Philosophy
In the not too distant future I can envision changes at PBS. Changes are needed for the playing field has changed considerably.
It says a lot about the Public Broadcasting Service that at the top of its programming page, the shows the network touts include Antiques Roadshow, Masterpiece, and PBS NewsHour. There's nothing wrong with liking non-partisan news, wondering if you could make a little money off things you've got sitting around, or giving the kids a half-hour in front of Arthur (though I draw the line at Barney and Friends, and mourn the late, great Ghostwriter). But speaking bluntly, PBS has become a network to distract the very young and entertain older folks. It's time to revitalize American public broadcasting.
And because there's a convincing case that PBS no longer needs to act as a counterweight to three dominant privately-held networks, why shouldn't that makeover be fun? Instead of grinding out high-minded educational fare, PBS should hold on to its excellent children's programming, keep doing news work, and devote the rest of its programming to intelligent fictional series, much like BBC One does.
Making smart, captivating shows with shorter runs than the standard 22-episode network order would be great for PBS for several reasons. First, it would give the network relevance and cachet among smart young audiences who are far too old for playtime, but not yet ready to settle down and fill a house with antiques. Much as National Public Radio shook up its brand by aggressively covering and streaming music from indie bands, and Public Radio International drew in young, discerning audiences with This American Life, even just a few smart shows could lure a new generation of viewers towards PBS.
Second, the audience for British-style fictional programming already exists on PBS. Doctor Who, Red Dwarf, and Monty Python's Flying Circus have all aired on the network. Those audiences could be enticed into watching original shows with similarly creative worldviews and executions (and lower production budgets) if PBS created them. In a world where millions of people ironically tune in to SyFy Saturday Night creature features, there's a definite market for smart. PBS should step in, and step up their game.
Premium cable companies have raised standards for television programming by making intelligent, challenging short-season shows--but those channels require viewers to pay for them. PBS could put additional pressure on the basic cable networks by making sure that even folks who can't spring for cable have the option of consistently excellent fictional programming. That would be a real public service.
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Philosophy
A metamorphosis for PBS is needed
In the not too distant future I can envision changes at PBS. Changes are needed for the playing field has changed considerably.
"Turn PBS Into BBC One"
by
Alyssa Rosenberg
July 3rd, 2010
The Atlantic
by
Alyssa Rosenberg
July 3rd, 2010
The Atlantic
It says a lot about the Public Broadcasting Service that at the top of its programming page, the shows the network touts include Antiques Roadshow, Masterpiece, and PBS NewsHour. There's nothing wrong with liking non-partisan news, wondering if you could make a little money off things you've got sitting around, or giving the kids a half-hour in front of Arthur (though I draw the line at Barney and Friends, and mourn the late, great Ghostwriter). But speaking bluntly, PBS has become a network to distract the very young and entertain older folks. It's time to revitalize American public broadcasting.
And because there's a convincing case that PBS no longer needs to act as a counterweight to three dominant privately-held networks, why shouldn't that makeover be fun? Instead of grinding out high-minded educational fare, PBS should hold on to its excellent children's programming, keep doing news work, and devote the rest of its programming to intelligent fictional series, much like BBC One does.
Making smart, captivating shows with shorter runs than the standard 22-episode network order would be great for PBS for several reasons. First, it would give the network relevance and cachet among smart young audiences who are far too old for playtime, but not yet ready to settle down and fill a house with antiques. Much as National Public Radio shook up its brand by aggressively covering and streaming music from indie bands, and Public Radio International drew in young, discerning audiences with This American Life, even just a few smart shows could lure a new generation of viewers towards PBS.
Second, the audience for British-style fictional programming already exists on PBS. Doctor Who, Red Dwarf, and Monty Python's Flying Circus have all aired on the network. Those audiences could be enticed into watching original shows with similarly creative worldviews and executions (and lower production budgets) if PBS created them. In a world where millions of people ironically tune in to SyFy Saturday Night creature features, there's a definite market for smart. PBS should step in, and step up their game.
Premium cable companies have raised standards for television programming by making intelligent, challenging short-season shows--but those channels require viewers to pay for them. PBS could put additional pressure on the basic cable networks by making sure that even folks who can't spring for cable have the option of consistently excellent fictional programming. That would be a real public service.
- Concerts And The Health Of The Music Industry
Off to my annual B.B. King show tonight with Lil Bro and the Old Man tonight. It's always a good time with good music and usually the only concert I go to over the course of the summer. It's not always been that way. I've seen a lot of shows,...
- The Power Of Radio
Today happens to be the birthdays of both Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern. Probably a good time to think about radio. The Republican Revolution of the 90s could not have happened without the power of radio. But now, Obama takes the Presdient's weekly...
- British "open University"...40 Years Later
An early broadcast of the Open University, which went on air for the first time on the BBC on 3 January 1971. A good idea but not the same thing as being on campus. "Open University celebrates broadcasting milestone" The Open University celebrates the...
- Bye, Bye Nova?
"KCET without PBS? Audience says no" KCET's switchboards were recently abuzz after operators floated the idea of possibly severing PBS ties. But large dues and budget woes leave the station with little room to maneuver. by James Rainey August 7th,...
- Dtv Officially Postponed
Four more months of chaos and cost. "Obama signs bill delaying switch to digital TV" Some stations have asked permission to turn off analog signals on the originally planned date -- Tuesday. by Jim Puzzanghera February 12TH, 2009 Los Angeles Times ...