Perhaps it should be over for PBS

I have been a member of local stations for years now, and every time when they broadcast a "special program" I hate it and wonder whether we should keep PBS alive.

Of course, they say that we need to donate to watch "such programs" - programs with endless pledge that went - just now - 15 min just to finish a 60s Rock program with an old tape of Joan Baez singing "We shall over come" - in a wonderful quality.

Why can't they just have a message at the bottom of the screen asking for donation with phone number? Even interrupt the program for a minute to detail the "gifts?" No one loves any program that much to sit through the terrible promotion - no matter what celebrity they bring to do so (I lived in SoCal and they had their pick of celebrities).

I'd rather have a nice program with a 2 min commercial every 10 min, or so, over such a "special program." Frankly, this type of pledge would be enough for me NOT to be a member.

There. I feel a bit better.

on Sunday and the commercials were horrific. After the first 10 minutes, there were 20 minutes of promotion. I did find something less annoying and switched because I wasn't hearing what was advertised.

commercials. That alone should keep them viable. Compared to the other crap PBS works well with the worst budget on earth.

during pledge drive. If I look at my PBS station's magazine and see a couple of weeks of normal PBS shows replaced by fluffheaded crap, then I know it's pledge drive time.