SPECIAL COMMENTARY: SUPPORTING PBS IS MONEY WORTH SPENDING

Ove Overmyer
(photo:  Bess Watts)

Rochester, N.Y.-- It’s sometimes surprising how many people overlook the fact that education and opening previously locked doors are at the core of PBS's mission. Public broadcasting has been a pillar to the essential, life-long learning for the Greater Rochester area for nearly half a century. As a public librarian and promoter of the Arts, my core beliefs could not be more in sync with PBS.

Many individuals are aware of the PBS Kids schedule, WXXI's own education productions called Homework Hotline and Assignment: The World, as well as their engaging PBS series like NOVA, American Experience and Nature.  My children learned their computers skills by navigating pbskids.org at the Central Library in downtown Rochester, N.Y..

But their mission of education goes far deeper than programming, as they extend way out to the community in many different ways. 

I have always been a fanatical supporter of PBS, NPR and WXXI, all of which provide quality programming not found anywhere else in this universe. Many countries that we compete with in this global economy also subsidize programming for the greater good, so we are not alone in realizing the value and ability to connect hearts and minds.

PBS programming stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, opens cultural horizons and promotes understanding of diverse issues like no other world media messenger. To me, WXXI is the area's most trusted media partner and best public broadcaster in the nation in the way it strengthens our community. CSEA Local 828 is a proud supporter of WXXI, our local PBS affiliate.

PBS transforms lives

Growing up in a large family with a younger sister who has special needs, I knew almost immediately the value of children's programing and it's profound impact on a child's intellectual and social development. We would spend hours and hours after school together watching Sesame Street's Big Bird, Bert and Ernie and the Electric Company-- I knew that this programing was giving her the lift she needed at time when she faced so many physical and psycho-social challenges.

For me, NPR can be relied on to provide top-notch, reliable, serious, in-depth reporting on the important issues of the day. It is a refreshing alternative to the corporate agenda-driven local news stations and the nationally syndicated radio talk shows that tend to skew the facts in favor of certain ideologies.

PBS, for its part, offers a variety of cultural programming that would never be seen on network and cable shows because it does not live and die by ratings alone that help sell advertising that makes the business world go 'round and 'round.  Their content is often raw, eye-popping, jaw-dropping documentaries that get to the essence of the human condition.  They let you explore new ideas and discover new worlds right from your own livingroom.

It's not hard to believe that iconic shows like American Masters, Frontline, POV, Independent Lens and In The Life are being attacked by GOP zealots in the House. After all, it's scary when you see diversity, truth, misery, injustice and the human spirit soar when an accurate reflection of people and our world events come tumbling into focus. PBS is the antithesis of the spin and outright propaganda that spew from the fanatical outliers on the crowded political print, cable and Internet stage.

GOP has been attacking public media, well, forever

This isn't a recent development either. Conservative Republicans have been attacking NPR and PBS since the Nixon days. Now Tea Party folks and various other libertarians are after them as well-- thinly-disguising their efforts in the name of deficit reduction while the whole damn world knows their true intentions. Their motivation is purely ideological. Contrary to their beliefs, the CBO has repeatedly said that defunding PBS has zero affect on the national debt or deficit.

Conservatives don't like NPR and PBS because of their perceived liberal bias and political correctness. Of course, to them, any ideas that are not in the good graces of right-wingers are an anathema and should be supressed. Heaven forbid that taxpayer funds are spent on valuable programming that reflects an accurate assessment of the diversity and disparity within our complex society.

Many small-budget stations would be placed in a serious financial bind if the GOP got their way. They would no longer be allowed to purchase any programming with federal funds. The communities they serve would be unable to provide sufficient support to fill that gap, leaving these stations no options for maintaining service.

PBS will emerge stronger

I am confident NPR and PBS can survive these attacks because most of their funding comes from viewers like you who appreciate how this programing affects the quality of their lives. We are so fortunate to live in the Rochester, N.Y. area where we have access to such high-quality programming provided by organizations like WXXI, NPR and PBS.

And, at a time when other news organizations are cutting back and the voices of pundits are drowning out fact-based reporting and thoughtful analysis, stations like WXXI are delivering in-depth news and information respectfully and with civility. It would be a tragedy of Greek proportions for America to lose this national treasure.  I couldn't think of a better way to spend our volunteer and tax dollars-- it truly benefits the common good.

-Ove Overmyer
Assistant Reference Librarian, Rochester Public Library
CSEA, President of City of Rochester Library Workers Unit 7420
CSEA, VP Monroe County Local 828
 
The opinions expressed here by Mr. Overmyer are the views of the author only and does not represent CSEA as an organization.