Kill Big Bird

Perhaps its finally time to end government sponsorship of NPR and PBS.

Interesting brouhaha which was started by Twitter simply labeling NPR as "State affiliated media" - basically asserting that NPR is a propaganda arm of the government (well Democratic Party). NPR, whose slogan is "Always free and independent," isn't taking this labeling sitting down. They are going to protest by going silent on the social media platform. They have stamped their feet and vowed not to "post fresh content" on Twitter.

This amused me because anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear knows that NPR is State affiliated media. They admit that, "Federal funding is essential to public radio's service to the American public." Well those Federal funds aren't free. They come from the pockets of taxpayers and they come with strings from the folks who want to control the narrative. Sounds like the definition of "State affiliated media."

Not to be left out, PBS too is taking a break from posting on Twitter. They're upset because Elon Musk labeled them "Government-funded media." PBS also insists that their "editorial independence is central to our work and will never change." Yeah right.

I'm doubly amused by the situation because I'm curious to see if NPR or PBS breaks their protest vow of silence to remind people they have a pledge drive going. "Hey we're still not posting fresh content on Twitter but we have plenty of great new content on your local NPR station and BTW we're currently having our fund drive. NPR depends upon listeners like you!" PBS may feel the need to remind people about their great tote bags for donations of just $50. 

Decades ago when the Republicans were trying to reduce government, there was a movement to defund PBS and NPR. Every time that happened PBS would put Mister Rogers and some of the Sesame Street Muppets front and center in front of a Congressional hearing to defend PBS (and NPR). There would then be the accusations that the Republicans wanted to "kill Big Bird!" 

But today Fred Rogers is no longer alive and his open Christianity and agenda-free wholesome programming would not be able to get aired these days on PBS. And the Children's Television Workshop got sold for a boatload of money to HBO in 2016. 

Perhaps it is time to "kill Big Bird" and end government support of both NPR and PBS. They don't want to be labeled as "State affiliated" or "Government-funded" and many don't want their tax dollars to be spent on these vanity projects any more.

The solution is simple. And this way neither NPR or PBS needs to post new content on Twitter. Everyone gets what they wanted.

(I'd mention the CBC getting their panties in a twist too but I don't care about the CBC.)