Pennsylvania PBS funding cut -- help!

[Drtooth]

At times like these it would be nice to see one of those marathon funraisers to rasie money to save PBS, while seeing new SS stuff and other PBS shows for kids and remind the public of how they differ from the other channels.

Instead of the financial advice infomercials, the Celtic concerts (where out of 20 songs, they sing ONE actual Irish Celtic song. "And they Called it Puppy Love" and "Sailing" aren't Celtic. What are you gonna sing next? Sakura? Hava Nagila? something by Lady Blacksmith Mombaza? ), Doo Wop Concerts, why not a new Sesame Special (It's gonna be 40, you know) or something like that?

I truely miss when they had special programming like the Wallace and Grommit shorts, PBS show/Britcom retrospectives, and specials based on existing PBS shows. I remember in 2002 or so, they even had Elmo's Happy Holidays special airing during pledge month.

 

[fleecenotfelt]

Instead of the financial advice infomercials, the Celtic concerts (where out of 20 songs, they sing ONE actual Irish Celtic song. "And they Called it Puppy Love" and "Sailing" aren't Celtic. What are you gonna sing next? Sakura? Hava Nagila? something by Lady Blacksmith Mombaza? ), Doo Wop Concerts, why not a new Sesame Special (It's gonna be 40, you know) or something like that?

I truely miss when they had special programming like the Wallace and Grommit shorts, PBS show/Britcom retrospectives, and specials based on existing PBS shows. I remember in 2002 or so, they even had Elmo's Happy Holidays special airing during pledge month.

i would say the only hindrance to creating a network special to fundraise for pbs is the actual cost of creating it in the first place! you have to sink in money for a good writer, and then filming for puppets is SO EXPENSIVE because of all the money you have to spend for henson, performers, studio time..... i would think that it's just a whole bunch cheaper to film the various concerts where costs are already amortized since they're getting both a live event (with ticket revenue) as well as a broadcast special. two birds, one stone. (ps, i thought the david foster one was awesome!)

it's such a shame that several pbs stations across the country are suffering from huge budget cuts; i really do think it's the best place to get unique programming that's educational and entertaining. i FINALLY contributed to my local station-- and i can't wait to get my masterpiece theatre tote! w00t!