I take second place to no-one in my admiration for the radiant wellspring of intellect enshrined in the American jewel that is PBS. But some news reached me today that suggests this intellect may have temporarily failed them: PBS are to finally cancel Mr. Rogers.
Fred Rogers' placid style and charming neighborhood has helped mold and burnish the characters of a countless litany of children for more than forty years. Since he left us in 2002, PBS has steadily reduced the show's airtime to its current level of just once a week. In September, even that will come to an end. Local affiliates will be free to air the program more often if they wish, but without it being available on the network feed the chances of many doing so are woefully slim.
There is, however, still cause for hope: Brian Linder, a long-time admirer of the show, has launched what is clearly a heartfelt campaign to persuade PBS to reconsider. The campaign's official site, SaveMisterRogers.com is a wealth of information about the show and why it's important to ensure its survival. If you have fond memories of watching it yourself, or young children who might benefit from doing so now, I recommend you visit and bookmark the site and help Brian fend off the unjust demise of a show that still has so much potential for teaching.
Fred Rogers' placid style and charming neighborhood has helped mold and burnish the characters of a countless litany of children for more than forty years. Since he left us in 2002, PBS has steadily reduced the show's airtime to its current level of just once a week. In September, even that will come to an end. Local affiliates will be free to air the program more often if they wish, but without it being available on the network feed the chances of many doing so are woefully slim.
There is, however, still cause for hope: Brian Linder, a long-time admirer of the show, has launched what is clearly a heartfelt campaign to persuade PBS to reconsider. The campaign's official site, SaveMisterRogers.com is a wealth of information about the show and why it's important to ensure its survival. If you have fond memories of watching it yourself, or young children who might benefit from doing so now, I recommend you visit and bookmark the site and help Brian fend off the unjust demise of a show that still has so much potential for teaching.
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