Today, a friend of mine let me know about an email conversation he had with PBS regarding their political coverage this election season. I’ve included, with his permission, the details below. Personally, I’m not one who thinks that PBS has that much of a slant to it when it comes to political coverage, but I don’t watch much more than “NewsHour” here and there. However, this is the second such suggestion I’ve been given this week that the station might not be offering such a fair share to both “sides of the story.” I’ll let you judge for yourself, but please comment (or email) away if you feel the need.
—–Original Message—–
From: Allen, Terry
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2004 12:07 PM
To: XXXXXXX
Cc: Zhou, Lina
Subject: programmingDear Mr. XXXXXXX:
Thank you for writing to Thirteen/WNET New York. We sincerely appreciate comments from our viewers, as we are
committed to presenting a diversity of voices and a wide array of viewpoints through our public affairs programming.
Although I do not find STOLEN HONOR or CELCIUS 41.11 on our list of upcoming programs, I hope you’ll agree that all perspectives of election choices are represented in Thirteen’s variety of programs such as TUCKER CARLSON: UNFILTERED, JOURNAL EDITORIAL REPORT, THE NEWSHOUR, WASHINGTON WEEK, FRONTLINE, TAVIS SMILEY, CHARLIE ROSE, WALL STREET WEEK and NOW WITH BILL MOYERS-not to mention such notables as INDEPENDENT LENS, P.O.V., and FRONTLINE/WORLD.
We understand that not all viewers will agree with any single program’s point of view, which is one reason why Thirteen provides hundreds of hours of public affairs programming each year. Our schedule offers a diverse variety of perspectives; we do hope that you will continue to watch Thirteen/WNET, and find programs that you enjoy.
Again, we appreciate your interest, and look forward to your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Terry Allen
Manager, Member & Viewer Relations
—–Original Message—–
From: XXXXXXXX
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2004 10:27 AM
To: EdOnline Account
Cc: XXXXXXXXX
Subject: Donation question re: programming
Importance: HighI see you ran and are about to run several anti-Bush programs, including last night’s “Rumsfeld’s War”. Are there any plans to run programs showing the other perspective, say “Stolen Honor” or “Celsius 41.11″?
Just want to know before making my next donation.
XXXXXXXX
