I completely support the idea of public television. This idea is to provide quality programs without undue commercial interference. Furthermore I enjoy many programs both on NPR and PBS. Yet I don’t believe the government should support it. The reason for this is the bias that PBS and NPR have. These broadcasters have every right to hold and promote their views. Yet why should everyone else have to pay to promote their oppinions Many argue that the views espoused in public broadcasting are neutral. They claim that because the network is not beholden to advertisers they are in fact unbiased. The real meaning they are free to promote their own views without having to justify the facts to anyone. Consequently, Public Broadcasting has become a haven for some very far left thinking people. Again, I believe, even though I disagree with most on the left, that they have the right to have their own opinion. Yet again, I don’t believe that I should have to pay for it. Solution: Public Broadcaster should be fully supported by the public by donations. This would force PBS and NPR to balance their approach appealing to a greater audience in order to survive. But here is the rub. PBS and NPR know they cannot be fully supported by the public. This is because the public does not support their far left agenda. The public will not donate money to organization they disagree with. In order to survive they would have to cater to the views of their audience. Yet many of these left leaning broadcasters prefer to lecture their audience instead of giving comprehensive coverage to their viewers. I know many people disagree with my first assessment that PBS and NPR have a liberal bias. These same people may also abject to my second assessment that these broadcasters would not be able to survive without government support. To them I say: Prove Me Wrong. If PBS and NPR can survive with their currant bias without government support then I will stand corrected.
Jared Shane Elliss Alumni, Sociology