Over the weekend, a story in the arts section of the New York Times put forth the argument that public television is less necessary today than ever before. PBS programming — Antiques Roadshow, Nova — feels musty, the story argues, and it's far less important in the scheme of things than it was when there were just three broadcast networks directing the course of TV. Now, on the other hand:
"Cable has changed all that. There are not only countless more channels to chose from now, but many offer the kind of stuff that in the past you could see only on public TV, and in at least some instances they do it better."
Are any of you die-hard PBS viewers? What shows do you watch? And do you think the programming still has its place in the 100+ channel, digital cable world?
DSquared
Paula Page
Butterfly
Does anyone else remember the show "Telefrancais" on PBS back in the day? It had the French speaking pineapple-I loooved that show!
1I think the kid's programming on it is still pretty important.
Also, I'm a huge fan of Independent Lens, which presents documentary films that don't get seen elsewhere, and of the numerous archeological and historical specials they have on. Most importantly, I'm obsessed with Masterpiece Theatre, which just went through some revamping.
I think PBS would be a great loss if it went off the air. For kids growing up without cable (like I did), it was a pretty invaluable source of information. I learned more about the world on PBS than on the other big three stations, certainly. Sorry to be long-winded, but I think keeping PBS around is important.
2I don't say that I watch it every day, but I have caught a more than a few documentaries.
3PBS Kids is great. The cartoons are more educational than some of the others. I love Masterpiece Theatre, Austin City Limits, and I recently just enjoyed the fascinating African American Lives 2. Oh and I love Rick Steve's and Rudy Maxa's travel shows.
4I love Antiques Roadshow! It makes me hope my parents have some old piece worth $10,000+, a girl can dream.
5I would argue that for the quality children's programming it offers, there's no replacement. The government's been trying to argue that cable offers the same quality programs - but PBS offers mostly-commercial free programming. And typically the sponsors of PBS kids' programs aren't the same kind of advertisers you'd see on Nick Jr.
Also, not everyone can afford cable. Shutting down PBS would seriously hurt those people who can't afford cable, but want their kids to get a good start.
6DBtabm-
I nearly forgot Rick Steves! Oh lord!! I have a strange crush on that man!
7Austin City Limits and Frontline are enough for me to keep funding it. Also, Sesame Street = key to American existence. It's the only education that some kids really get, with the state of some schools these days.
8I just watched a great Nature special about the effect of shrinking arctic ice on polar and grizzly bear populations. It was really good, I thought.
9I still watch PBS, its kind of a sentimental thing to me. I adore all thier "reality" tv like 1900's house, and Regency house, I also watch antiques roadshow JUST to watch the people in the backround mill about and sport thier stone washed jackets and mullets hoping against hope that the porcelain elvis statue is worth something. I sometimes watch old Dr. Who , are you being served, monty python, all the Mystery shows, Poirot....
10PBS Kids is one of our favorites! We watch when it's on live and also on PBS Kids onDemand! Jakers is a great show!
11Some people don't have cable, and don't want it!!! I love PBS.
12that's a tough one. i think that there are some programs that are relevant but for the most part - the cable networks are carrying similar content now.
13I watch PBS very often. Great Performances, Masterpiece Theatre, Mystery!, News Hour with Jim Lehrer and yes Antiques Roadshow. I greatly enjoyed watching the War documentary etc... and the kids programing is top notch. I wouldn't trade PBS for anything. It's been a part of my life since I was old enough to watch television and I hope when I have kids they will grow up on it as well.
14I agree with wingedkiare. I think the children's programming is especially important and worth fighting to keep on.
15PBS is still one of the best station around. They have the best learn cartoons fore kids. Documentaries and masterpiece theater. These types of show the major networks don't show because they do not generate the same amount of revenue.
16I think it needs a little updating in its marketing and image. The shows are valuable but the packaging is stale.
17I love PBS and watch it often as well!!! I also agree with the above poster the importance it plays in children's programming is unsurpassed even by newer cable channel and shows.
18If it wasn't for shows like Frontline and Charlie Rose, there would be no one questioning the government action i.e. Iraq War.
19PBS is the best!! I love Masterpiece & Mystery!
20They also run the Arts Showcase overnight most nights.
I can't lie, when I had cable, I never watched PBS. But now that I don't have cable, I watch PBS all the time! I love it! I think even if we got cable, I would still watch PBS. Antique's Roadshow and This Old House are my favorite! My man and I also activly donate to our local PBS now.
21I still watch PBS and I look regularly for documentaries that will interest me.
22burt wolf could destroy rick steves in a cage fight
23kristin I think Rick would whip off his amazing glasses , smash them and slit burts throat.
24I LOVE PBS! Sorry for the shouting, but public television is a vital part of American TV. I don't have cable, only bunny ears, and PBS is one of the few stations that I get. Keep PBS!
25caterpillargirl: perhaps, but christopher kimball would stanch the bloodflow with his sweet bowtie, saving burt's life.
26Yes, it fills a huge void that commercial television doesn't even address. Programs such as Frontline, Masterpiece, the various travel programs, Antiques Roadshow and it is the only channel that I see feature great "Art" series (Simon Schama's "Power of Art", etc.) and documentaries and programs that are inclusive of multiethnic and world cultures. For example, the various programs on Native Americans, the new Henry Louis Gates' series, the programming illustrating the experiences of our soldiers in Iraq, and I could go on and on.
Not everyone in this country watches American Idol, Survivor, Dancing with the Stars; some of us want programming that is intellectually provocative and interesting!
27I am such adie hard PBS fan. I guess cable does offer a wide range of programming but I can't see doing away with PBS. I was a PBS kid from Sesame Street to Mr. Roger's Neighborhhod and The Electric Company 3-2-1 Contact and all. I want my kids to have that growing up. I also think PBS offers local programming that can't be found anywhere else. It's so good to have an outlest for regional stories and events. I think PBS is one of the first places I found culture and I can't imagine it going anywhere
28PBS is great! It simply has the best children's shows, the most unbiased news content, and often great local stuff...the New Orleans PBS channel broadcasts the Rex and Comus balls on Mardi Gras- that's important cultural programming, and you know your local ABC, NBC, or CBS affiliate would never "waste time" on cool local stuff like that. Cable is great and all, but it is definitely no replacement for the quality of programming on PBS.
29And Antiques Roadshow is pretty amazing as well.
do i get pbs? i don't know. i used to watch it a lot when i watched more tv. i watch CBC a lot though.
30PBS is the ONLY thing my son watches. I don't like him watching many cartoons, but I don't mind PBS because almost every show on there promotes learning, interaction, and education. I would most certainly fight to keep it.
31I love PBS! I couldn't do without it. I grew up in an area where cable isn't available so the bulk of what I grew up on was PBS and I definitely want my future/hypothetical children to watch PBS like I did. Even now I still watch Nova, masterpiece theater, mystery! and whatever random science shows catch my eye.
32Also their british imports can be spectacular! I loved watching are you being served?, red dwarf and dr who with my dad.
I think it is. I watch it quite often. I love their Great Performances show.
33I love PBS Create! My favorite shows are Rick Bayliss's Mexi One Plate At a Time, This Old House, and History Detective amongst others. Of course it is still relevant, I watch it almost daily!
34The results of this poll make me soooooo happy!!! Ditto to all those citing PBS' quality programming like Sesame Street, Great Performances, etc. And a big "Thank you!" to all who help fund it.
35PBS is so important! It's where I've watched BBC shows like "Coupling" and seen movies like Anne of Green Gables, Doctor Zhivago (with Keira Knightley), so many fabulous Operas (thanks to Great Performances). I love NOVA and their other science programs, and loved growing up watching Are you being served? And other British television shows. It's my favorite channel!
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