Save PBS! A public service announcement

PBS is fighting back, the only way it knows how: peacefully, rationally, and by appealing to the gentler instincts of its loyal fan base. The administration wants to cut them, fine; they’ll cut right back, civilly and orderly, uh, ly.

On the WNET – Channel Thirteen site:

The House of Representatives is about to vote on whether to cut federal funding for public broadcasting by 45 percent – the largest cuts in history. PBS signature series — Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Nova, Frontline, Masterpiece Theatre, The NewsHour, and many others — will all be affected. The House will also vote on whether to eliminate funding for the Ready to Learn program, which supports educational and commercial-free children’s programming on public television.

People, they’re talking about SESAME STREET here. That’s just wrong.(Never mind those awesome “Broadway’s Lost Treasures” programs! I love those!) So, upshot – they want you, your nearest kin and assigns and everyone else to go here and contact your bloody reps in the House.

In the meantime, PBS is rolling out a campaign of email solicitations and TV spots to mobilize forces (I just saw Dr. Bill Baker, President of Thirteen, imploring me to call my rep. Dude, I totally would, but I’m Canadian).

But let’s hope they mobilize fast: “If you wish to express your opinion on this issue, you must act soon. The House of Representatives could take final action on these cuts by Wednesday, June 22.” That’s WEDNESDAY.

Update:
They’re doing it in DC, too. [FishbowlDC]

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