Our PBS station always goes to “begging” about a week or two before the finale of the shows we watch there (This Old House, e.g.) during which time they switch between outright begging and showing hoary old “viewer favorites” interspersed with begging. This typically goes on until after the finales are done… Both thumbs DOWN!
There are so few PBS shows that I follow anymore that I don’t even miss them when they get dropped in favor of pledge programming. Oh, Nova is not on tonight? I’ll read a book, instead.
The public radio stations (NPR) I worked for, by far, had the nicest facilities, best equipment, and best employee pay of any radio stations I experienced. My limited experience with PBS was similar.
But we only give credit to the big corporate donors, who can give way more than you just by digging out the spare change from between the couch cushions in their lobby.
PBS has QUALITY programming! The networks have gone off their rockers, and all we get is many scripted “Reality” shows, stupid game shows by the dozen, and LONGER and LOUDER commercials, less program! Even cable companies have gone to crap! Repeat programming, and out of 600 channels, only a handful is worth watching….$$$$$ Frankly, I’m sick of it all! Some channels have the same repeat programs on for years….LAME!
There are many programmes on PBS that we enjoy. Some are even imports from commercial networks in other countries. Downton Abbey was made for a commercial network in England, what we saw just had the commercials taken out. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and A Place to Call Home were the same, but from Australia. And APTCH introduced us to Marta Dussledorp and that led to Crownies and Janet King, both also commercial programmes but played on PBS with the commercials cut out. PBS has good programmes of its own, you just have to look for them. BTW, Ken Burns’ 3 hours of Hemingway premiers with the first hour tonight. TTFN.
I watch a number of Masterpiece Theaters and shows like NOVA that the History, Science, and Discovery channels should show but don’t. But there’s been so much liberal social justice garbage lately that I don’t feel bad about not donating.
KQED has shows from PBS as well as those local to the Bay Area. I’m very pleased with them and do contribute, which gives me Passport standing. Passport status allows access to a huge number of shows via apps on my ROKU and Apple TV, often with entire previous seasons. For example Nova, Nature, American Masters, Frontline, Finding Your Roots, and so many more. It’s a bargain.
As I recall, the amount of Federal funding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (PBS and NPR) was cut way back in the early 1980s. Hence, more fundraising appeals and Suze Orman specials.
momofalex7 over 3 years ago
Why? Because he hasn’t made a donation?
Concretionist over 3 years ago
Our PBS station always goes to “begging” about a week or two before the finale of the shows we watch there (This Old House, e.g.) during which time they switch between outright begging and showing hoary old “viewer favorites” interspersed with begging. This typically goes on until after the finales are done… Both thumbs DOWN!
Farside99 over 3 years ago
After I donated, they cancelled some of the ones that I wanted. Never again.
Wilde Bill over 3 years ago
There are so few PBS shows that I follow anymore that I don’t even miss them when they get dropped in favor of pledge programming. Oh, Nova is not on tonight? I’ll read a book, instead.
STEPUP over 3 years ago
Some stations have taken tin-cupping to a new level!!!
wiatr over 3 years ago
I used to feel that way but since I found out that my son contributes I don’t feel that awkward.
Doug K over 3 years ago
Like you – but not you. So what are you going to do?
John Wiley Premium Member over 3 years ago
The public radio stations (NPR) I worked for, by far, had the nicest facilities, best equipment, and best employee pay of any radio stations I experienced. My limited experience with PBS was similar.
MickMaus over 3 years ago
I was told they receive tax dollars. If so, I contribute, if not, too bad.
Andrew Sleeth over 3 years ago
But we only give credit to the big corporate donors, who can give way more than you just by digging out the spare change from between the couch cushions in their lobby.
Gent over 3 years ago
I never knews Pearls Before Swine program was funded by folks.
Zebrastripes over 3 years ago
PBS has QUALITY programming! The networks have gone off their rockers, and all we get is many scripted “Reality” shows, stupid game shows by the dozen, and LONGER and LOUDER commercials, less program! Even cable companies have gone to crap! Repeat programming, and out of 600 channels, only a handful is worth watching….$$$$$ Frankly, I’m sick of it all! Some channels have the same repeat programs on for years….LAME!
Oldbutnotstupid over 3 years ago
They are a liberal mess, touting what the Doumbocrates say, Just like CNN idoits Scr**m
Teto85 Premium Member over 3 years ago
There are many programmes on PBS that we enjoy. Some are even imports from commercial networks in other countries. Downton Abbey was made for a commercial network in England, what we saw just had the commercials taken out. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and A Place to Call Home were the same, but from Australia. And APTCH introduced us to Marta Dussledorp and that led to Crownies and Janet King, both also commercial programmes but played on PBS with the commercials cut out. PBS has good programmes of its own, you just have to look for them. BTW, Ken Burns’ 3 hours of Hemingway premiers with the first hour tonight. TTFN.
dwagner200 over 3 years ago
I watch a number of Masterpiece Theaters and shows like NOVA that the History, Science, and Discovery channels should show but don’t. But there’s been so much liberal social justice garbage lately that I don’t feel bad about not donating.
WCraft Premium Member over 3 years ago
Gotta love neutral and unbiased programming – especially since it is partly funded by American tax-payer dollars.
Lightpainter over 3 years ago
Why is she telling the dog that the guy feels awkward? Seems like it should be another human on the couch.
NaturLvr over 3 years ago
I don’t feel awkward at all…I just say “You’re welcome” and enjoy the program.
LJZ Premium Member over 3 years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef7cTuVUiWs&ab_channel=JoeSmith
6th Billiard Ball Student over 3 years ago
I donate to PBR…Pabst Blue Ribbon. PBS money is pickpocketed ( stolen) from us by unforgiveable acts of the politicians.
LeftCoastBoomer Premium Member over 3 years ago
KQED has shows from PBS as well as those local to the Bay Area. I’m very pleased with them and do contribute, which gives me Passport standing. Passport status allows access to a huge number of shows via apps on my ROKU and Apple TV, often with entire previous seasons. For example Nova, Nature, American Masters, Frontline, Finding Your Roots, and so many more. It’s a bargain.
JeromeBlue Premium Member over 3 years ago
Kill your television. I haven’t watched since the 1970s.
tudza Premium Member over 3 years ago
We would like to thank the steel I beam under the studio floor for its support, without which we would be in the basement.
mkvinc Premium Member over 3 years ago
As I recall, the amount of Federal funding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (PBS and NPR) was cut way back in the early 1980s. Hence, more fundraising appeals and Suze Orman specials.