Long but worth the read: The Nation on NPR

[1gobluedem]

I work for an NPR affiliate and am highly impressed with this article from The Nation concerning the past, present, and future of NPR news. It's long, but worth the read:

http://thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20050523&s=sherman

[Reverend_Smitty]

1. I just got my issue in the mail today...

the whole mag is devoted to liberal radio this week, I'm excited about this!

[1gobluedem]

2. The whole issue?

Wow, I don't subscribe but I think I'm going to go out and invest in a copy. Thanks!

[Reverend_Smitty]

6. yes

there is an article by Garrison Keillor, one on Air America, Amy Goodman, the NPR story, and a few more...I suggest buying this one

[cprise]

3. PBS and NPR news are pathetic shadows compared to the BBC

Even the CBC is better.

PBS is *not* public: It is controlled by a combination of government, commercial and (largely well-off) donors.

NPR is the excuse for your local affiliate to put BBC World News on the air... some real news as a 'bonus'.

They almost never break major stories! In fact, I can remember none. These two networks need to get a populist funding model to balance the commercial bureaus... or just go away.

[1gobluedem]

4. I think the Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas situation was the last scoop

The real turning point for NPR was when Newt & Co succeeded in changing criterial for federal funding from market size to audience sized (as determined by Arbitron, a very flawed ratings system). To get back to the good old days, we need to change that legislation back so stations are less afraid to take chances.

[cprise]

5. What good old days?

The creation of NPR on "countercultural" (i.e. populist) terms was a one-off.

This article shows that CPB is used for political control of PBS, year-in and year-out before Newt. That is state-run media.

The source of funding could not possibly sustain a populist set of priorities.


Now just look at this BBC interview with Tony Blair
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/newsnight_election_2005/4421655.stm

...just the first 3 minutes if you don't have much time. But PLEASE watch it.

THAT is the power of the license fee!