paul.

P.S. I watch PBS on my Buffalo affiliate. My concern for them is that, having discovered the significant membership support from Canada (Greater Toronto Area) they will devote too much superfluous programming attention to the coverage of Canadian material. We don't watch PBS to see news about Canada, or familiar scenery, or documentaries about our history. We watch PBS for what we can't get elsewhere.

I used to love PBS and donate to their fund drives but in the last several decades, I've been disappointed at their continual liberal tilt. Can't we have Discovery with out the "Global warming" diatribe? Can't we have Nature without some bozo commenting on polar bears. And of course Bill Moyers is "off the charts" liberal with no counterbalance. (and he's making money hand over fist with the sweetheart deals he has with PBS) I like PBS best with neutral eye towards INFORMATION rather than a biased left perspective. This is a "center right" country. You should reflect that.

I love the depth you give to reporting. To be able to go beyond "soundbite" to actual intelligent conversation makes PBS a cut above the rest in terms of teaching ability. I love the new science shows! I just want my tax dollars to be spent in a fair and balanced manner and when I feel you are not making that attempt, I want to start writing my congressmen and women to say "Cut PBS loose"! Let them raise their own money from the liberals they so clearly pander to!

Educational programs inform the public in 2hours better than some schools can in 2 semesters. I would air the financial history of the United States so that the public understands who really calls the shots in this country and around the world.

I would also educated the public on the historical behavior of our leaders and tell a more indept story of how private power brokers have used war to generate more wealth.

The public is general ignorant to the continuous and predictable manipulation of the public through emotionally based public relations policies for war.

A few technological advances over that last 50 years give the American public the false sense of security that we can take care of each other and yet, we don't even feed our own people.

Historical education is crucial for the public to see how the mistakes of the past will be repeated over and over while a few of the richest and most powerful continue to flourish.

I would like to see a show about information companies, e.g, Thomson and Reed Elsevier. Not everything is on Google. It could include some discussion of the digital divide. It could provide some commentary about evaluating information (NYT is a good source but what about Jayson Blair - there are websites like snopes.com, factcheck.org, etc). And talk about libraries! Libraries are the biggest clients of information companies.

I would like to see Democracy Now!

It is a great news show.

And more Bill Moyers.

I like the Nature, Nova, and Frontline shows, and I hope you will continue with those. In addition, I would like to see programming related to global warming, a little more about what is happening around the globe, and what we can do about it. I want to see more about converting our society to dependence on alternative energy and transportation, the recent show with the car talk guys was really good, and funny, but also fell way short of what we need to know. I would like to see a show where someone tracks the annual trillion dollar fossil fuel subsidies and a follow up show on how far that trillion dollars would go towards creating the proper infrastructure, jobs, and power generation in alternative energy.

As a huge fan,
I must say great job thus far!
Continue to do what you do but better...
Enjoy the educational programs, Tavis Smiley, Latin Dance Champions, Opera any & all of everything you have to offer =)

PBS is valuable and vital. Thank you immensely. No other network delivers the news as well. Like others commenting here I would love to see PBS carry Democracy Now. I appreciate the network's willingness to go into news stories in depth--Bill Moyers and the News Hour in particular--and Amy Goodman is a great and impassioned journalist who takes on stories the mainstream media fear. The antiques roadshow and stale British comedies hold no appeal for me, but original drama or film could be really interesting. The science coverage could bear down even harder on global warming and sustainability issues; the interest in things green--building, transportation, consumer goods, even cities--seems to be growing and I believe those subjects would find an audience.

My choices:

Climate change/habitat loss/agents for change (solar, steam, wind power, acquisition of corridor habitat, tall grass prairie reclamation, etc.

Use funding to repeat the upcoming National Parks miniseries (Ken Burns) widely.

Quality of life: people who live in small houses, off the grid.

Sleep disturbances, sleep hygiene, research findings on sleep and obesity.

More Mystery! offerings: Midsomer Mysteries (?) Marple/Poirot, others which may be purchased from UK/BBC.

Fine arts, visual arts, artisans and , music (small groups, early music, a cappella, choral, the robust new groupings of musicians.

I would like:
Jeeves and Wooster
Tom and Jerry
Does not have to be during prime time, maybe even at night(I have DVR), just show lots of episodes (or Movies!)!!!!!!

I come from Australia so i have never seen PBS before. But I support Public Broadcasting - it is very popular in my country.

Keep up the good work!

I would only ask that for nostolgia's sake that ocassionally the greats of the past be revived for some really late night showing.

My list of requested shows would include the James Burks series on the history of discovery (both "Connections" and "The Day the Universe Changed"), Carl Segans "Cosmos" ("billions and billions"), and the Burns series "The Civil War".

Thanks for all you do!

I would like to see "Democracy Now" with Amy Goodman. She is on over 700 stations, radio and TV.

I miss PBS "appointment" television. Thursday night was "Mystery" evening and Sunday the world stopped at 9 pm for Masterpiece Theater. "Carrier" and "The War" were phenomenal and I would like more multi-part series. I believe that PBS viewers would once again commit themselves to a "Jewel in the Crown" or a great Brit-com if the programming was reliable and the quality consistent. Thanks for keeping science, drama and the arts a remote click away, from a frustrated Baby-Boomer.

I live in mortal fear that the fabulous WordGirl will not be back for another season. She's smart, has a great vocabulary and has a monkey sidekick to boot. What more could I ask for?

While I'm at it, I should probably beg that you start creating WordGirl merchandise. Even if it were made in China and coated in lead paint, I'd buy it.

How about at least putting some episodes on demand?

I would love to see partnerships with regional stations/networks and arts providers to bring an arts performance magazine program to the air. For example, the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage performs every day of the year and provides free performances from quality national and regional musicians, dancers, singers and others.

The big performances are great, but it's hit or miss with the schedule.

Having grown up as a PBS-kid, I can't emphasize enough the importance of keeping the educational programming strong for future generations.

So many PBS affiliate stations produce great regional-themes programs -- again, a "national roundup" highlighting Americana would be welcome in my eyes. It's a shame that This American Life ended up on Showtime and not on PBS. Quality storytelling with fantastic writing like this show is what PBS is all about.

I love programs like Independent Lens and POV. The documentaries featured on these programs always provide voices and stories that are never heard about in mainstream television and media. I think PBS should continue doing this. But I also wish Independent Lens featured more short films and animation. I've enjoyed watching the short films the few times I've seen them on the show. It's wonderful seeing the creative capacity of independent filmmakers in addition to the real-life stories they present.

You are doing a great job, so just keep up the good work!! In particular, I am a fan of the shows with Jim Lehrer, Gwen Ifill, and Bill Moyers. I also love Masterpiece Theater and "As Time Goes By" as well as the Saturday night movies (Reel Thirteen). PBS offers the best programming on television!! Thank you!!

I listened to the run up to the war on Iraq at WBUR. I called in several times to Tom Ashbrook's Onpoint and one evening I found myself debating an expert from MIT. I believe the discussion was about the new Iraqi Government's constitution. I stated that this was a farce and that the only reason that we invaded Iraq was to establish permanent military bases around the world's last mega oil fields. I was dismissed as being too cynical.

My point is that NPR (now referred to as National Petroleum Radio) should have allowed many more voices to chime in on the lead up to the Iraq War. We heard from the think tanks and the universities all on the take. There were a few moderate voices but very little coverage of the hundreds of thousands of us who were loudly proclaiming, "the emperor has no clothes!"

I have since stopped listening to NPR have looked for alternate sources.

I'm just tired of being angry at NPR for turning into another outlet for the distribution of Pentagon Press Releases. A million innocent Iraqis have died and the good name of our country is probably forever gone. Where were you?

Since you started wasting your funds during membership drives I have ceased my donations to PBS as I find your motivational speakers to be intellectually mentally constipated and a waste of the listeners time.... adding to this... the concerts which seem to provide a feeling that the audiences... for both the motivational speakers and the concerts are paid performers at the very least.... act like trained seals.... applauding and nodding in implied understand or approval on cue..... thus the the musical performances also strike me as being a waste of your limited funding.
When PBS returns to catering to an adult... reasonably educated... audience.... I will once again be a supporter.

I am thorougly enjoying PBS World because it provides an opportunity 24 hours a day to see what I missed or to watch a program more than once. I especially enjoy Friday evenings on PBS. Charlie Rose's program is usually wonderful - the subjects of his presentation cover a broad and varied range i.e., art, politics, theater, movies - all news worthy subjects.

You absolutely must keep the news programming. PBS and "All Things Considered" on Public Radio are two of the few remaining unbiased news sources available on air today. As to the nature and science programming, Nature and science are very much in the news and these informative programs are always interesting and often very topical so I think they also should remain. I preferred it when Mystery and Masterpiece Theater were regularly scheduled programs. I love the Great Performances programs, especially with the Met in HD series you have been carrying, and the children's programming seems to be well structured and educational. Keep up the good work!

I cannot get enough of Frontline. I honestly think that it is the only investigative journalism on the mainstream media today that is worth its salt. Thank you so much for this hard hitting and informative show. I would love to see even more of it. Keep up the great work!

Please syndicate the only truly independent news program, Democracy Now! (available at DemocracyNow.org)

I only watch PBS and Friday night is my favorite! I would like to see more Independent Lens and POV programs, more Frontline, more National Geographic - more programs with an environmental focus.

The weekend programming is terrible in my opinion. I am not into the selections on Masterpiece Theater or British sit-coms. Also I can't imagine why stations take away our favorite shows and dish out those horrible pop music and pop "spiritual" shows during pledge drives. What a turn off!!

My local station manager assures me that some people do like those shows and they send money. Well, if that's what it takes to keep Bill Moyers and Jim Lehrer and Gwen Ifill on the air, I'll wait my turn.

I generally love my PBS station. My soon-to-be three-year old loves the morning line-up and I credit it with helping him recognize every letter of the alphabet (capitals anyway).

I appreciate the arts programming such as Masterpiece Theater (I bought "I Claudius" after seeing it on an MT anniversary back-by-popular-demand reshowing several years ago).

And I love the Brit-coms and BBC news at weird hours.

The Nightly Business Report and Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser (you guys should NEVER have let him go) practically taught me how to invest successfully.

Yet all of these things cannot mitigate the contempt and venom that I hear directed at people like me by Bill Moyer's. I am a fairly conservative Republican who is proudly American and unabashedly pro-capitalism. I am not a fundamentalist Christian, though I hold nothing against them. I am very well educated (Ph.D. in Plant Pathology). I do not believe people who claim that George Bush lied to take us to war against Iraq for the benefit of Dick Cheney and Haliburton.

To me, for all the good I see on PBS, Bill Moyers negates it all because PBS gives him a sounding board and a megaphone with which to denigrate people like me. And to add insult to injury, it is done partly with my tax dollar. Politically speaking, it is similar to being required to dig your own grave or pay for the bullet with which you are to be executed.

Moyers is a perfect example of what is wrong with PBS and why I do not contribute.

DemocracyNow 'should' be a 'national feed' from PBS; more independent journalists such as Greg Palast; less 'targetting' of programs covering those 65 or older such as the 'Lawrence Welk show' or 'doo-wop' classics.

I dig most of the PBS programming.

If we could limit the Brit comedy and plug repeats of excellent programs like "Saved by the Sun" on Nova (which I learned tremendously from) and, the more recent, "Sick Around The World" on Frontline.

Keep up the independent programming -- PBS is about the only network still offering careful analysis rather than knee-jerk emotional sound bites. Swearing and switching channels has become a daily occurrence with my poor news-junky husband. Please keep Frontline. Please keep Bill Moyers' Journal. Please keep Washington Week and Now. I am a lifelong thinking liberal and proud of it, and, believe it or not, there isn't much out there other than PBS for our television news. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and non-haranguing coverage. And, for a quick fix, I do love the BBC World News at 5 a.m. And, yes, I do contribute.

I am also a school librarian who always is fighting the budget battle and I appreciate the one-year copyright clearance of so many of your excellent programs that allows me to make a good purchasing choice of "Will this program really get used by my teachers?" Please keep Nova and Nature for their wonderful science programming. Please continue Secrets of the Dead for the wonderfully interesting programs that engage my high school students. For my grandchildren, please keep Sesame Street and keep re-runnning Mr. Rogers for his quiet good sense and kindness in the midst of all the cuteness of children's programming.

Elizabeth Letterly said, "Please keep Frontline. Please keep Bill Moyers' Journal. Please keep Washington Week and Now. I am a lifelong thinking liberal and proud of it, and, believe it or not, there isn't much out there other than PBS for our television news."

There are many other similar comments. How can PBS justify it's national funding when it is universally liberal-slanted in it's news and political programs? I'm not making accusations. I'm agreeing with the dozens of liberal Americans who have said it themselves.

A program that is funded by our tax dollars should have all sides represented. Many liberals push for the "Fairness Doctrine" that would force even private radio companies to have equal time for conservative and liberal opinion regardless of market demand, which conveniently happens to overwhelmingly favor conservatives. How can you hold an authoritarian viewpoint that favors government control over private media companies while simultaneously praising a universally one-sided television station - that is funded by every American's tax dollars whether we like it or not? The same applies to NPR. The fact that my money is confiscated to pay for the airing of political views I oppose is nothing short of theft.

Hello,

I enjoy watching PBS on channel 10 in Alabama. I like to watch Frontline, Bill Moyer's Journal, Now, Nova, Nature, POV, Secrets of the Dead,

I dislike and turn PBS off when i see Motivation Speaker talking, Pop Concerts of new or old bands, Austin City Limits, and Master Peace Theater (last 5-8 years now... use to love it, but not now a day’s).

What I would like to see PBS have, in the future added: NEW British comedies the ones you got now we have seen 5-12 times already... Need new one... (( or maybe much OLDER ones...does the BBC have any Black and White comedies that have good stories ?? )). Documentary about History or places: (but not people, tired of those).

More shows about Science about How the World works. History and How Our world has gotten to were it is now. Shows about COMPUTERS about how to build, buy, or work on them.

I would also like to see a 1 hour show about a fortune 500 Company; with different company’s each week. An in-depth few of: 1) What that company does. 2) How the company does it business. 3) How does the company impact its Community locally? 4) How it impacts the world Globally. 5) How much money the people in general make from janitors, workers, clerks, to CEO's make yearly. 6) What political ties the company has in local to international governments.

PS = Any chance of restarting DR WHO on Saturday nights from the begging, with the 1st Dr. The one Sci-Fi PBS show I really did enjoy watching.

We don't have a television in our household (a decade-long decision)...but we miss PBS. We actually still financially support PBS/NPR because it is where we continue to get the majority of our news (via radio and online). I would LOVE for PBS to begin offering all of their programming online. I think this would be a radical and amazing decision and I think it is in line with everything PBS stands for. I would give more financially if this were the case.

We already download PBS programming off ITUNES. We absolutely adore the series e-squared- narrated by Brad Pitt. We downloaded both seasons. I love Frontline, Antiques Roadshow...really PBS and Sundance offer us the majority of our programming. But I'm missing the classic PBS shows.

PBS is about supporting democratic, thoughtful programming...I was raised on it. I would love to be able to download Mystery! or Masterpiece. I would love more programs about sustainable innovation, like e-squared. I would love to watch classic British comedy.

I think by offering PBS programming online, PBS could change the way people "consume." I think you are the ones to truly lead this path - in a way that commercial programming has yet to comprehend.

Thank you for the work you do.

Quilting Arts a new show geared toward a growing segment of the art world for mixed media and textile artists. Quilting Arts magazine is number one in its genre, with a huge following. more stations should pick up this show.

Quilting, and especially art quilting, have been sadly neglected in the PBS arena. There is huge interest in this type of programming, and in particular, the new series, "Quilting Arts TV" is a wonderful, fast-moving series of well-known fiber and mixed-media artists showing their work and techniques. More information can be found at www.quiltingartstv.com.

I have no affiliation, but I just bought the DVDs. A wonderful series, please consider it.

PBS should be about the best aspirations we have as a nation. Too many construe the "best" art as being the most profitable. If that were true, Madonna and Mariah Carey would be the greatest singers of the past 100 years, but I doubt anyone is going to seriously argue that. The only measure of value in art that I know works is that good art lasts. People return to it decade after decade, even century after century. This rule isn't a perfect predictor of what current art will be regarded as great in the future, but knowing great art from the past is not a bad way to start.

As such, I've been stunned to watch the conservative onslaught on PBS. Conservatives claim to want to keep what is valuable from the past, and yet they cut funding for our country's premier television forum for great art and intellect. Scan your TV listings. How often will you find a classical concert, a jazz performance, or a program of American traditional music if it isn't on PBS? Where is great theatre televised if not on PBS? Without PBS, "music" on television means MTV and similar networks. Is that the highest target where can aim our sights? Can we truly aim no further than profitability in setting our nation's agenda?

PBS remains surprisingly strong despite massive funding cuts, but it is a mere shadow of public broadcasting in the 1970s. Orchestral concerts and opera were normal fare. I remember a wonderful series of Leonard Bernstein conducting the Beethoven symphonies, which included his characteristically accessible commentary. I haven't seen them in decades, but these programs still are central to my appreciation of great music. They are just one small example of what is missing from the PBS of today.

I believe that support for PBS is a barometer for the degree to which our nation desires to have an informed, educated citizenry. That support has been sadly lacking in our national policy for nearly three decades. It is time that our government took the view that PBS is a vital tool for promoting the intellectual well-being of our nation.

Programming which clearly and easily explains global warming and it's affects along with concrete, viable steps people can take to recognize and change their wasteful lifestyle would be great, and is necessary. Having this programming address all demographics would be helpful as different people have different abilities and motivation to change and varied contributions to both the problem and solution. I think a show such as this, or at least part of it, needs to highlight personal stories for a connection to be made. Also, while the subject is very distressing and can seem overwhelming and hopeless, the focus would ultimately need to be positive and optimistic.

love everything I see but PLEASE air Quilting Arts TV in North Carolina! There is a much larger audience than you'd think for it.

I live in the St. Louis, MO area and am extremely frustrated that none of the many quilt-related PBS programs are available on the standard PBS station. I recognize that some of these programs have been added to one of the digital channels now broadcast by the station, but this channel is not carried by the local cable and/or satellite providers. Cable television has made cooking and gardening shows available 24/7 - it's time to cut back on this type of programming and try something new.

I'd keep most of what you already have (could do with a bit less of the nature shows..) But would have videos of shows that have aired be done on demand or at least be viewable on your website. There are many times I can't catch Bill Moyers, or an Independent Lens, I don't have TIVO or a vcr. More accessability, in other words.

Also, a good 1/2 hour or hour weekly show on art world would be nice--focusing, for example, on some of the things Eyebeam and Rhizome are doing (and gallery roundups, etc.)

For the record, I'm NOT interested in any quilting shows. Ever.

Please try to hire journalists that report the facts, not try and insinuate their opinions into the stories-I came to OPB and NPR to escape the distortion in MSM news reporting-I have been saddened to see you've fallen into the same gutter-what next-reality TV, will we vote the polar bears off the island? Why would I continue to support OPB with donations and tax dollars when i can get into the landfill for free. Please right the ship if you are going to schill for dollars, I am more than happy to support honest interesting and informative programing, frontline , moyers, american experience, I want Jim back, i miss him and want him back Ray also does a terrific job, the rest including gwen are wearing their politics on their sleeves-you have great programing and I love all the british shows-and you constantly engage me in a topic I thought i had no interest in. So even tho i gave you critisism, i also give you an A+. Love Ken Burns!!!

I'd like to see more of Bill Moyers. I like to go to PBS instead of the mainstream media sources to get the truth about current events. So when there's a big story for the week, (for example the FLDS scandal) I'd like to see all sides of that story shown and I know PBS would take the time to get all sides of the story unlike other networks.

My favorite programs on PBS are Bill Moyers Journal, NewsHour, Washington Week in Review, and NOW -- and of course the classical music programs.

What I would like to see are a new late-night program like the old Nightline w/ Ted Koppel, focusing on one major news story each day, NewsHour alternatives on Saturday and Sunday, and Lincoln-Douglas style debates (NOT moderated by newscasters or network icons but conducted as actual debates) between Presidential candidates but also other public figures focusing on one category of issues (e.g., the economy, healthcare, education, corporate profits in Iraq, global warming, ethanol, separation of church and state, balance of powers, and the like).

I find it very hard to believe that one of the best TV programs made for PBS stations is not on any of the WGBH stations -- Quilting Arts.
Quilting Arts was started as a magazine know world wide and a small store front and online business in Stow, MA. DO the program folks ever get out and look around to see what's available? International quilt artists are interviewed and education for the public is provided.

I am WAITING to see the new Quilting Arts TV show in New England!!
I understand it has been picked up by other areas of our great nation. New England needs to air this show. Lets get on the ball!! Hundreds of people are waiting!

I would like a medical view point of what happens inside the pelvic after a hysterectomy. Why doctors don't tell women the Whole truth. Why do women continue to see doctors after a hysterectomy when this is suppose to correct the problem. Whey didn't the doctor give a correct diagnosis to the problem instead did a hysterectomy which created more problems. To me this sounds like a racket for the medical institution to get more revenue.

Valerie

I'd like to see the Quilting Arts show aired here in Iowa and Nebraska. All we get is Fons and Porter since they're from central Iowa. But that's just a regular quilt show without any of the art form of quilting. I'd watch much more PBS if it wasn't the 'same old' all the time.

I would like the US public to see the fighting, the actual combat in A-stan. I would like them to know why we let OBL get away. I was there. Why like jobs and a lot of other things, was the fighting OUTSOURCED to Afghan warlords, and the mission not given to 10th Mountain Div., who had combat troops in A-stan, and specialize in combat at altitude? Something was rotten about the cease fire, and this is how the Afghans do business. Tell the public about that. Tell them there are now over 30 jihadist camps operating full bore in Waziristan, and why we are not hitting them. Tell the public how corrupt the P-stani army and ISI is. Someone better give the order, or there will be no stable A-stan. We have crossed the border dozens of times, to chase down hadjis, or to surveill a compound or a camp. The T-ban/AQ have it BETTER now than they did in A-stan. $10BILLION to P-stan, for NOTHING. Tell the people WHY!!! Rhyno OD-A 592, 5th SFG

I do not have enough imagination to be able to think up the programs that PBS thinks up and produces. PBS is probably my main source of TV watching. The information programs are tremendous. Frontline, and those types of information programs are extraordinary, keep those up!!! The Nova's and the scientific type of shows that explain the world in everyday terms are fantastic. Keep those up!!! American Experience is probably one of my very best favorites. The history of people and events that have shaped this world and country fasinate me. Masterpiece (Theatre) has always been a favorite. The Newshour is one of my main source of information. I have even started watching the primary coverages, etc. on PBS. Washington Week in Review has been a favorite of mine since the 70's. I adore Bill Moyers and his new show. NOW is a pleasant addition to my Friday night viewing!!!!
The improvement areas are for you all, the PBS people, to think up. I am concerned about the views of groups with "agendas" becoming a source of interference yet it seems that has been taken care of over the last year or two. I miss the Stock Market show that the gentleman did on Friday night. The business shows are very informative.
Most of all, I love the website and being able to stream programs.

I have given up on PBS. The day time children's shows are moronic and lacking in anything to stimulate a child's mind. There is no adult daytime show here in Kerrville, Texas where we recieve KLRN from San Antonio. All quilt and sewing shows are the same old ones. No wonder half the country thinks needles skills the province of old women. This, when Houston Texas has the world's largest and best Quilt International Festival that spotlights new and innovates works, teachers and techniques helping drive a 50 billion dollar industry. So some new quilting, sewing and craft shows featuring new young and clever people. Check out Quilting Arts and Cloth Paper Scissors, Dharma trade, Joggle and blogs for what drives the population.

PBS "how to programs" are cast offs from HGTV, DIY and FOODNET. PBS food programs seem to specialize in cooking shows produced for cholestreol clogging and requiring hours of preparation.

After PBS destroyed Masterpiece Theatre, Mystery Monday etc they picked up BBC has beens and produced politically correct boring theatre, Well it helps one to nap. New theatre from the UK and USA.

Even the brilliant music documentaries have been aired elswhere and not all of we oldies think Branson style entertainment is what we want to hear. We oldies have ipods too and they are not filled with dead dance band music and that terrible Saturday evening stuff PBS has aired for eternity. Hey folks we oldies rock and thanks to the wonder of computer and downloads we choose and we often listen to new sounds. Air doctumentaries on Jazz and it effects on world music, air more JAZZ. Air some world music and tlk about it. Music is entertaining and does not have to teach us rather inform us add to our enjoyment, add to our sources enabling us to enjoy the different the wide cultural world beyond our doorstep.

This gal has chosen not to support mediocrity and monotony i.e. PBS. So thanks DIY, HGTV FOODNET, OVN , BBC and others for providing an alternative to what was once the only TV broadcasting system we could rely on and worth watching.

I would like to see you carry the program that has been developed especially for PBS by Quilting Arts. The "satellite" channels have deciced that there is no audience for these types of programs. With over 2 million quilters of all types in the US alone I certainly think there is an audience that would greatly appreciate this kind of programing. There are many podcasts of this type but those of us who are in rural areas with no access to high speed internet can not view them. This type of programing would be a service to all of us.

I'd like to see Democracy Now on PBS. It's a daily one hour news program.

I would like to see an ongoing series about the American South.

The US South does not contain any very large media centers, with the exception of Atlanta. That part of the country gets much less coverage than NY and LA, and other parts of the non-South.

What would this show look like. Some ideas:
o Interviews with Southern mayors, legislators, and other elected officials
o Southern politics
o Southern racial politics
o the rural economy
o the extent of, and unique nature of, Southern poverty
o Southern music forms
o reverse migration to the South
o religion in the South

I love It's a big big world, and i used to watch it every day when it came on at three, now it only has very early time slots. Please bring it back to an afternoon time... thank you

As a nation we've sometimes operated arrogantly towards the rest of the world, expecting others to match our language and standards. PBS programming has always helped us define who we are, documenting, reporting, debating. Help us further understand ourselves in the context of the rest of the world. I fear for painful transitions as our great country fights economic shifts beyond its control if the rest of the world perceives us as badly behaved adolescents. The goodness might remain but we have a long row to hoe to reforge the integrity of national policy and individual initiative that made this country great. PBS has the umph to light the way. Please build this into an already strong agenda for thought provoking intelligence.

I think the News Hour has gone downhill and it is becoming too much like the MSM on important issues and new anchors are needed. I feel like PBS has taken a corporate slant -- unfortunate since there is so little objective info out there. Charlie Rose, Frontline, NOW and Bill Moyers are all great. Masterpiece and Mystery are usually very good. I love Nature and used to like NOVA but it and the new science shows are often boring to me. Much more on Climate change and the environment are needed. Also shows are needed on health care debate -- including single payer system -- medicare for all (missing due to corporate influence I think).

I find it difficult to watch really long series all week like the war series and I don't like regular programming to get interrupted. Get rid of Lawrence Welk and the Sat. night British humor.

I would love to see a PBS investigative report/documentary on why the gas price has been rising uncontrollably with no intervention while oil companies are making record-high profit and we, consumers, are suffering with no end in sight. I hate to feel that we are powerless in the situation, but I know a lot of us feel that way, as we do not have much knowledge of why this insanity has been allowed to keep happening.

I believe at this point, we are not quite sure where we can take this battle to. If PBS could help us, consumers, arm with the knowledge by producing and airing an investigative documentary as to why and how the oil price is rising so high, who the true responsible parties are, and what we can do as consumers to stop it aside from reducing consumption of the oil.

I belive PBS can help consumers arm with the power of knowledge to fight this battle and generate more heat to the responsible party as a result.

Thank you for your time!

Some years ago I enjoyed watching PBS over anything
else on tv. unfortunately, country music and british commedies
are not of interest to me. I like Independent Lens, Nova, Frontline, Lehrer and assorted other shows like Masterpiece Theater but quality is becoming rare at PBS. How sad. As for news maybe you
should join LinkTV and show Mosaic, news from the
middle east. It might help people understand what's going on there
not just what our government wants us to see or hear.

Quilt shows. Knitting shows. Sewing shows. Tailoring shows.

I would recommend more shows related to the geological sciences: geology, minerals in the United States and abroad, gold history, etc.

A series of programs about environmental quality - not the usual fluff or preaching, but concise, solid looks. Air quality (sources, duration, how cleaned, downwind, health effects). Peak water - quality and quantity (growth despite limits, hazards of desalizination, cost of extraction and moving, used & effective recycling, regional, states, national, international) - sustainability of use, limitations and constraints, denial.
Solid waste & recycling (denial, effectiveness, Germany vs. US, schools, cities, states, countries). Population (the taboo the media does not touch and does not approach objectively), including successes and failures, population pressures (economics, food, transportation, quality of life), long term perspective. Food (agriculture based on oil and long distance transport) and growing shortages or surpluses. Transportation - how the US is 100 years behind Europe; the coming demise of "warehouses on wheels" (trucks) in light of Peak Oil, airplane air quality impacts, and more.

I would like to see more Mystery in the old style, when it was a separate program. The Dalgleish and Morse series were outstanding. So was the series with Helen Mirren. There were several more memorable ones (which I can't remember).

For a science show, Nova is very good, but there are only a very few original shows each year; most are reruns. Nova has "dumbed-down" a bit lately too, with dizzying zooms and pans, and annoying sound effects. For someone truly interested in science, those techniques are annoying distractions. I'd like to see more quality science shows.

A few pet peeves about the new "Masterpiece": Why did you have to take the perfectly good and universally recognized classical theme for Masterpiece Theater and mess it up?? I'm still not entirely sure whether the host is actually a live person. And, finally, it is "Masterpiece THEATER," thank you very much!

NHL Hockey Play Off's!!!
Detroit -VS- the rest of the games

I'd like to see what programming you'd come up with when it comes to "the art of thinking"

For example: The movie "What the Bleep Do We Know?"

Release Date: 3/15/2005
UPC: 024543170884
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Directed by: Betsy Chasse, Marc Vicente, William Arntz
Featuring: Marlee Matlin, Elaine Hendrix, John Ross Bowie

Description

Applying basic principles of quantum physics to human psychology, this film consists largely of interviews with experts in related fields, who pose existential questions and answer them with theories of endless possibilities. They explain that reality is only as we define it, that matter is permeable, and that experiences in life should be approached as controllable by the human mind. Opening doors to broad ideas--that we could exist simultaneously in many realities, that we could be in multiple places at once, that we could observe ourselves from outside our bodies, that time travels backwards and forwards--experts encourage positive thinking and open-mindedness. A situational plot involving a deaf photographer who is assigned to work at a Polish wedding serves to illustrate how the theories discussed could be applied to everyday experiences. Meanwhile, intense sequences of computer animation offer illustrations of outer space, the neural functions in our brains, the way that various hormones work, and even some funny Jello-like characters representing chemical reactions in our bodies. A raucous soundtrack of 1980s tunes--Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love," and Animotion's "Obsession" among them--adds to a jarringly dynamic score. For viewers who gravitate toward New Age theories of enlightenment and self-knowledge, or those who enjoyed the sci-fi plotlines of television series like STAR TREK, QUANTUM LEAP, and WITCHBLADE, this film will be a welcome addition to their library.

As a teenage viewer, I think PBS would benefit by having shows targeted at teens. Also, PBS could rerun old shows such as: "Degrassi Junior High", "Degrassi High", "Grange Hill", and "Ready Or Not".

NPR stands for National Public Radio. You receive "Public Funds". It would be in the best interest of your viewers if you had a Conservative show to offset Bill Moyers. In my view, you are promoting a leftist liberal agenda.

Bill Moyers, Mystery, and the new Masterpiece Theatre with Gillian Anderson.....and the news hour... oh, and Frontline...maybe some world news programming from Middle East (like Aljezeera English) and Asia...

(i) Get rid of those infomercials

(ii) Ditch all self-help lectures and anyone who strolls around on stage barefoot

(iii) Show CNN Cold War 24 episode series. A lot of names in this series have come back to haunt us again in the Bush administration.

(iv) We like the lineup of cooking shows on Saturday afternoon.

At the (U. of Chicago-centric) chicagoboyz.net, blogger Lexington Green wrote on May 5:

"Given the state of the academy in this year of grace 2008, this area of study [military history] is probably better off keeping some distance from the intellectual corruption which is unfortunately so pervasive. Military history is too important to be wholly taken over entirely by the current crop of academics."

The article is pertinent not only as it specifically regards Military History, but also as it is more generally applicable.

"The downside," Lexington Green continues, "is that students don’t get exposed to it [and other critically important American topics] in a classroom setting."

Telling of his stint hiring newly minted college graduates for the State Department, the veteran foreign service officer who blogs at Diplomadic.blogspot.com [post of May 7] related how a typical "highly-educated" applicant responded to his " World War II Test" -- "She stared at me and said, 'What does World War II have to do with NATO, the Cold War and Europe?'"

The Leftist dialect is all about "social science", but as George F. Will recently wrote, "Social science tells us not what to do but what is not working..."

Put less delicately: academia, Dean's Democrat Party, and the media, are rotted through with identity politics, class envy, and poisonous memes. (Heck, Bill Ayers -- an unabashed bomber and virtual fountainhead of Marxism -- is a tenured prof of education (!) at U. of Chicago.)

Given more HBO-like John Adams (and less Moyers-coddled Jeremiah Wright) perhaps some of the right stuff about private property, natural law, and self-evident truths will sink into one or two carbon-based political units at PBS and programming there will become less of a Gramscian chore.

How 'bout a Ken Burns on Algernon Sidney? on the trek of Henry Knox? on Common Sense or The Federalist Papers?

I very seldom watch PBS shows anymore. I live in Albuquerque, NM and I find that all the self help shows bore me to tears. We have most programing that I would watch all on Saturday. I liked it better spread out over the year. I would like to see some newer shows on like the new Quilting Arts TV, I would like a little less of the the same old Eleanor Burns. I would like a little more gardening, and a little less cooking. I would like a lot less fundraising. I would like more quality shows like masterpiece theatre, mystery theatre. I used to have a good variety of shows to watch on PBS and supported them every year. Now I support the sattelite TV stations to find on a variety of channels what I can't find on PBS.

Could you re-air the History of Rock N Roll that was on a few years back. I've very nearly worn my vhs dubbed copy out.

1. I would like anything Star Trek.

2. Riley Ace of Spys

3. Blues Clues

I fell in love with Carl Sagan. Let's do Cosmos again, with updates on what we've learned since the series first aired.

I'm sure this has been said in some of the comments, but instead of showing all of the best programing during the "pledge" drives, show it throughtout the entire month. I aw a doc. on "The Clash", I couldn't believe my eyes. PBS, showing a film about "The Clash". Someone also said something about showing your "History of Rock and Roll" film. Which I loved, especially more so than the other one that was being played on the major network.

Another thing I would like to see, is more balance when covering political issues. For years PBS had Bill Buckley on, as well as Milton Friedman's "Free to Choose" show. What happened to all of that? I do enjoy Bill Moyers, but would like to see some one on the other side of the issues.

So, again, I love PBS, and please keep showing the Rock and Roll films, but atleast in this viewers eyes, I'd like to see more Balance on the political issues of the day.

An investigative report on the false choices we are presented in this election year. We clearly are being fed that we have only 3 candidates in the running and that the Republican nominee has been picked. I fail to see how a person such as Ron Paul ,who has received the most military donations than any other candidate,who has broke records for money bombs on the internet,who is brilliant in his foreign and economic ideas,who has people so excited about the Constitution,Liberty and Freedom has been black listed from getting the nod he does indeed deserve. It would be interesting to see The R3volution be televised. There is a R3volution going on and the sheep dont even know it. Gold and Silver coins have been made with his name and likeness on it. Songs have been written about him. His book"The Revolution "is a number one best seller. I read tonight that there is a community being set up in Texas called Paulville. Something is going on...I go to political rallies and he draws in triple the amount the other Republicans do. How is he NOT the nominee? Mainstream media ignored him in the beginning,then they ridiculed him. I think we get spoon fed the false choices and we need people like your station to shed the light in the darkness. The revolution has been so exciting since I found out about it. This Ron Paul guy is the real deal. Constitutional and the same message of freedom both foreign and domestic for yrs. You wont find any skeletons in his closet. Yet the media seems to being running the show-WE NEED YOU-HELP!!!!!

I would like to see PBS invest more heavily in science programing. NOVA is great, but I think PBS can do better than one science program per week. We talk about the lack of scientific sophistication of the American public -- programs like these are a terrific way to begin to turn that around. There is a big universe out there and I would like to see PBS do a better job explaining it and displaying the excitement of understanding of scientific discoveries.

I would also like to see Masterpiece Theater wean itself off of British source materials -- particularly the costume dramas. I love the Brits and their programs can be great, but there must be something else you can show. Aren't there any American published/written materials. What about O'Neil, Tennessee Williams, and a host of other great American authors and play writes? I can't believe we can't do better than this.

Finally, I would like to see PBS invest a bit more in the News Hour and go beyond simple talking heads. They might even want to consider creating a news department similar to the one at NPR. I think it is worth considering -- particularly when we see the major networks in full scale retreat in supporting their news departments. CNN, MSNBC, and (I add this hesitantly) Fox can be good but they seldom do in depth pieces and they focus mainly on whatever attention grabbing video feed on the air at the moment -- regardless of its insignificance. Fox, of course, more often than not, views itself as the platform for unrestrained opinions for the extreme right wing of American Politics. A serious news department at PBS would prove an enormous benefit to American viewers in this environment.

My two cents....

Cooking shows are to PBS as "Survivor-like" shows are to the network channels. Please balance your programming on gender target audiences; too many of your shows have 80% or more female viewing audiences (e.g. quilting, cooking, gardening).
Males see their woodworking programs reduced every year. We are forced to HGTV and DIY for the programs that we like. You run the risk of becoming the FOOD channel. Are you aware of the Podcasts on crafts that are taking away your former viewers ??
How about something along the line of "Crafts in America" or "Modern Masters" with tutorials on their methods??
How about a local broadcast of the new "Woodsmith" PBS show??
How about a local broadcast of the "Stained Glass" PBS show??
NEXT AND LAST: How about instead of depressing Victorian drama from across the pond; a series on the musical traditions South of the border (Tangos, Mambo, Cha-cha-cha, Bossa Nova, etc) ??

I would like to see The Revolution be televised. Ron Pauls book "The Revolution A Manifesto" is number one best seller on the NY times for May 18 2008. The revolution is a message of freedom and Liberty. I would love to see some interviews of the people that are in the Revolution and get their side of the story on -what mainstream media did to RP and the American people . The mainstream media buried RP and it would be nice if we could get some media reform to change the fact that the mainstream media calls all the shots in the elections. They prop up the grand Poo-bahs.America had a chance at Freedom and NOW the MAINSTREAM MEDIA HAS DONE THEIR DAMAGE. Y eah we could use some REAL REPORTING -you can help.

With so very many quilters in the community as well as world wide, I know I speak for the multitude--to please return to us, the many quilting shows that are available and that we love. Even non quilters who appreciate the art can learn to appreciate the skill, time, energy and creativity that should be displayed. Several shows that i especially enjoy are: Simply Quilts, Sewing with Nancy, Martha's Sewing Room, America Quilts, America Sews, Quilting Arts, Quilt in a Day with Eleanor Burns, Quilting Friends with Kaye Wood, Fons & Porter Love of Quilting, Quilting Arts, The Quilt Show, and especially Linda's Longarm Quilting show. Thanks for asking our opinions and hopefully act upon them.

What I would like to see would be Ron Paul's Revolution and Aaron Russo's Freedom to Fascism. The MSM is bought and paid for by big corporations and do not have the courage to air these. I believe that PBS does and will show what the country needs to hear. Thank you.

I would like to see PBS air Ron Paul's Revolution and also Aaron Russo's Freedom to Fascism. I think PBS has the courage to air these. Thank you

I must regard PBS as just another case of "the great wasteland" that has long been nearly all of TV, a great loss of opportunity, a source of rot and degradation in our culture, and a humiliating embarrassment to the US.

This evaluation is nearly inevitable given what PBS apparently tries to do: Proceed as in entertainment in English fictional literature with drama with protagonists, evil doers, passion, pathos, and poignancy.

Problem is, this drama culture never made it into the 20th century so that by the year 1901 that culture started to be left far behind by the new, much higher standards of intellectual safety and efficacy of mathematics, physical science, medical science, engineering, and technology so that by now, in the 21st century, drama has to be seen as for light entertainment only and otherwise meaningless, pointless, useless, and worthless for any important purpose. Net, the drama culture, and PBS, are forced to be just a light entertainment wasteland, utterly unable to say anything important about anything important.

The drama culture, and PBS and the mainstream media, are in astoundingly strong contrast with nearly all important parts of the rest of our society: No one would cross a bridge, submit to a medical procedure, board an airplane, ride an elevator, use a computer, drive a car, board a train, or use a medicine designed with the techniques and information of the drama culture. The drama culture is totally banished from nearly all parts of the world of work, the military, and college and graduate departments of mathematics, physical science, medical science, engineering, technology, social science, economics, and business. Bluntly, the rest of society finds the drama culture at best light entertainment and otherwise laughable for any serious purpose. Yet PBS obsessively persists with more and more efforts and variety just within the drama culture -- meaningless, pointless, useless, and worthless for any important purpose, sickening, infuriating.

As PBS has remained stuck, wallowing like dying animals in a tar pit, in the 19th century drama culture, all serious, meaningful, useful, worthwhile parts of the US have pushed forward with an exponential information explosion.

So, what should PBS do? It must dumpster the drama nonsense, enter the 21st century, present solid, useful information from the exponential explosion, and achieve at least 20th century standards of information safety and efficacy.

E.g., PBS should have programs on science; it would be great if PBS had at least one program actually on science. Not the drama of the people, passion, pathos, poignancy, poetry tangentially associated with some of science, no, instead on the science itself, yes, the actual science.

Programs do not all have to be good enough to replace college, graduate school, or professional school courses, but that standard should always be approached and usually greatly exceeded. In particular, the idea that all content should be at the fourth grade or below except for mathematics at the second grade and below except for sex at the ninth grade and above is just debilitating nonsense.

Start with some programs on measure theory, stochastic processes, exterior algebra, Hilbert spaces, and C* algebras, and then cover mathematical physics, carefully, ending with string theory -- in full, correct, mathematical detail.

Cover chemistry -- basic, inorganic, organic, physical, quantum, computational, etc.

Cover electrical engineering, with concentration on digital signal processing and deterministic and stochastic control theory.

Cover as much as possible in geology, at least with enough for mining and petroleum extraction.

Cover mathematical finance, e.g., as in Shiryaev.

Cover modern biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and genetic engineering.

Have a series descriptive data on the US economy, the US Federal budget, and the world economy. Right: Overwhelming emphasis on high quality numerical data. Some good Leontief models would be welcome.

Cover computing and networks, e.g., at the level of Knuth, LALR parsing, RDBMS, parallelism, IP, etc.

Generally enter the 21st century.

And, totally dumpster the drama nonsense.

I would like to see more shows like Bill Moyer's Journal and Washington Week; more nature shows and shows relating to environmental issues; less ballroom dancing and musical revues that are not that engaging or interesting.

Definitely more children's programming -- PBS consistently has the best programs for children on the air. We do not have cable for the explicit reason that there is so much nonsense to sift through that it is not worth the extra expense. Our family relies on PBS for a significant portion of our TV viewing experiences each day. I hope the programmers at PBS do not cave into pressure to compete with cable TV.

I would like to see more documentaries similar to the Sundance Channels, "Docdays" on Monday evenings.

A better line-up of "Mystery" series. There are so many good possibilities out in literary land that can be turned into interesting series.

STOP rerunning ancient programs like Lawrence Welk, "As time goes by," etc. As good as the Brit series are, they can be retired now.

Thanks for the opportunity to contribute my opinion.

I appreciate the news hour but sometimes it is repetetive and for goodness sake I have had it with the endless primary reportage! The states having primaries or caucuses may be facinated by the "made news" but the rest of us are sick of the endless amount of it. Wouldn't it be nice if there was some clever commentary on the News Hour?

I have been an ardent fan of Masterpiece Theater for more than twenty years. I've always wondered why PBS doesn't showcase some of the classic MT series from years past?

I would like to see more quality dramatic series, be they Mystery and British imports, or home-grown American films. This is my primary reason for coming to PBS--to get what I can't get from the networks; American television is inundated with schlocky sitcoms, overheated police dramas and endless reality shows. So while I very much appreciate the news and the various excellent documentaries over the years, I love PBS for excellent, entertaining, and intelligent dramas like the current MT offering, "Cranford."

As for what is playing on PBS now, frankly I am tired to death of the self-help gurus and pop group reunion shows and Andre Reiu and his schmaltzy ilk. I'm all for great music, particularly in the classic realm; Andre and the Three Tenors and Celtic Thunder, etc. etc. do not qualify as "great music." I'm sorry, but I hate to see PBS "dumbing down."

Here's an idea - Shut down PBS and return all those wasted govt. dollars to the taxpayers.

I like the diversity of the programming on PBS. I like Frontline, Nova, Nature, and Masterpiece Theatre. I understand the p.o.v. of people who do not like programs like Sense and Sensibility, and I would like to see myself more filmed theatre productions of 20th century American plays, like those of August Wilson, Tennessee Williams, etc., but since there are very few places on television that actually present the British literary dramas like Sense and Sensibility, I think the 2 hours per week that Masterpiece Theatre devotes to them to be fairly modest.

I really like American Masters and anything about history.

I agree with the poster who would like to see more programs like Nova. I don't know how well programs teaching mathematics and science would do, but considering how deficient most Americans are in these areas, some programming for adults who want to learn more about these areas seems just as valid as providing more quilting and cooking shows. I didn't like the hokey science programs about people who spontaneously combust and that kind of nonsense. That sort of thing is okay for other channels, but I don't think it's a good fit for PBS.

I definitely hate the specials we get at pledge time--I'm specifically talking about the Suze Orman infomercial program, or Wayne Dyer's lectures, or any of those kinds of programs. I never watch during pledge drives specifically because the programming is a waste of time.

I'm concerned about all of the corporate advertising I'm seeing on PBS, especially from the oil companies and the food producers and that are trying to make us feel better about the way they are abusing natural resources by telling us about what good stewards they are for the environment. I see this as PBS just selling out to the corporations, and I resent it.

I remember that PBS used to have shows on Working Americans--the average person--not the corporate executive. I would like to see those shows again.

Shoot, with approximately 70% of the USA would like to have labor unions, I think it would be good to investigate working America and why it is so difficult to join a labor union in America.

Thanks,

Gregg Dunn

I would like to see in the Miami area new programs related to art quilting or fiber art.

Apparently I am somewhat in the minority but I very much enjoy PBS essentially as it is. Yeh--I love the British comedies and miss ARE YOU BEING SERVED & WAITING FOR GOD. Then, too, the Lawerence Welk Show reminds me (at least) that Television can be--and once was-- good: sometimes even great!. And ole RED GREEN could be my best buddy--and I wish he were. I got an idea on a couple of things I need his help in inventing. Then, too, Andrew (T?), Celtic Dancers, the various singers and singing groups, The Three Tenors all satisfy my quota for culture to a very high degree.

I also enjoy the Pledge Drive programs as they bring together some excellent entertainers. They are usually able to pry $100.00 out of me. SO, in a fashion, I do put my money where I believe it will serve me well. While I have-- I don't know how many-- channels with satilite TV--there exist few other channels I would give a thin dime to support--and some I would pay to get off the air. Yep--I realize I do not have to tune them in--and I don't as a rule. But do we really need the many programs with all the gratuitous vulgar language? It seems to me its just another fall from grace, so to speak! And today the nation does not seem to be running short of those.

I am no prude--as a cattleman I have probably used every colorful word you can imagine--and have even, without doubt, given birth to a few. But this is not to be considered dining table language--we don't need it coming in such vast amounts as we now get in the normal course of events on standard TV fare. Actually, at times, even my cows get mad at me for using these chosen words--they just don't wanr the calves hearing such talk. They figure it a bad influence on them. A am trying to clean my act up a bit for their sake.

These words from an old fart who believes the last really good TV shows were ALL IN THE FAMILY and FRAISER.

Cheers!

I love the regulars: Nova, still good but seems dumbed down and sort of hokey at times. But you still have good topics and most of the topics are very relevant and interesting.

Nature: always wonderful. My children love this.

Masterpiece: more episodes per year. Show the good British programming. I don't have cable and I don't get BBC America. The British made for TV programs are so much better. I'm also interested in more adaptations of American Literature. Yes, we have good literature too!

Mystery! - more episodes please! I love the modern and and "classic" mysteries!

Don't show the Suze Ormans and strange programming during pledge week! Show the best of series. Eg show an old Masterpiece Theatre that had good ratings, show the National Geographic episodes. What's with the odd programming - we NEVER watch during pledge week - we just want our regulars and would pledge for our regular programming!!

Other programs: American Experience, American Masters, all the cooking shows, the do-it-yourself stuff like Ask This Old House, and gardening shows (what happened the Victory Garden ?) Keep these - they are a staple in my family!!

I would replace both Bill Moyers and Frontline with a test pattern composed of the American flag and the bald eagle. This would immediately reduce the one-sided, fabricated and selective presentation of stories and manufactured crises; and begin the process of eliminating the use of public money for politically slanted productions. This is necessary, because the folks involved in these programs would never stand for interference in the slanted views they wish to broadcast, nor presentation of competing facts that tend to discredit the impression these producers want to leave with the viewer. This move won't make PBS fair and balanced, but the test pattern would be a clear sign to the taxpaying public that the day of uncontrolled, unchallenged, and unfettered left-coast bias at PBS are numbered. We can then work on developing a healthy sense of fairness and patriotism with the producers and actors responsible for Gwen Ifel and her band of Beltway-centric liberals and not-so-closeted Democrats. Next, PBS executives could conjure-up the courage to acknowledge that bias and Democratic talking points have feed the networks agenda, and then demonstrate the courage to recommend sunsetting of the legislation that created and continues to fund this anti-competitive propoganda machine of the Democratic Party, and the Party's myriad of special interest groups, with taxpayer money. If not, PBS should register as a 527, before some whistle blower verifies what the rest of us only suspect is going on over there, and the whole lot of them get charged with violating federal campaign laws.

1) Fire Bill Moyers.

2) Run the entire series of Doctor Who from William Hartnell to David Tennant on Saturday nights as a replacement for the old Britcoms.

3) Stop airing doo-wop concerts and other stale performances.

4) Re-run Jeeves and Wooster.

to charlie. I thought your response to henri bernard levy's comment on president carter was weak, to say the least. the guy starts off being a super humanist on Darfur and suddenly becomes a pathetic nationalist when it comes to israel. I thought you could have at least come back with some of Carter's own arguments without risking your own neck on the taboo against criticizing anything israeli. very weak, charlie.you join the ranks of those marginalizing one of the only honest voices on the palestinian israeli conflict. hope you're proud.

to Bill. what about the mormon children being seperated from their mom's. this isn't a witch hunt? ranks right up their with waco. if we're looking for threats to democracy Texas is a bonanza. if the country can't protect its unpopular minorities, there is no democracy. all the other talk about corporate this and that is secondary. I was disappointed the week you had some woman talking abstractly about the seperation of church and state while the mormon children were being carted off. it seemed liked two people academically discussing the pros and cons of capital punishment while someone was being lynched.
we can discuss forever the pros and cons of their lifestyle the legalities or legal absurdities involved, but all one has to do is refer to the catholic churches 13,000 pay outs to victims. when was the last time a catholic church was raided or the mothers seperated from their children for exposing their children to a church that was known to be guilty of child molestation for 50 years. and we're not talking about teenage girls in marriage with mature men but boys being, must I be graffick,... by mature priests.

I love real in depth analysis like Bill Moyers. Independent Lens shows me new things too. Nature is great. Keep doing the stuff the corporate media can't or won't do - that's why you are here.

a video version of Living on Earth
more news coverage on Peak Oil
more news coverage on Overpopulation

Yes I am an environmentalist, I have the same problem as Al Gore. I think EVERYTHING depends on the environment. I even think if you tried REALLY hard you could make it interesting.

I understand thinking about a world where oil is too expensive to buy might be slightly depressing. However, not telling your viewers how to survive this, could actually decrease your viewing audience, PERMANENTLY.

On the other hand, you could pretend that there are no environmetal problems, and that growth can continue forever, because that has worked fine so far. Wasn't that the same logic that allowed Rolls Royce to sell aircraft engines to Germany before WWII? [It also allowed Americans to sell them oil part way through the same war]

WOW! that's it! 'The Best Mistakes' PBS looks at The Treaty of Versailles, The League of Nations, The Dred Scott case, and scores of other mistakes that have made the world what it is today. From the defeat of the ERA to the Supreme Court election of George Bush, PBS shows you the behind the scenes deals that took the world by storm.

You could throw in the one about Nixon's population program not being adopted also.

I thought it would be good for people to see the movie "Dark Secrets Inside Bohemian Grove" I found it very interesting as a documentary. Alex Jones snuck into Bohemian Grove in 2000,and what he video taped is cause for concern. I cant believe more people have not heard about this. Which leads me to think that the mainstream media has not been forthright to the people. You can contact Alex Jones at www.infowars.com

Fire Bill Moyers. And get rid of Frontline. How many episodes are dedicated to how evil Dick Cheney is or how bad Big Oil is?

As a college student, I worked at a PBS station from 1998-2001. The walls were covered with anti-Newt Gingrich stuff and constant anti-Republican jokes went out over email.

PBS is a joke.

Justice in reflecting american lives. Please show programs which show a true representation of citizens across the USA. Stop showing programs from other countries. These programs prevent minorities from being shown in prime time.

Mexican-Americans make up the largest minority in the United States. There are many Mexican-American professionals in the southwest USA and across the country that can address various subjects, from journalism to the arts to the sciences.

Your news programs are good but they do not have any Mexican-American journalists. There are many excellent Mexican-American TV journalists in Texas, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado. Take your pick and hire them for the current PBS news programs.

Film and television schools across the country have excellent Mexican-American graduates from the University of Texas, Southern Cal, UCLA, and other colleges. These current graduates have the talent to write and direct new documentary, drama, or comedy series for PBS. These same schools have excellent Mexican-American actors to act in new programs.

TV and Film talent agencies with Mexican-American talent are just waiting to get calls from PBS and other networks to work on new projects. (I know because I am an actor in Austin and am in tune with the movie industry in Texas). Please INCLUDE A PROPER REPRESENTATION OF MEXICAN-AMERICANS IN NEW PROJECTS FOR PBS.

I would like to see more on the Ron Paul revolution and a convention coverage of the Libertarian, Constitution and Green Parties. Also a debate between the Libertarian, Constitution, Green Party, Republican and Democratic presidential and congressional candidates.

Interview any remaining living witnesses to the JFK assassination. Also the documentaries Freedom to Fascism and Loose Change
How about some shows on cars powered by alternative energy such as the aircar?

The most important living documentarian, filmmaker Adam Curtis is a virtual unkown in the US. His films contain very important analysis of the myth of technological panaceas, consumerist brainwashing and the fraud of the war on terror.

PBS has a duty to show "The Century of the Self", "The Power of Nightmares", and "Pandora's Box."

These are also available at the Internet Archive.

Thanks so much for this opportunity to make our preferences known.

* Love *
*We absolutely count on PBS for honest, comprehensive news that tells the Whole Truth; your Evening News is great.

*We love Frontline and other such documentaries, news magazines, and special series; would love to see Amy Goodman on PBS.

*Bill Moyers, David Brancaccio are wonderful; perhaps add some more centrist/conservative journalists to balance them.

*All of your Nature, National Geographic, Animal Specials, Nova and History programs.

*Spiritual Teachers like Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Louise L. Hay.

*Mister Rogers, Sesame Street, et al. - They are lovely.

*All of your travel programs, especially those of Rick Steves.

*Your cooking and craft shows are loved.

* Want *
*We Really Want to see New Forms of Dance: Hip Hop and Street Dancing; also Native American, Tango, Flamenco, all Latin dances, African, Brazilian Samba, Belly Dance, Indian Temple, Balinese, Poynesian, Caribbean - More, More, More Dance! Ballet is nice, too.

*The Music that should highlight these beautiful dances, from all over the world - World Music! Please!

*Classic Movies - What happened to them? New and old movies with positive themes, suspense, action, love stories - all the best films. We want more movies!

*More Comedy - We would so love to laugh more with your programming. How about (as a regular thing) a lot more of the old classic TV comedies like Sid Ceasar, Steve Allen, Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, Andy Griffith, Carol Burnett, along with Buddy Hackett, Don Rickles, John Belushi - all those wonderful people. Laughter is healing!

*Feature Programs about our Native Americans, and other forgotten minorities in this country. More balanced programming about unique groups of people all around the U.S.. (the Gypsies?)

*Is it possible to get Reruns from Great Series like "Dream On" (HBO), "Frazier" (NBC), "Judging Amy" (CBS), "Seinfeld" (NBC), or "Extras" (HBO)?
We'd sure love to watch more of these.

*Please - More programs with guests such as visionaries Joe Vitale, Ihaleakala Hew Len, Eckhart Tolle, Don Miguel Ruiz, and Daniel Pinchbeck (the greatest teachers of self-discovery of our time).

*More revealing documentaries on current world situations, such as those in Palestine, Tibet, Sudan, China, Latin Anerica and more. We'd truly like to hear the voices and stories of these peoples.

*Please, Please - More concerts with different types of guests: Stevie Wonder, Deva Premal, Buffy St. Marie, Ravi Shankar, Third World, Norah Jones, Anjelique Kidjo, Lhasa, Tshala Muana, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Zap Mama, Women of Mambazo, Susana Baca, Ladysmith Black Mambazo - There are so many fine Female and World Music Artists who We Never See on PBS. Please Bring More Artistic Diversity to your (our) station.

* Dislike *
*The old British shows are really getting "old." What about Great Britain"s version of "The Office" (the original), and other more contemporary BBC programming? Much funnier, less dated and boring.

*The programming for your fundraising weeks is too repetitive - Why not mix it up with some of our favorite regular programs? We always donate and would prefer to see a Movie or Comedy Special more often at these times.

Oops - We forgot to say how much we appreciate Jim Lehrer, Gwen Ifil, and Charlie Rose. Please don't ever leave us, Charlie!

Also - absolutely love the Cadfael Mystery Series. Will you please do more new ones - and just keep 'em coming? We find period pieces such as this medieval program fascinating - and Derek Jacobi is wonderful.

Lastly, the books 'Clan of the Cave Bear' and 'The Mists of Avalon' are two more great "Period Pieces" - we would be so happy to see you do a series with each of these stories story. Talk about a production challenge! Please give it a try.

Thank you again - We are very grateful for PBS.

1. Please rerun the special on George Wallace "Settin the Woods on Fire"
2. Please do a special on how most presidents, presidential appointments and leaders of congress have been CFR members for the past 100 years.
3. A special about the North American Union under the guise of the SPP program and the building of the North American Highway.
4. The drift away from the constitution by eliminating public executions, fiat money instead of gold and silver, the income tax, and various other examples on how the country is drifting away from the constitution. You could start with the possible elimination of the 2nd amendment by the DC bans on guns currently before the supreme court.

I'd like to see more concentration on the visual arts such as actual artists painting, exploring their art world and watching them work. E.g., Simon Schama's series is so incredible and fascinating to learn about the Masters. More! More!

Also, more classical music vis a vis opera, orchestral works, etc. not just the Lincoln Center celebrity fests.

For 20 years I watched "The News Hour" nearly every day and donated to PBS because of its quality and honesty. However the conservative right-wing influence on the show has corrupted its value and I have rarely watched it for the last four years. David Brooks is there for the sole purpose of spinning for the republican propaganda machine. News maker interviews that use Senator John Warner to tell your audience how well the Iraq war is going are useless. Numerous times I saw John Yoo and his treasonous and deadly torture philosophy being espoused with no counter-balance on the News Hour. Does Jim Lehrer and the News Hour assume any responsibility for our torture policies since they allowed Yoo to go essentially unchalenged? Bill Bennett has been used as a right wing pundit despite a history of racist statements. How many retired army generals were sent by the Bush administration to disseminate pentagon propaganda to PBS viewers? Jim Lehrer seems to have lost his integrity and it seems Gwen Iful and Ray Suarez have a bias to support or at least never challenge right wing talking points no matter how ridiculous. News Hour anchors are now not unlike the talking heads on cable or network news programs, with no ability to discus the intellectual merit or value of the opinions provided by the people being interviewed.
I hope you you continue to support Bill Moyers, his views and integrity are extremely valuable to viewers. Science programs like NOVA should also be supported.

I agree with Mike of Illinois's comments. Add programs showcasing FAIR, Axis of Logic, Corporate Watch, and Cultural Survival among others because as it stands PBS views do not expand on such mandates.

There should be some kind of discussion of eating meat from the ecological/climate change and moral perspectives, linking animal exploitation, including wearing fur, mass egg production farming, and the Nazi exterminations. Just view PETA's shocking video of the animal fur industry in China and you will never be the same. The animal rights movement and the link with war promotion is a topic that begs to be aired.

Advertising and its effects on the national culture, Native American rights/sovereignty/language loss/cultural assimilation, and water and land rights, plus discrimination in any form, all need to be vented.
The genocide of the Native American is an important historical fct not publically exposed and goes to the core of how this nation is in denial and the entire issue needs to be addressed to move forward after our government acknowledges its genocide.

The entire question of education in the US, including Ivan Illich's stances and other schooling revolutionaries, is also a critical debate which an entire program could tackle..

Lets be honest, PBS is slanted pretty hard to the Left, as is NPR. Liberalism can not survive the free market (AirAmerica) so it forces itself on us via tax funded programs. This angers me greatly. Lets see some balance, or nothing at all. I'd be happy with This Old House and New Yankee Workshop, 24/7. Seriously though, why not use PBS to compensate for the failing public school system. It could be used to educate. Education in home finances, cooking, job hunting, child raising, DIY home repair, auto maintenance, sewing, disaster preparedness, there are so many subjects out there that Americans would benefit from learning about. What I really do not want to see is politically divisive programs or specials. In fact the neo-lib program NOW should be dropped ASAP. All of us are taxed to pay for PBS. Why should extremist liberal agendas run rampant. Lets use this medium to do some real good. Educate the people on real life needs. Schools aren't doing it. PBS can and should. That would justify the taxing and would motivate me to donate instead of complain.

Why did PBS drop ITN for BBC's news broadcast? ITN was far superior, and who cares about cricket matches or the weather in Bangladesh?

we LOVE NOVA, american masters, american experience but we really like to see from the top on TV,. we always listen to it on saturday am. I would love to see Storycorp on Tv.

I love NOW with Brancchio. I hope it will soon return to a full hour and perhaps more than once a week.

Likewise I love NATURE. The science programs are excellent.

I am thoroughly disgusted with all the time given to religious superstition. And that is what religion - all religion - is: SUPERSTITION.

In refusing to air Richard Dawkins wonderful TV series broadcast on BBC or, for another example, Jonathan Miller's " A Brief History of Disbelief", you are not serving the 16 percent - or likely many more - of your audience that is not religious. If you insist on broadcasting religious nonsense, you need to balance it with some real questioning of religion. In fact, given the fantasyland that religion is, you really do need to broadcast some of the debates, discussions and other programs seriously asking the question: DOES GOD EXIST?

Dear PBS, the only time you have self help programs are around donation time. I would like to see more of those type of programs on a regular basis. How about a one hour weekly program that concentrates on new technologies and latest discoveries in self improvement field?

There are plenty of really great short movies that we never see. It'd be great to have a program dedicated to them on a weekly or monthly basis, also a program on documentaries and more classic movies from around the world.

This nation was built on innovation-- and yet we are slowly dropping lower and lower on international test scores in math and science. Science can be awe-inspiring and interesting, even to non-science folks!

Also, programming about international history! Our euro-centrism has caused us to overlook the amazing roots of the Incan, Mayan, Persian, Ottoman, and so on empires.

First, thanks for asking.

As much as I love As Time Goes By and Keeping Up Appearances, I have seen each show approximately 850 times by now (I may be exaggerating just a tad). I love British shows and they’ve got tons of them over there that we haven’t seen, so please, pick up some new ones. Most of us don’t get BBC America and we are starved for our British fixes--it’s no fun watching on YouTube. When I see a collection of British actors like the ones gathered in Cranford, my heart sings. I miss the days of Monty Python.

I am unabashedly and unapologetically a fan of period pieces. I can never get enough--of the good ones, that is. Spare me the tripe like the new Mansfield Park and Persuasion, add more of Bleak House, Jane Eyre, Cranford, My Boy Jack, show me programs that merit the name “Masterpiece.” I am not averse to viewing dramatizations of classic American literature either! Rerun Upstairs, Downstairs or Brideshead Revisited and I will be your friend for life. (I Claudius would be peachy too and I want to see the sequel to Cranford that the BBC is working on now.) And stop cutting the shows we see over here please.

I want more Masterpiece classic and I liked it much, much better when Mystery was a separate program. By the way, there are tons of good mysteries out there--broaden your horizons a little. I want entertainment that will move me to tears or laughter, or both, and leave me thinking about it for a long time after. (Needless to say, I do not watch network television.) And hands down on the new intro to Masterpiece--Theater for me, thank you very much

Set Ken Burns lose on almost any topic and I’ll watch it.

Your pledge drives actually drive me away from pledging, with those never-ending, schmaltzy musical extravaganzas and new-agey self-help kitsch--big ick!!!

Anything about history--would love to see a series on the wild and wacky Medici, histories of Venice, Florence, programs about Medieval times, the Renaissance, the French Revolution. A history of the papacy, from the sordid to the saintly.

A show about today’s contemporary artists would be interesting. A series on small, overlooked museums with interesting collections.

Programs on contemporary issues and challenges facing other nations, to remind us that we are not the center of the universe and that many of our problems are shared ones.

I am really miffed that our PBS station in North Carolina is not carrying the new Quilting Arts TV show about art quilting--the first new and exciting quilt show to come around in ages. This has definitely not made me feel generous this year.

I have to admit, I am getting most of my news from NPR now--more convenient, more interesting, more varied.

Thanks for listening.

THANK YOU for this opportunity to be heard!

Please continue and perhaps expand Bill Moyers, NOVA, Frontline, American Masters, and history programs. All are "must see TV" for me.

Like an earlier poster, I would like to see inclusion of programs focusing on fiber art and quilts. I'd also enjoy programs about the history and art of the American Southwest, as well American women artists.

And, please re-air the programs (two parts, I think) about the evolution and skills of dogs - that was wonderful and I've recommended it to many people.

Delete, delete, delete! the following: Rick Steves, visionaries such as Dyer, Chopra, and Hay, Andre Reiu, and the Celtic dancers/singers - enough already!!!! And also delete - in general - all talking heads in front of live audiences and replace with a solid program like the recent NOVA offering on the human brain.

My first requst is a return of Masterpiece Theater and Mystery to their own individual identities. I should like to see both run the year long rather than for four months apiece.

Secondly, the old British comedies on Saturday evening should be replaced with more recent programming, either comedy or drama.

Finally, public affairs programming should be expanded. Perhaps one program could critically focus on the keen competition taking place in the worldwide marketplace of ideas. Another program could report on changes occuring as the world turns "green" on a variety of levels - consumer, industrial, transportation, domestic politics and foreign affairs to name a few.

Please offer Amy Goodman the opportunity to do interviews of her choice. She may not have time for it, but if she does, it will add some credibility to your largely whitewashed content. Even four a year would give you journalistic props, and historic snip-its to exploit for years to come.
Bless you all and your dreams of being useful.
John Koester