Public Media

[CBL4]

In the 1960s, when these new technologies [cable TV and satellite] were in their birth pangs, there was a widespread discussion based on the reasonable assumption that in time these new capacities would be used for the public good. Conferences of technologists, social scientists, economists and journalist considered how best to use them. Major foundations issued highly researched possibilities for a rich spectrum of noncommercial programs. (p258)

The multiple public channels could be devoted to all age and taste categories for education, work-related skills, and noncommercial entertainment. Every city of any size could have clusters of channels strictly for local programming of its choice. (p257)
Note: I quoted these out of order because it seems to flow better to me this way.

We have PBS. We have local access TV shows. We have C-SPAN. Most cable TV networks broadcast city council meetings live. Most university have cable TV classes.

Is this enough? Or should government be more involved in broadcasting?

CBL

 

[Mycroft]

I think we have enough, though that may be what the government wants me to think and I just don't have access to the information that would cause me to think otherwise.

 

[CBL4]

That was my first reaction as well. Then I started thinking a little more and decided it was probably only because I was used to it.

I like NPR. Unforturnately in some cities, they spend too much time playing music instead of the informative shows.

PBS spends a lot of time airing stuff (e.g. Dr. Who or Masterpiece Theater) that belongs on cable TV. With national geographic and the history channel, how much do we need PBS? It does have some great documentaries, The News Hour and Sesame Street. So I think it does serve a purpose that it not being met else where. I do not think TV is the place for most of the other stuff Bagdikian is talking about - the internet is.

I think the government should get into training and education on the internet. I think the idea of having educational lecture available 24/7 is a great idea. Occupational and life skills (e.g. using a checkbook, gardening) training would also be good use of the internet. Governments and schools should start doing this. The wonderful thing about the internet is whatever is done, stays done at virtually no cost.

So I guess, I am happy enough with the status quo in radio and TV but we should start taking advantage of the internet more and more.

CBL