Why they hurting on us dilapidated Old Folks?

This author still listens to PBS on his 9-Volt Transistor Radio, and he love hearing stories from around the World. They are easy listening and calms my restless spirit. I implore you to get to listening to one Today. Folks might not understand, but where we still don’t have WIFI but they put in the Tubes in the grown for fiber optics and then they just Quit installing cause the money was yanked back away by the government. Tubes in the ground, but no fiber in them. How can any government be such an “Indian Giver”?

The Unseen Pillars: Public Broadcasting and the Soul of a Nation

For generations, across the vast expanses of America and the historic lands of Europe, a subtle yet profound force has shaped minds, broadened horizons, and knitted communities together: public radio and television. These vital institutions, often operating quietly in the background, have served as indispensable sources of information, education, and cultural enrichment. From the faint crackle of a 9-volt transistor radio held close in the dark to the warm glow of a television screen powered by old tubes, millions, like yourself, have relied on these broadcasts. To contemplate their cessation due to the withdrawal of government funds is not merely a budgetary concern; it is to envision a void in the cultural and informational landscape that would profoundly diminish the very fabric of society.

A Beacon in the Airwaves: The Dawn of Public Broadcasting

The story of public broadcasting is one rooted in a vision of public good, a counterpoint to the burgeoning commercial interests that quickly dominated the airwaves. In the United States, the concept of non-commercial, educational broadcasting began to take shape in the post-World War II era.¹ The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) played a crucial role, reserving a portion of the broadcast spectrum for noncommercial educational purposes in 1945 for radio and in 1952 for television. This foresight laid the groundwork for what would become a unique American institution.

Houston’s KUHT-TV, in 1953, became the first non-commercial educational television station to go on air, a testament to the early belief in television’s potential beyond mere entertainment.² While early support was sporadic, the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 marked a pivotal moment, establishing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).³ This act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, created a mechanism to channel federal support to public stations and producers nationwide, laying the foundation for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in 1969 and National Public Radio (NPR) in 1970.⁴

Across the Atlantic, Europe’s public broadcasting story unfolded with its own distinct flavor, often predating its American counterpart and embracing a more centralized model from the outset. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), formed in 1922, stands as a titan of public service media.⁵ Under the leadership of figures like John Reith, the BBC was established not on advertising, but on a license fee, paid by every household with a radio, and later, a television.⁶ This model, prioritizing public service over commercial gain, allowed the BBC to become a global standard-bearer for quality programming, from groundbreaking news to unparalleled documentaries and dramatic productions.

Germany’s public broadcasters, like ARD and ZDF, emerged from the post-war landscape with a decentralized, federal structure, ensuring independence from government influence.⁷ France, too, established a public monopoly on broadcasting after 1945, with institutions like Radiodiffusion Française (RDF), later ORTF, providing a state-controlled, yet culturally rich, broadcast service.⁸ These European models, with their emphasis on universal access and independence, provided a vital counter-narrative to purely market-driven media.

Tremendous Deeds and Unseen Impact

The deeds of public broadcasting are not measured in profit margins or advertising revenue, but in the intangible yet invaluable contributions to knowledge, culture, and civic engagement.

In America, PBS became a classroom without walls. From the gentle wisdom of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and the vibrant educational world of Sesame Street, public television revolutionized early childhood education, preparing generations of children for school and life.⁹ Imagine a childhood without the profound wonder of Nova, unraveling the mysteries of science, or the historical sagas brought to life by Ken Burns, weaving narratives that deepen our understanding of the American experience. These programs, free from commercial interruptions, allowed for deeper dives into complex subjects, fostering critical thinking and a love of learning.

NPR, with its distinctive sound and in-depth reporting, became the soundtrack for millions, from morning commutes to quiet evenings. Programs like Morning Edition and All Things Considered have provided rigorous, nuanced journalism, offering perspectives often absent from commercial news. They have been a lifeline for independent artists, a platform for diverse voices, and a source of calm, informed discourse in an increasingly polarized world.¹⁰ The listener, often with a simple transistor radio, became part of a larger, informed community, connected to global events and local stories.

Winston Churchill As Prime Minister 1940-1945 H2646A

In Europe, the impact has been equally profound, perhaps even more deeply ingrained in the national psyche. The BBC’s commitment to impartial news and in-depth analysis has been a bedrock of British democracy. Winston Churchill himself recognized the power of radio during World War II, utilizing the BBC to deliver his stirring wartime speeches, rallying a nation and inspiring the world. The BBC’s natural history programs, pioneered by figures like David Attenborough, have not only captivated audiences but have also spurred global environmental awareness.¹¹ European public broadcasters have consistently championed the arts, showcasing theater, classical music, and avant-garde productions that would rarely find a home on commercial channels.¹² They have served as vital platforms for national identity, cultural preservation, and the exploration of complex social issues.

These institutions have consistently filled needs unmet by commercial media. They have ventured into “news deserts,” providing essential local reporting where commercial outlets have retreated. They have delivered emergency information during crises, bridging gaps where commercial networks might prioritize profit.¹³ They have been innovators, pioneering technologies like closed captioning and satellite distribution, always with a view towards greater public access.

The Madness of Defunding: A Threat to the Public Good

The notion that such invaluable institutions could cease to exist due to the withdrawal of government funds is, as you aptly put it, a “ridiculous madness.” Arguments for defunding often cite concerns about political bias or the existence of a “diverse” media landscape.¹⁴ However, these arguments fundamentally misunderstand the role and impact of public broadcasting.

Firstly, while federal funding for public broadcasting in the U.S. is a critical “seed money,” it represents a minuscule fraction of the overall federal budget – often less than 0.01%.¹⁵ This investment, however, leverages significant non-federal support from individuals, corporations, and foundations, creating a powerful public-private partnership.¹⁶ For many smaller, rural stations, federal funding can represent a substantial portion of their budget, making its loss potentially “existential.”¹⁷ To claim that public broadcasting is no longer relevant in an age of abundant media options overlooks the unique and vital niche it fills: providing commercial-free, in-depth, and often local content that commercial entities, driven by profit motives, simply cannot or will not produce.

Secondly, the assertion of political bias often ignores the decentralized nature of public broadcasting. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) distributes funds to independent local stations, which then make programming decisions based on their community’s needs.¹⁸ While there will always be debates about journalistic objectivity, public broadcasters are held to a higher standard of impartiality than many commercial news outlets, precisely because of their public service mandate. The goal is to inform, not to inflame.

To dismantle this system is to dismiss the immense public benefit accrued over decades. It is to silence voices, shutter local newsrooms, and deny access to educational and cultural resources for millions.¹⁹ It is to assume that the market, left entirely to its own devices, will adequately provide for the informational and cultural needs of a diverse populace – an assumption demonstrably false in many areas.

The Undeniable Legacy and a Call to Action

The history of public broadcasting is not merely a chronology of stations and programs; it is a narrative of collective aspiration and enduring value. It is the story of how a society, through conscious public investment, chose to prioritize education, culture, and informed citizenship over pure commercialism.

From the crackle of a transistor radio pulling in news from distant lands, connecting a listener in rural America to the heartbeat of the world, to the shared experience of families gathered around a television set, learning and exploring together, public broadcasting has woven itself into the fabric of daily life. It represents a promise: that knowledge and cultural enrichment should be accessible to all, not just those who can afford it or those served by the most profitable demographics.

Congress, or any governmental body, cannot truly “undo what has been done by the orders of an Overlord” in the sense of erasing the indelible mark public broadcasting has left on generations. The memories, the lessons learned, the connections forged – these are imprinted deeply. But they can cripple its future, diminish its reach, and deny future generations the same invaluable resources.

Are we dilapidated Old Folks such a burden on America that they must take away Our Public Radio and Public TV Stations away too?

We must ignite the dream ambers of creation in the reader, just as a teacher sparks curiosity in a child. We must remind ourselves, and our representatives, of the profound societal benefits that flow from these dedicated channels of communication. The continued support for public radio and television is not a handout; it is an investment in an informed, educated, and culturally rich citizenry.²⁰ It is an affirmation that some things are too precious to be left solely to the whims of the market. Let us stand united in ensuring that the voices of public broadcasting continue to resonate, strong and clear, for all who seek to listen and learn.