MIKE GONZALEZMIKE Senior Fellow, The Heritage Foundation The Foundation Heritage Senior Fellow, NPR AND PBS? TO FUND TO ASK TAXPAYERS FOR CONTINUING JUSTIFICATION IS THERE ANY

knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND HISTORICAL WHY IT CHANGE MUST EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION CONTENTS 8 27 5 3

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Contents knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 3 may fail yet again,may the time is ripe for such action. The argument for defunding is bias that exists in public broadcasting. True, a government is that $20 trillion in debt should not fund a service is that especially Constitution, the of powers enumerated the among included not reaction clear to violations of been this mandate have repeatedly stymied. Scalia was once again clairvoyant when he said defunding would be “politically difficult in view of … the generallyfavorable public image which hasCPB developed.” The same can be said for impracticable effortsto strip out the publicbroadcasting component. a new Republican 2017, president In strategy the Though broadcasting. public for funding eliminate to promises would life make “very uncomfortable” shutting by down “some of their Committee.” Appropriations the in activities leaders conservative by Attempts materialized. not has consequence That from Nixon onward defund to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in appropriated or even approved by any branch of the Federal government.” government.” Federal the of branch any by approved even or appropriated During the debates throughout leading 1967 passage to of the bill, Senator William Springer included a ban on opinion becausehe felt “the that fastest get to it [publicway broadcasting] changed something to else was get to it also Cotton Norris Senator colleague His editorializing.” business the of into warned if that public broadcasters ever exhibited such a bias, Congress educational endeavor out of fear including that it would be constitutionally political generate would taxpayer-funded opinion that dubious, and Friendly Fred broadcasting, public of godfather liberal the Even controversy. of the Ford Foundation, understood “we that all must costs at avoid any situation in which budgets of news and public-affairs programmingwould be signed the Public Broadcasting which set Act up public of 1967, broadcasting mark - we 1967 the half-centuryin the United States 7, on Nov. anniversary this year - he warned against it degenerating services into “could that mislead as well as teach,” which is regrettably wherewe find ourselves today. Legislators the at time fought hard keep public to affairs out of a purportedly as “a vital public resource enrich to our homes, educate our families and to provide assistance our to classrooms” Johnson Lyndon by in his State 1967 of the Union address, what was then known as educational televisionquickly not would it insisted government in originators its something into morphed become: a liberal forum forpublic affairs and journalism. When Johnson created, a 35-year-old lawyer in the Nixon White House warned that long-range of problem a with “confronted being were conservatives a government- of development is, the - that consequences social significant funded broadcast system similar That the to lawyer BBC.” was Antonin Scalia, future Supreme Court justice, whose judicial rulings and observations would him make a conservative icon. His predictions were correct. Pledged EXECUTIVESUMMARY mid-1971,In less than a year after the Public Broadcasting Service was

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Executive Summary knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 4 a paper written during the anniversary of the great public broadcasting debate, it will its make case dissecting by the historical record and the broadcasting. public of antecedents cultural and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.” This paper will build on the academic among work of, others, Charles S. Clark Congressionalat Burrus Quarterly, The Institute at Trevor Cato and Patricia Chuh The at Catholic University of America. The author would also to like thank his intern Maiya Clark for her invaluable help and insights. Andas befits environment. But taxes should not becoerced from the citizenry fund to expression is that consistently found lack to balance, a position upheld by courts in other contexts. Thomas Jefferson, who never heard a broadcast, furnish to “to man compel a observed that he when right undoubtedly was disbelieves he which opinions of propagations the for money of contributions when the original justification no longer holds in the present technological technological present the in holds longer no justification original the when

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Executive Summary knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 5

3 (accessed (accessed http:// coalition coalition (accessed July 20, 2017). http://www.heritage.org/ . bien pensant pensant bien , Vol. 8 No. 2, May 15, 2013, (accessed June 30, 2017). points out the that study in which that 4 http://www.americanpublicmedia.org/american-public-media- Environmental Research Letters Research Environmental a unit set up the by liberal Tides Foundation look to 1 https://www.marketplace.org/topics/sustainability Public broadcast apologists might counter with that percent 97 of 2 3 John Cook, Dana Nuccitelli, Sara Green, Mark Richardson, Barbel Winkler, Rob Painting, Robert Way, Peter Jacobs, and Andrew Skuce, iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/8/2/024024 4 Nicolas Loris, David Kreutzer, Katie Tubb, and Kevin Dayaratna, “The State of Climate Science: No 2016, 22, April Foundation, Heritage The Extreme for Politics,” Justification environment/report/the-state-climate-science-no-justification-extreme-policies#_ftnref4 1 Sustainability, 1 2 “American Public Media Receives $2.1 Million from Tides Foundation for Global Sustainability Desk,” American Pubic Media, August9, 2005, receives-2-1-million-from-tides-foundation-for-global-sustainability-desk/ NPR and PBS do not broadcast government propaganda. But they do do they But propaganda. government broadcast not do PBS and NPR represent the views of a particular group - those of the politically correct elite left - whose assumptions frame public affairs programming on public broadcasting. This group is comprised of a entertainers, philanthropists, academics, bureaucrats, government of fact. That framework would ignore - perhaps because not they have heard - conservative critiques assertion. of that One such critique made by Foundation Heritage The at colleagues claim is made does not standup scrutiny. to Writers and announcers for NPR be unawaremay of other perspectives and their own biases. “Sustainability Desk,” climate-relatedat stories through the lens of environmental and social justice. warming,” global man-made on “the opinion endorsing consensus scientists the unsustainability of refusing follow to the Paris Agreement is a scientific NPR andNPR PBSdeny they are biased and insist they just report the news. this In case, they might argue “sustainability” that is not an ideologically loaded term but simply a synonym for “action on climate change.” After all, American at after programs radio public producer of largest second the - Media Public - storiesNPR about energy on the show “Marketplace” are reported theby would follow the President’s actions were unsustainable. NPR, News at Public smaller other the and counterpart) television ServiceBroadcasting (NPR’s public broadcasters almost framed always is, manner in like however, within the ideological assumptions of liberal elites. What is produced is a quality product - butone the to skews that left. announced he that would pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement on climate change, National Public Radio informed its listening audience thethat U.S. president’s actions notwithstanding, China, Europe and many direction.” sustainable a “in work to continue would corporations private was notNPR ostensibly giving the opinion individual of any or institution. It was simply reporting the news while also implying the that practices that INTRODUCTION On the morning one after day of June President had 2, 2017, Trump June 30, 2017).

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Introduction knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 6

http:// https:// 6 10 , July–August , The Atlantic The (accessed July 18, 2017). Conservative leaders must must leaders Conservative 11 http://www.cpb.org/funding#footnote02 On the live wire issue ofnational 7 (accessed June 21, 2017) are warning the that emphasis on 9 The views of this group almost favor always 5 two of the fiveactivities that receive fundingto do have 8 (accessed June 20). http://dailysignal.com/2017/01/21/trump-should-end-government-funding-of-nprs-biased- . https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/07/the-democrats-immigration- issue, mistake/528678/ 10 Michael Lind, “The New Class American War, Affairs,” May 20, 2017. American Affairs Journal. americanaffairsjournal.org/2017/05/new-class-war/ 11 Pew Research Center, “Where News Audiences Fit on the Political Spectrum,” October21, 2014, www.journalism.org/interactives/media-polarization/outlet/npr/ 7 Mike Gonzalez, “Trump Should End Government Funding of NPR’s Biased News,” The Daily Signal, January 2017, 21, news/ Justification and Request Appropriations Federal 2018–2020 8 (accessed July 3, 2017). 9 Peter Beinart, “How the Democrats Lost Their Way on Immigration,” 5 James Burnham, The Managerial Revolution, (New York, Penguin Books,1941). 6 Laurence Jarvik, PBS: Behind the Screen, (New York: Crown Publishing Group, 1998), pg. 201. perceives persistent bias. Conservatives up an infinitesimally make small broadcasting. public for audience the portion of now find the intestinal fortitudeto free Americans from the tax obligation fundto 2018 it. budget, President which Trump’s includes the removal of asked fund to the work of journalists. children Teaching count to can be done in a neutral fashion, as can a cultural series on Shakespeare. The nature of publictends affairstoward politicization. itself, however, A documentary on the Vietnam or climate change War will necessity by involve opinion. The spectrum political the of side one when acute more the all become problems diversity because it “reduces the likelihood workers that of different ethnicities common a in economic will front unite against elites.” if notMany most journalists just (not taxpayer-funded echo ones) the opinions of the elites, whom they tend use to as sources. The difference are taxpayers when arise inevitably Problems involvement. taxpayer here is and Justification, and with promoting This “diversity.” is despite the fact conservatives that as well as a growing number of liberals far so goes even Lind Michael solidarity. erodes groups national subnational as write to the that managerial elites of North America and Europe champion the establishmentarian thought Buckley is liberal,” said William with F. some bitterness about experienceshis working on “FiringPBS. at Line” issues on replicated is climate on demonstrated bias elite Burnhamite The abortion. to taxation to control from gun identity, the is CPB all its in:In 2018–2020 Federal Appropriations Request America’s institutions. This coalition is an updated version of the“managerial come would warned Burnham James theorist political the which elite” societies. industrial rule to the everything to in from healthcare involvement or of control government environment the to media. “I don’t think there denying is any the fact that ethnic group activists, corporate leaders, etc., of whom many control

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Introduction knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 7 ,

17 (accessed (accessed Defunding (accessed on on (accessed which 12 , June 2, (accessed July 31, 15 The Washington Post Washington The (accessed July 31, 2017). As George Will writes, “Often the 13 14 http://www.apts.org/sites/default/files/legislative/ 16 https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/public-broadcastings-immortality-defies- http://docs.house.gov/meetings/BU/BU00/20170719/106305/HRPT-115-115-240.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/budget/fy2018/msar.pdf 16 Committee Report on the Markup of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal 2018. Year Pg. 123. July 24, 2017). 17 “Climate Deal Must Avoid US Congress Approval, French Minister Says,” The Guardian, June 1, 2015, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/01/un-climate-talks-deal-us-congress 2017). advocacy/2017%20PMS%20LEG%20Leave%20Behind_0.pdf Immortality Defies Reason,” Broadcasting’s “Public Will, George 14 2017, reason/2017/06/02/f5de02be-46fe-11e7-a196-a1bb629f64cb_story.html?utm_term=.8df3a01f6ca6 (accessed July 31, 2017). 15 Public Service Media. 12 Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal 2018, Year Elimination: Corporation for Public Broadcasting, pg.95. July 12, 2017). 13 Public Service Media, March 2017, Only an in-depth look the at trends and events led that up the to Public Broadcasting the hearings Act and of 1967, debates were that part of it during the under institutions the of creation the and Administration, Johnson the Nixon Administration can provide the proper context for what is needed today. an erosion of democratic self-rule. The Paris climate accord, championed NPR,by is a case in point. President Obama, in league with foreign leaders refused submit to it Senate to confirmation. Thus,by repeating the mantra of a global elite, public broadcasters perversely limit the choices of the people them. fund to coercively taxed the activities of which, it says, “go beyondthe core mission of the Federal Government.” More importantly, perhaps, the Orwellian prevailing doublespeak that policy of interpretation elite’s managerial the repeats media occurs the when choices can endanger the ability of the electorate detect to the potential for for Public Broadcasting ($445 million in the 2017 appropriation), 2017 the in ($445 million Broadcasting Public for gets all its money from That is about the taxpayer. one tenth of the $5 billion budget Representatives of House the in included cuts discretionary in released Though in July. budget that is less clear than the President’s one on elimination of funding, it calls for encouraging private funding for the CPB, Cutting subsidies CPB’s should be the mission not only of conservatives but also of all who care about the health of First Amendment rights and of self-rule. Government paying for news for Americans consume to damages freedom of the press. The money is not insignificant.NPR, PBS and other far-left the and Media Pacifica American Public as such broadcasters public Radio network get about half a billion dollars infunding from the Corporation would notEach be time easy. funding cuts are proposed, public broadcasting role. educational their tout institutions are subsidies first, whose the constituencies sometimes of recourse last, and in jeopardy for is:the ‘It’s children.’” federal grants for public broadcasting, is an opportunity do to so.

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Introduction knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 8 19 century. Butthis th

century New England Yankee th http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=%2247+ And something different quickly grafted onto the 18 . for instructional, educational, and cultural purposes; cultural and educational, instructional, for The Congress hereby finds and declares that— it is(1) in the public interest encourage to the growth and development of public radio and television broadcasting, including the use of such media 18 James Ledbetter, Made Possible By … The Death of Public Broadcasting In the United States (New York: Verso, 1997),pg. 2. Broadcasting Public for Corporation 396: USC 47 19 USC+396%22&f=treesort&fq=true&num=0&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title47- section396 What madethe Act 1967 the “single most significant legislative event in the contemporary history of broadcasting” was it that “laid the groundwork for Act Television Educational the for funds” of appropriation subsequent the that itthat would channel funds noncommercial to radio and television stations for two purposes: education and high culture. The Act begins, high-minded educational and cultural mission: a focus on public affairs and journalism all that too often seeks society not elevate to but tear down to its institutions. existing The established 1967 Act Johnson that signed 7, the on so CPB Nov. law into history also contains the roots of something less palatable: a sometimes patronizing approach (perhaps also harking back the to sneering patricians), which rankles Americans. many Newt Gingrich quipped in 1996, “I don’t understand why they call it public broadcasting. As far concerned, as I’m there’s nothing public about it; it’s an elitist enterprise. Rush Limbaugh is broadcasting.” public educational reformists, whose tastes and cultural proclivities left an indelible institutions. intellectual leading The belief by America’s of many on imprint these Boston Brahmins much that of America was a cultural Appalachia upon which the New England habits of self-improvement could be imposed found a niche in the revolutionary new media of the 20 This unhealthy nexus between taxpayer funding and journalism has been a feature, not a bug, of public broadcasting from the start. The was CPB created the by Public Broadcasting the broadcasting Act of 1967, component B.of Lyndon Great Johnson’s Society. The Act a noble had pedigree. roots Its can be found in the missionary zeal of 19 Educational radio’s roots in broader movement roots in broadermovement radio’s Educational education public foster to HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 9 wrote 24 22 https://www. . The harshness of life http://trove.nla.gov.au/ 23 WHA the at University . October 6, 1951 (accessed July 31, 2017). 25 , http://www.thecrimson.com/ , . The Harvard Crimson http://www.lowellinstitute.org/about/ 21 Several trends informed these two acts: the growing awareness 20 Cooperative Broadcasting Council’s adult education projects, and will will projects, and education adult Council’s Broadcasting Cooperative present everything from Shakespeare advice to on baby care. Tonight at 8:30, Frequency 8:30, at ModulationTonight station will WGBH its make premier with the first full-length live performance of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since This 1926. station is the latest in the Lowell Institute 23 The Lowell Institute, The24 Lowell Institute. 25 Michael McCauley, P. NPR: The Trials and Triumphs of National Public Radio, (New York: Columbia University Press, 2005). 20 John Edward Burke, An Historical-Analytical Study of the Legislative and Political OriginsPublic of the Broadcasting Act of 1967, (New York: Arno Press, 1979, c1972), pg.2, work/8633327?selectedversion=NBD1324473 21 Howard Husock, New “A Role for Public Broadcasting?” National Affairs, Spring 2015, nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/a-new-role-for-public-broadcasting 22 “Lowell Institute’s WGBH Air,” Takes article/1951/10/6/lowell-institutes-wgbh-takes-air-ptonight/ educational stations seemed a natural extension of Morrill’s imperative imperative Morrill’s of extension natural a seemed stations educational expandto the reach of the modern university.” of Wisconsin is another example of an early educational radio station, It seemedIt natural broadcasting that stations would find their homes in institutions created the another famed by Senator Vermont Yankee, Justin Morrill, who bring wanted to education the to middle class. Michael McCauley radio educational between connection “there literal though no is that writes pioneer … land-grant America’s colleges effortcreate to Morrill’s Justin and in New England influenced the instincts of members of these families: “The prosperity native land, of my New England, which is sterile and unproductive, must depend on the intelligence and information of its inhabitants,” in his will.John This Lowell, Jr. rigorous drive self-improvement to clearly stations. broadcasting educational the to transferred The Lowell Institute, part of a broader philanthropic movement in New England, was founded in 1836 “with a mission inform to the populace” John by scion ofLowell, one of America’s Jr., oldest families. of this educational endeavor: educational this of education.” outgrowth an decades, for sprouting been had stations radio Educational of this broader philanthropic trend foster to public education. The case of WGBH, one of the leading stations NPR in the country is instructive. today, This announcement in the Harvard Crimson on Oct. 6, 1951 captures the spirit of television as a revolutionary medium with unknown potential; the “SputnikMoment” sense the that Soviets overtaken had the U.S. in science, necessitatinga government-led educational effort to andcatch up; the growing acceptance of federal intervention in areas been had that off-limits. broad efforts promoting philanthropic of tradition long “a fed trends These of 1962.

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 10 https:// In 1951, 27 32 (accessed July 31, 2017). http://www.philanthropyroundtable. https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/the-truth- (accessed June 30, 2017). https://www.britannica.com/topic/Public- 29 At the same time, another philanthropic philanthropic another time, same the At 28 26 (accessed July 31, 2017). . In so In doing, the Foundation from was walking away radio and 31 [emphasis mine]. The for Fund Adult Education also founded 30 ” not educational an as ‘extra,’ but regularly, a basic as part of daily Broadcasting-Service 32 Philanthropy Roundtable, Letter of Resignation by Henry Ford II, org/topic/donor_intent/henry_ford_2_letter_of_resignation 30 “Teaching by Television”, Report Issued by the Fund for the Advancement of Education, Preface, babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015059772163;view=1up;seq=11 Service. Broadcasting Public Britannica, Encyclopaedia 31 27 “The Truth About Public Television,” Lecture by Charles Lichenstein, Distinguished Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, delivered at Hillsdale College, March 1989, about-public-television/ 28 Burke, pg. 22. 29 Lichenstein, “The Truth About Public Television.” Despite the largesse, Foundation’s the television stations “found itvery 26 Burke, pg. 18. which surprised would have Henry and Ford, which led Sr., his grandson Henry Ford II resign to as chairman in his 1956. In letter of resignation,Ford reminded the that the Foundation Trustees was “a creature of capitalism. … justI’m suggesting the to trustees and the staff thethat system makes that preserving.” worth is probably very possible foundation the programming. 1963, In the Center was renamed National Educational replaced was eventually Ford-controlled that another distributor Television, PBS by in 1970. goal. educational original its Soon afterward the Ford Foundation began drift to toward radical causes, help communities raise funds for educational stations, andthe for Fund the using with experiments at look would which Education, of Advancement “ television instruction educational which distributed Center, Radio and Television Educational the institution, the Ford Foundation, entered the arena. Henry Ford II, the grandson of the founder of the motor settled company, on education as one of the missions of the foundation, and “[e]ducation for the foundation came to well.” as television educational include The Ford Foundation established the for Fund Adult Education in 1951 to “exploring various of conveying ways classroom information through the medium of television, or even turning the TV set a classroom.” into channels Commission television proposed Communications that Federal the be reserved on the spectrum for educational purposes. it 1952, set In aside channels242 for such purposes. Growing efforts fund to television public With television’s growing popularity, the by 1950s stations were also premiering January in 1921.

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 11

36 The concept of federal funding funding federal of concept The 33 38 He called on President Johnson convene to a 39 At that meeting, that At the two senators asked Marks to 37 Television was “a new dimension Television in new a era and only 34 35 36 Burke, pg. 38. 37 Ibid. 38 Ibid, pgs. 35–40, and 50. 39 Ibid., pg. 38. 33 Burke, pg. 27. 34 Ibid., pg. 36. 35 Ibid., pg. Burke 37, interview with Leonard H. Marks. Procter & Gamble spent more in one year “to advertise its soap on television” than the entire capital investment of all ETV stations and their annual combined. costs operating funds. the raise to commission how on television, it was too narrow propel to the Education project Television forward, since the money was aimed creating at facilities, not programming. a DecemberAt 1964 conference of the NAEB in Washington, Ralph Lowell, a trustee of the Lowell Institute and the founder of WGBH, spoke vehemently about the need for a major new source of investment. Lowell decried that Federal dollars for educational television educational for dollars Federal Though the Act 1962 was a breakthrough in terms of getting lawmakers support educational to dollars federal using of idea the to accustomed Warren Magnuson. draft for a bill educational pay to TV through federal funds. Magnuson introduced the bill the following year and stuck with it for an additional five until it became as the law Educational Facilities Television Act which of 1962, authorized $25,250,000 for educational TV. The future president envisioned how TV could bring instructors him like into thousands of classrooms, and asked Marks visit to him in the office nextthe morning so he could meet with the chairman of the Commerce Committee, attention … he remembered, how he he couldsaid,work in Cotulla (Texas), with those kids 26 in his classroom” and do better than otherteachers. possible.” Several weeks after this address, Marks was a dinner guest the at Senator B. Lyndon Johnson.Washington home Marks of then-Texas explained Johnson, to who been had how a teacher the new in rural Texas, technology would allow one teacher reach to thousands. “Thishis excited for educational television nothad been yet fully accepted congressmen. by a turning point came in speech a 1956 However, Leonard by H. Marks, the National Association of Educational Broadcasters’ legal counsel, to association. that federal funding could bring ita level to of productivity everyone that thought difficult to meet capital and operating costs.”

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 12 E.B. White, the 41 40 43 https://current.org/1966/09/e-b-whites-letter-to- 42 . woods and thehills. not the idea of acceptability — which is what keeps commercial TV from climbing the staircase. I think TV should be providing the visual counterpart of the literary should essay, arouse our dreams, satisfy our hunger for beauty, us take on journeys, enable us participate to in events, present great drama and music, explore the sea and the sky and the Non-commercial TV should address itself the to ideal of excellence, that educational television has an important future. an has television educational that From our beginning recognized as a nation have we our that security freedom depends our that people; our of enlightenment the upon depends on the communication ideas of many through channels. many I believe Television (New York: Bantam Books, Inc., 1967), pg. VIII. Lichenstein. 41 42 E.B. White’s letter to the Carnegie Commission, carnegie-i-2/ 43 Burke, pg. 146. programming and the culture of the 1960s the of culture the and programming Educational on Commission Carnegie the of Report the Action, for Program A Television: Public 40 television a vital into public resource enrich to our homes, educate our families and provide to assistance our to classrooms.” Public affairs programming, educational The spell was cast. Johnson, now president, accepted most of the Carnegie Carnegie the of most president, accepted now cast. Johnson, was spell The Commission’s recommendations. key The man who already had federalized education on an unprecedented scale made his case the to full Congress in his State 1967 of the Union address: “We should develop educational not only imposed but paid for in major part everyone.” by renowned essayist who New Yorker helped the commission with its work, captured the essence of the moment in a letterto the Commission,a passage of which read: Carnegie set the promotion of culture on a new pedestal. “The Carnegie Commission came out candidly for elitism and argued, somewhat paradoxically, it that shouldall by means be imposed on everyone. And for Public Broadcasting. a letter In supporting the idea of a commission, President Johnson wrote: at WGBH studios WGBH at in Boston. time, that At yet another philanthropic the Eventually, fray. the entered Corporation, Carnegie the organization, Commission Carnegie on the became commission proposed Lowell by Public the became recommended entity what this and Television, Educational Corporation the of creation the for called specifically and Act Broadcasting A Lowell Committeewas soon set up and met the followingyear 1965 in

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 13 A 49 45 The answer was hire to as 44 . In fact, In Ford Foundation officials “stipulated that 47 White agreed. “[I]t was through public affairs programming that 48 46 http://www.museum.tv/eotv/nationaleduc.htm 46 McCauley. 46 47 Ibid. 48 Charles L. Ponce de Leon, That’s the Way It Is: A History of Television News in America, (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2005), pg. 90. Communications. Broadcast of Museum The 49 44 The Museum of Broadcast Communications, Encyclopedia of Television, National Education Television Television Education National Television, of Encyclopedia Communications, Broadcast of Museum 44 The Center, 45 Ibid. that allowedthat NET produce to and distribute a five-hourweekly package that included public affairs. half of all Ford money go programs to about public affairs and international issues.” NET hoped emphasize to its unique status as the ‘alternative network.’” broadcasting veteran Don Quayle, who would go on become to first NPR’s chief. thisAt point NET started buying programming from the BBC,practice a hasthat continued this to under day its replacement, PBS. 1964, In the Ford Foundation made a new infusion a grant of $6 million of money NET, into program strategies aimed making at this claim a reality.” “They said, ‘No radio, no station relations, no instructional television. Five hours of general television for a general audience - 2 1/2 hours public affairs, 2 1/2 hours cultural affairs.Everything else goes out,’” recalled the leadership and a new program philosophy.” program new a and leadership its new White, president station manager WQED-Pittsburgh, John at F. who immediately sought turn to NET a network. into “First, he moved NET headquartersfrom City, where Ann Michigan Arbor, New it York to could be declared he counterparts. commercial Next its with more closely associated his organization be to the ‘Fourth Network,’ and attemptedto develop simple. Educational programming was not retaining viewers; in order to survive, changes be to would made appeal to have a larger to audience. “By 1958, NET’s programming acquired had a well-deserved reputation as dull, plodding and pedantic. NET officials recognizedto if it that was survive and move beyond its‘university of the air’ status, NET needed strong on America’s institutions. This new emphasis onpublic affairs also departed from the “TV in the this classroom” At point, ETRC endeavor. was officially renamed and first we NET, see the full metamorphosis from educational different:news. altogether something to television The reason for this change from educational programming news to was Educationalwhich Television the Ford Foundation set had up begun had to affairs public other and discussions panel documentaries, with experiment the with programs, NET These stations. the to distributed it that programs Ford drift Foundation’s toward radical causes, were increasingly informed by what became the counterculture of the 1960s and launched an all-out assault A significant parallel developmentwas taking at placethe time.National

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 14 In 52 http:// A similar similar A 51 50 53 (accessed July 31, 2017). 54 Vietnam explored controversial issues and often took editorial stands. Although NET Journal received positive responses from media critics, of NET’smany affiliates, particularly those in the South, togrew resent Liberalism’. Coast ‘East its perceived as they what Offered under the series title NET Journal, programs like PoorThe Pay More, Black Me, Like Appalachia: Rich Land, Poor People, and Inside North 52 Ponce de Leon, pg. 93. 53 Ibid. 54 Clippings assembled together in April 1967, by James Karayn, National Bureau Chief of NET, claytwhitehead.com/ctwlibrary/Box%20022/007_Telecommunications%20Meetings%20with%20 the%20National%20Educational%20Television.pdf network.” 50 Ibid. 51 Ledbetter, pg. 188. Johnson’s speechJohnson’s on 75 of its stations across the country. was the It first time such a thing been had done, and it drew reviews rave from critics. The Associated Press reported it thus on Jan. 11: “President Johnson’s State of the Union message was criticized civil by rights leaders during a Television Educational National the address over the discussion of nationwide on deepening U.S. involvement in Vietnam. in involvement U.S. deepening on NET’s influenced perspective greatly liberal and background news Friendly’s direction. After the same State 1967 of the Union message in which Johnson loftily depicted educational television as a tool assist to in classrooms across the country, NET broadcast a panel of experts who heavily criticized head of the Ford Foundation. Chastened over his support for the escalation legend broadcasting liberal the did as White, backed Bundy war, the of Bundy hired in as 1966 the new Foundation’s television Fred Friendly. advisor, Friendly resigned had as president of CBS News when the network refused to pull an episode of “The Lucy Show” off the airto run a Congressional hearing fact, 40 members of Congress sent a letterto White asking himto reconsider showing this “communist but propaganda” White on was NET, unmoved and distributed the documentary NET to affiliates. White found a supportive voice in McGeorge former Bundy, National Security KennedyAdvisor and for later Johnson, for John F. who become had 1966 by local stations who viewed it as “sugar-coated communism.” metfate “Inside North Vietnam,” which was produced Felix by Greene, a former BBC producer who received help on the project from the communist government of North Vietnam. Greene first had pitched the documentary to down. it turned and “irreparably biased” it termed CBS, executives its but Another documentary about the Cuban Revolution was rejected several by of the emerging class of managers - those who would take over American American over take would who those - managers of class emerging the of programming: shaping were - decades coming the in institutions cultural documentary series called “NET Journal” typified how the intellectual views views intellectual typified the “NET Journal” how called documentary series

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 15 59 missed the significance of significance missed the of Bundy and the man he had 57 58 56 “PBL” debuted in November, coincidentally only days days only coincidentally November, in debuted “PBL” 55 editorial on address, Johnson’s which said “[i]t that was

by theby political and cultural radicalism of the era; a number of stations, mostly in the South, refused air to several controversial episodes. But Westin. behind stood Friendly More than other any television program the at time, PBL provided a artistic projects controversial and views political dissenting for platform … Not surprisingly, Westin and his fellow producers were assailed by conservatives. They were also condemned station many by managers, who were uncomfortable broadcasting a program so clearly informed 56 Ibid. 57 Karayn. 58 Ralph Engelman, Friendlyvision, (New York: Columbia University Press, 2011). 59 Ibid. 55 Ponce de Leon, page 97. programming to large swaths of the public framed the Public Television Television Public the framed public the of swaths large to programming York- New a of model conceptual Bundy’s and Friendly Act. However, news hard-hitting network,and based distributing documentaries the inspired redistribution wealth and Vietnam race, discussing programs programming would that follow. brought the to Ford Foundation create to a noncommercial television system of hard-hitting news programswere now being shut out. RalphAs Engelman wrote, “The future system was being drawn largely outside the purview of the historic leadership of noncommercial broadcasting Ford at and NET.” educational high-minded and culture spreading of vision Carnegie’s the story entirely. The NET vision was in reality hostile what Johnson to had Commission “The mind. Carnegie represented the in of establishment had an end run around the old guard of educational broadcasting - NET and its patron, the Ford Foundation - based The in New York. Carnegie initiative was operation.” Cambridge/Boston a essentially correspondents was Robert MacNeil, formerly of NBC, and another was Jim Jim was another and NBC, of formerly Robert MacNeil, correspondents was whowent on co-anchor to Lehrer, “PBS NewsHour” for years. many Post’s Denver The both coincidental and appropriate his that words and image were being broadcast the at moment ETV 70 by stations” In lightIn of this focus on public affairs programming, one of the original 2 ½ hour show called “Public Broadcasting From the Laboratory.” beginning, epitomized from the move away educational“PBL” programming edgy to news programming. Overseen Westin, Av by an avant-garde producer stolen Friendlyby from CBS, after the Public Broadcasting Act was signed. Charles Ponce de Leonwrites: Later that year, NET used a new $10 millionLater year, that grant from Ford launch to a live,

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 16

61 62 60 A nonprofit entity setthat up the system 63 There will be - there should be - times when every man in politics - including you - will wish itnever that had been created. But public television should stand to not have the test of political popularity any at point in time. most Its precious right will be the right rock to the boat. 60 Engelman.60 61 113 Cong. Rec. 13003 (1967). 62 Ponce de Leon, pg. 94. Engelman63 rejected the in by 1966 Federal Communications Commission and Congress. After the bill was referred the to more conservative House on March 22, about concerns raised Massachusetts of Keith Hastings Representative His idea been always had communications that satellites “held gravity by in fixed positions in synchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the earth”would “supplant the patchwork of telephone lines and microwave relay stations used the by broadcast networks.” and administered it would set aside a portion of the profits would it make from commercial interests for noncommercial pay to television. The idea was general tax revenue through appropriations, while Friendly fiercely opposed Friendly while appropriations, through taxgeneral revenue the idea of funding be to had that approved the by federal government. He thought requiring that approval would odds be at with the public affairs programming he that insisted should be included. He told the Senate Subcommittee: (For the past half century, however, conservative the(For past half century, however, leaders tried who have to do been just have that unable, as shall we see, but the intent of the drafters is clear.) Johnson and the congressmen who supported the bill wanted it funded from of the report ensure to editorializing that and opinion-making would not be part of the broadcasts. Senator Norris Cotton,Republican a from New Hampshire, warned if that the broadcaster were exhibit to “a bias, a slanting or an injustice” the Congress would be able do to something about it by by or corporation the of directors the “‘veryfor life uncomfortable’ making Committee.” the Appropriations in activities their of “some down shutting Friendly argued that “crucial issues such as Vietnam, space and national national and Vietnam, space as issues such “crucial that argued Friendly and personnel of depth with organization news national a require politics facilities - and ability get to on the air: nationally and immediately.” Everything possible, was done in the debates, however, hearings and writing Editorializing, no debatesIn after Senator Magnuson introduced the Broadcasting Act bill in the Senate in March, Bundy and Friendly’s impact on the report was limited Subcommittee the Communication, of on hearings At testimony. their to Funding for educational programming, yes; yes; programming, educational for Funding

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 17 ” http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=%2247+ with strict adherence objectivity to Thus, the bill came that out of the House Most of the congressmen who were 66 69 1996, (Maryland: Pike & Fischer, Inc., 1999), pg. 156. – 68 Despite some grumbling, what later became Section 399 399 Section became later what grumbling, some Despite 67 65 In his In historical analysis of the legislation, Burke observes “[t] that (accessed July 31, 2017). 64 67 Ibid. Broadcasting, Public for Corporation 396: USC 47 68 USC+396%22&f=treesort&fq=true&num=0&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title47- section396 69 Burke,pg. 209. 64 Burke, pg. 198. 65 Ibid, pg. 204. 66 Max D. Paglin, James Hobson, Joel Ronsenbloom, eds. The Communications Act: A Legislative History Amendments, 1934 Major the of way to get to it [publicway broadcasting] changed something to else was get to it the businessinto editorializing.” of interested in passage of the act did not fight what became Section 399, perhaps intuiting the that spirit of this prohibition would be largely ignored. It thus made it the to final bill signed law. into Education and Welfare, who was among the opponents of excluding of drafting original the during Johnson with closely worked editorializing, the bill and fought hard get to public radio included. He did not mind banning that insisted he but balance, requiring and candidates of endorsement the however, TV and permitted. be Springer, radio presenters by editorializing held his ground. the In words of one of his staffers, he felt that “the fastest to public telecommunications entities, entities, telecommunications public to and balance in all programs or series of programs of a controversial nature mine]. [emphasis Dean Coston, Deputy Under Secretary the at then-Department of Health, Republican from Illinois, whose support was essential to final passage. final to essential support whose was from Illinois, Republican was Corporation the that held that section a report included The also telecommunication public of development full the facilitate “[t]o created in which programs of high quality, diversity, creativity, excellence and innovation, which are obtained from diverse sources, will be made available political cause, party or candidate.” station broadcasting noncommercial “No line, educational the included engagemay in editorializing support or may or oppose candidate any for political office.” in the bill the stayed at insistence of the ranking member William a Springer, In nineIn of hearings days the by Committee Interstateon andForeign allayed were interference possibleCommerce, political about concerns eight more than no determined that amendment an of introduction the by of the board 15 members could come from the same political party. The House Committee in its report educationalstated that “[t]he stations must not be permittedto becomevehicles for the promotion of one or another system. hroughout the hearings, witnesses keep reassuring to had several of the broadcasting Federal a in result not would legislation this members that network.” the political dangers inherent in a government-supported broadcasting broadcasting government-supported a in inherent dangers political the

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 18 In his 73 70 https://library.cqpress.com/ 1967. , Three of the most prominent 72 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/ (accessed July 31, 2017). 74 71 (accessed July 31, 2017). , (accessed July 31, 2017). 72 Ibid, pg. 183, Senator Griffin’s comment. 73 “Congress Creates Public Broadcasting Corporation,” CQ Almanac cqalmanac/document.php?id=cqal67-1313387 Remarks74 Upon Signing of the Public Broadcasting Act, ws/?pid=28532 70 F.C.C. v. League70 v. F.C.C. of Women Voters 468 U.S. 364 (1984). us/468/364/case.html 71 Burke, pg. 221. rather than reason. to public If television is fulfill to our hopes, then the Corporation must be representative, it must be responsible, and it must be leadership.” enlightened on long which are primarily designed for educational or cultural purposes.” remarks upon signing it, Johnson referred education to seven times and to public affairs once. He at itssaid that best, public broadcastingwould make the nation a replica of the Greek marketplace, but ominously warned “in that weak or even in irresponsible hands, it could generate controversy without understanding; it could mislead as well as teach; it could appeal passions to Act, each bequeathing a gift: Lowell the educational emphasis, Carnegie the the emphasis, Carnegie educational the gift: a bequeathing Lowell Act, each Foundation Ford the three, aspect. Of the editorializing the Ford and cultural the decisivewas have to impact. as “[p]rograms programs radio or television educational defined bill final The The House approved the conference report on Oct. the Senate 19, on Oct. 26, and President Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting 7, Act on Nov. The change in the1967. name came out of a recognition “educational that radio” would also be an important component. foundations in the country acted as fairy godmothers for the Broadcasting had passedhad the Senate 17), on and May the bill conference. went to The Senate objected the that provision House’s on objectivity and balance would be hard meetto for each program in a series. Some flexibilitywas allowed: Each program in a series meet would to not this have standard, but a series of programs as a whole would. that thethat “broad ban on editorializing every by station receives that funds CPB far exceeds what is necessary protect to against the risk of governmental interference or prevent to the public from assuming editorials that public by government.” of view official represent the stations broadcasting The House passed the bill on Sept. 21, with 1967 266–91 a bipartisan (it vote Critics who held that Section 399 violated the First Amendment kept kept Amendment First the violated Section 399 that held who Critics fighting it and eventuallywon in court.1984, In Federalin Communications Commission League of Women Voters, in which v. the defendants were joined theby far-left public radio network PacificaRadio, the Supreme Court found

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 19 https://current.org/1979/02/ (accessed July 31, 2017). 76 On Oct. 24, Flanigan sent a memo 78 In another In memo, he wrote, “The Nixon 75 According Assistant to the to President 77 75 Nixon Administration Public Broadcasting Papers, Summary of 1969, nixon-administration-public-broadcasting-papers-summary-of-1969/ 76 Ibid. 77 Ibid. 78 Ibid. pays thepays piper calls the tune.” Peter Flanigan, Nixon “entirely agreed.” Bureauto of the Budget Director Robert requesting Mayo an additional $5 million for the CPB. “The President feels very strongly public that since 1967, though the Ford Foundation continued to contribute the lion’s lion’s the contribute to continued Foundation Ford the though 1967, since share of its budget. a meeting At in the fall between Nixon, Pace, Frank Jr. Board(CPB chairman) and Albert L. Digest Reader’s Cole (a director whom appointedNixon had the to Board), CPB Cole told the Nixon that Foundation’s “he who because inappropriate was programming NET’s of underwriting way with public broadcasting.” public with way will Broadcasting Public for Corporation the support for Administration’s shape the future of public television in America.” Nixon pushed PBS forward. He shared Fred antipathy to Johnson’s Friendly’s NET and wanted something replace to it. NET been had co-owned the by CPB leader, notably Ronald Reagan,leader, Newt Gingrich and George Bush. W. Whitehead,As early a White T. Clay 6, 1969, as House May staff assistant, wrote a memo Dwight to Chapin, deputy assistant the to president, stating “itthat is desirable for the President be to associated in an affirmative general tax revenue. The editorializing would thus truly be made possible by appropriated be would contributions whose taxpayers i.e. you,” like “people President not. When or them offended content Congress the whether by Nixon tried cut to funding, he found Senator that Cotton’s promise of shutting Some sand. on built was Committee Appropriations the in operations down Republican every almost under repeated be story would same the of variation be presented by liberals. Promises of balance and objectivity disappeared. objectivity disappeared. and balance of Promises liberals. by presented be Friendly’s vision of network a producing news the (in case of NPR, around the clock) and discussing race, Vietnam and the sexual revolution later, (and did that dream Friendly’s part only The of won. had issues) identity gender not materialize was the part related funding, to which would come from F. Kennedy) were televised events.F. been The have established may CPB under the Johnson Administration, but Nixon was clearly going put to hisimprint on thought. administration his so or experiment, the Nixon and his team quickly realized their to dismay educational that and to programming affairs public include also soon would broadcasting cultural RichardMilhous Nixon was elected president and a year later entered the White House with a team full of hope. That optimism extended public to broadcasting. Nixon intuitively understood the new medium. fact, In his career highlight Checkers (the Speech) and low point debate with (the John The Nixon years

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 20 After that, the 82 81 79 80 the creation of anti-Administration programming or for the support of support of the for or programming anti-Administration of creation the anti- create to funds other use which program-producing organizations the appreciates and this with agrees Pace Mr. programs. Administration CPB. for forthcoming be will support that additional I made it clear the Pacethat to proposed $5 million increase in funding program new of creation the upon contingent was Corporation the for production facilities replace to National Education … I stated Television our position government that funding of should CPB not be used for separate production unit ‘compete’ to with NET would not be a complete bed of roses since the either, liberal bent of people in the performing arts is well known. From the standpoint of the President’s objectives, the grants individual to stations cut both the ways: people who run the educational and public television stations around the country tend be to relatively liberal, but overall an promote would probably diversification geographical the less liberal emphasis City than the centralized New York Funding a NET. 79 Ibid. 80 Ibid 81 Ibid. 82 Flanigan’s Memo to Cole, November 9,(accessed June 19, 1960). NPR, too, inherited this inclination. went on the It air on April with 1970 20, live gavel-to-gavel hearings the by Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the legacy programs it inherited from NET was “Sesame Street.” The show’s retain CPB helped enormously beginning from the popularity has enduring its federal funding. Another inheritance - the one forces that parade to CPB Big Bird in times of trouble - was the penchant for liberal public affairs NET. into instilled had Foundation Ford the that programming In 1970, NET continued 1970, In airing programming Flanigan that considered “clearly organization.” government-supported a for inappropriate network. independent an as operations its down wind pressured to it CPB NET merged on June 29 with Newark-based public station WNDT Channel 13 whichin New York, changed its call lettersPBS its nameto to thisWNET, day. began broadcasting on Oct. after 5, 1970 the merger was completed. One of explaining an agreement he reached had with Board CPB Chairman Pace: Four days later, Flanigan sent back a memo heFour later, prepared had days for Nixon programs,” the memo said. memo the programs,” The began CPB funding individual stations encourage to competition with WhiteheadFriendly’s wrote NET. “NET that is unhappy their that domination of the field is disappearing,”adding that, broadcasting should not be dependent for content on Foundation supported supported Foundation on content for dependent be not should broadcasting

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 21 But 87 That liberal liberal That 86 Gunn’s vision Gunn’s “reflected the 84 Gunn’s suggested name stuck, stuck, name suggested Gunn’s 88 89 (accessed July 20, 2017). 85 In mid-1971, as the administration considered considered administration the as mid-1971, In 90 It was from It the start strictly a public affairs operation 83 https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/npr-always-seems-to-be- 88 Ibid. 88 89 Paul Farhi, “NPR always seems to be reporting from a town called Culver City. Why?,” The Washington Post, June 29, 2016 reporting-from-a-burg-called-culver-city-why/2016/06/29/918ede36-37e2-11e6-a254-2b336e293a3c_ story.html?utm_term=.5a1804cfdd17 90 Nixon Administration’s Public Broadcasting Papers, Summary of 1971, (Accessed June 19, 2017). 85 Jack, Mitchell, W. Listener Supported: The Culture and History of Public Radio, (Westport, Connecticut:Praeger Publishers, 2005), pg. 45 McCauley 86 87 Ibid. 83 McCauley. 83 84 Gunn, as quoted in McCauley. show on public stations called “Banks and the Poor” fueled that “the public and news broadcasting’s public with displeasure Administration’s programming.” affairs the 1972 budget, CPB’s the general counsel for the White newly House’s future the than other - none Policy Telecommunications established Officeof Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia - wrote a memo outlined that the Washington, D.C.-based NPR, which has a West Coast production facility in a City. Culver called Angeles suburb Los PBS’ own bias soon became apparent. NET continued had for a time produceto shows with its own branding and in November aired a Quayle, brought his “commitments ‘uplift to the downtrodden masses’ and shine a light on the things were that not working in society.” approach clashed with of the that NAEB old guard, who “simply wanted CPB improveto the kind of educational programming already that existed.” soul.” very its network the “gave Siemering and his vision won, University too: stations now carry programming from a analysis, commentary, criticism and good talk.” good and criticism commentary, analysis, Bostonian’s contempt for those Midwest land grant university stations the at radio.” educational heart of firstNPR’s program Bill director, Siemering, hired PresidentNPR by Don by WGBH President WGBH by Hartford Gunn a November at 1968 conference in New grappled that withYork the issue of formingnationwide, a interconnected system. a paper In Model titled for National a “A Public Radio System,” Gunn up network a setting and stations educational the recommended sidelining in Washington, provided that D.C. “a service of tightly formatted, in-depth national and international news and public affairs, with the emphasis on broadcasting from liberal a perspective. 3, On the May 5 p.m. news show Things“All Considered” debuted with anti-Vietnam coverage Day of a May protest students. by The originalvision indeed for is its today, what NPR very name, was suggested the Vietnam War.

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 22 96 94 Scalia was clear-eyed about the 93 Scalia recommended a second option, to to option, second a recommended Scalia 92 One option was eliminate to the altogether, CPB 91 The goal instead should be gain to control of the Board CPB and 97 PBS also began airing a nightly show featuring the liberal Martin 95 94 Ibid. With Moyers,http://billmoyers.com/series/week-bill-moyers/. Bill Week This 95 96 1971 Summary. 97 Ibid. 91 Ibid. 92 Ibid. 93 Ibid. spreading news MacNeil that and Vanocur were making $65,000 and $85,000 salaries annually, then so large they that were greater than those of the vice president and the chief justice and twice as large as National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger’s TV salary. “Taxpayer was becoming an a then Buchanan, Pat quipped broadcasters,” liberal for playpen upholstered Nixon’s aides triedNixon’s explain to the to president the that funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 1972 was already out and efforts that must be directed for 1973FY and beyond. explore whether public affairs could be stripped out. The White House started preparing the ground for a confrontation by Huntsman wrote Flanigan to the that hiring of MacNeil and Vanocur “greatly requested was It straw. last the considered this who President the disturbed allthat funds for Public Broadcasting should be cut work immediately. You word.” the gets Committee Appropriations House the that so out this the station produces that of PBS’ many public affairs shows. WhenPBS announced on Sept. 23 it hired that had NET’s Robert MacNeil and NBC’s Sander anchor Vanocur to a weekly political program, Nixon decided he that eliminatewanted to funding. CPB a “Confidential,In Eyes Only” memo on Staffthe same day, Secretary Jon who has been a liberal fixture PBSon ever since, to weekly do a public new) schools, (the role of the “segregated examined that show television public television in America, strip mining, rising food costsand the Vietnam War.” Agronsky, which was distributed PBS Washington’s by affiliate WETA, generally more conservative in outlook.” in conservative more generally enormity of the problem for conservatives. “We are confronted with a long- development is, the that - consequences social significant of problem range BBC.” the to similar system broadcast government-funded a of Moyers, Bill Director Communications Johnson’s hired CPB the 1971, In which Scalia argued against because it would be “politically difficult in view image public favorable generally the support and educational strong the of developed.” has CPB which shape the through CPB the appointment of favorable board members and executives and increase to “the independence of local stations which are Administration’s options. Administration’s

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 23

101

99 105 (accessed July 31, 2017). 98 Whitehead also hit NPR: “Don Quayle’s In Questions In & Answers prepared for 100 104 : The Battles That Made and Broke a President and Divided On the advice of his aides, Nixon vetoed the Pace resigned as chairman of the Board, CPB http://claytwhitehead.com/ctwlibrary/Box%20040/007_CTW%20 103 106 102 White House Wars Nixon’s (New York: Crown Forum, 2017). 103 Nixon Administration’s Public Broadcasting Papers, Summary of 1972. 104 Ibid. Ibid. 105 273–274. pgs. Buchanan, 106 Speeches%20and%20Talks%20(1%20of%202%20folders).pdf 100 Ibid. Ibid. 101 102 Ibid. as did Macy as the Corporation’s President, and Nixon did get control of the 98 Pat Buchanan, Forever, America 99 Clay Whitehead Speeches, p. 65. remembers: “No serious attempt was made to override Nixon’s veto, though though veto, Nixon’s override to made was attempt remembers: serious “No the Senate passed had the original Given bill the 82-1. by liberal dominance of the media, and inevitable liberalcontrol of public broadcasting, I urged Nixon terminateto all federal funding. After he left office he told me he shouldhave done so, leaving those whocherish what public broadcasting has on offer for it pay themselves.”to him his by staff,was Nixon encouragedvoiceto his support for the aims was journalism of introduction the stress that but broadcasting public of “undermining the intent of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967.” budget. Buchanan the down pared and around came Congress eventually Things came a head to when the administration proposed a $45 million budget for the CPB, an increase of 30 percent for FY 1973. Congress responded with a two-year request for $155 million, $65 million for FY 1973 and $90 million for which FY passed 1974, the Housewith a 254–69 andvote the Senate 82–1. 30. June on bill authorization CPB in-school in-home and audiences?” National Public be the Radio may only real national radio network have.” we All of this, he added, “just invites political scrutiny of the content of the programs.” network’s Whitehead also said “all the glamour is packed your into nighttime schedules and the tendency is get to more public attentionby focusing on the news, public affairs and cultural programs are that aimed for the generalaudience … are you devoting enough of your resources the to learning needs of your How different willyour networked news programs be from the programs Fredthat Friendly and Sander CBS do Vanocur wanted to at and NBC?” Whitehead also began build to up a national case against public affairs Association National the to Miami in speech now-famous a At programming. of Educational Broadcasters on Oct. he 20, said, “On a national basis, PBS some that says 40 percent of its programming is devoted public to affairs… young speechwriter in the White House. White the in speechwriter young

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 24

111 http:// Opposition Opposition 110 One of Reagan’s One of Reagan’s vetoed budgets and and budgets vetoed 109 108 Congress cut to that http://www.cpb.org/ 107 . http://docslide.net/documents/conflicting-communication- (accessed July 31, 2017). 109 Conflicting Communication Interest in America: The Case of National Public Radio,(Westport, Radio,(Westport, Public National of Case America: The in Interest Communication Conflicting 109 GreenwoodCT: Publishing Group, 1999) interests-in-america-the-case-of-national-public.html 110 Quoted in Ledbetter, pg. 172. 111 Roberto Salinas, “Making Public Television Public,” The Heritage Foundation, January18, 1992, www.heritage.org/report/making-public-television-public 107 Statement by CEO Patricia Harrison Before the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Appropriations. on Committee House U.S. Agencies, Related and Education pressroom/statement-ceo-patricia-harrison-subcommittee-labor-health-and-human-services- education-0 108 Encyclopedia of Journalism, edited by Christopher H. Sterling, (London: SAGE Publications, 2009),1145. pg. broadcasting” meant however the that study was never commissioned. Echoing Nixon, two presidents, CPB Pfister Ed and MartinRubenstein, complaint for years 16 of public broadcasting’s existence, commissioning by a “scientific content analysis.” Having comeacross the stated goal of “objectivity and balance,” Brookhiser said: “I thought, ‘Wait a minute, nobody ever mentions of even talking this,’ no way and have we about it.” from liberal board members who called it “a threat the to existence of public that hethat could only correct and NPR’s PBS’ biases affirming by support for the inCPB public while attemptingto control the board. “The first Reagan budget, drawn up David by Stockman, no had public broadcasting funds whatsoever,” but funding liberal by was saved members on the board. appointees the to board, Richard Brookhiser, attemptedto 1986 quantifyin public broadcasting’s liberal bias, about which there been had a constant Reagan, Bush, Sr., Gingrich, Bush, Jr. Bush, Gingrich, Sr., Bush, Reagan, Nixon,Like sought Reagan eliminate to funding for CPB, executives CPB saw resign he on too came his watch. believe Eventually, to similar frustrations, with the exception of Gerald Ford’s two-year presidency. two-yearpresidency. Ford’s Gerald of exception the with frustrations, similar Ford put 1976, In the on CPB an advanced five-year funding appropriation programming.” of scrutiny the “eliminate to schedule two years, a schedule exists that this to day. became mired in the scandal led that his to demise. PBS covered the hearings gavel-to-gavel. 1985, hired In NPR who Daniel made his Schorr, fame as a CBS Watergate. during commentator correspondent and A quick review of the relationship between Republican leaders and the CPB successors makes clearfrom each that of Nixon’s Trump Nixon to met with decentralized. decentralized. An empowered gone Nixon mighton have defund to the CPB. But on July five menwere arrested17, after breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters Watergate at complex,the and the president soon CPB boardCPB and began effect to some changes. a As result,PBS became more

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 25

The 117 The 112 http:// . http:// 120 114 http://www. https://www. . http://www.npr. . As Senator Jesse Helms Like Reagan, Bush’s team also also team Bush’s Reagan, Like 113 118 (accessed July 31, 2017). 116 Tomlinson was said be to particularly Tomlinson incensed (accessed July 31, 2017). 119 Once again, congressional realities made this impossible. this “The congressional Once made realities again, 115 http://articles.latimes.com/1986-11-15/entertainment/ca-3515_1_public-broadcasting 0d3a-11e7-b74a-fb1aef2864b0.html 118 “PBS Chief Welcomes Public Funding Under Obama,” August 2, 2009, The Associated Press, newsok.com/pbs-chief-welcomes-public-tv-funding-under-obama/article/feed/63883 119 David Folkenflick, “CPB Memos Indicate Level of Monitoring,” NPR, June 30, 2005, org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4724317 Ibid. 120 115 Ellen Edwards, “Gingrich Vows to Zero Out CPB,” February 1995, 17, The Washington Post, washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1995/02/17/gingrich-vows-to-zero-out-cpb/9d165fe9-aa92- 4f2e-9075-cf75e78a1a12/?utm_term=.c3dc4c423957 116 Ledbetter, pg. 201. 117 InsideRadio, “Public Broadcasting Digs In On Fight Over Proposed Cuts,” March 20, 2017, insideradio.com/free/public-broadcasting-digs-in-on-fight-over-proposed-cuts/article_e99e30f8- 112 David Crook, “CPB President Resigns In Dispute Over Policy,” November 15, 1986, Los Angeles Times, 113 Congressional Quarterly, “Will Political Attacks and New Technologies Force Big Changes?,” library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre1992091800 Ibid. 114 accomplishments that typically command respect within the profession - or or - profession the respect within typically command that accomplishments wouldthat give him the stature assess to two national news outlets with at theat commentary Moyers, by who was still a fixture in public media. consultant hired, Tomlinson Fred Mann (with whom the author worked as an intern for the National Journalism Center in the 1980s and who continues reporter media NPR’s by derided contemptuously was friend), a be to David Folkenflik as someone “doeswho the not have kind of journalistic year of his presidency eliminate to or drastically cut funding for the CPB, so first much soyear in that Obama’s in office, the President of Paula PBS relief. of sigh public a herself allowed Kerger tried find to somequantifyway andNPR’s PBS’ political bias. Bush- CPB’s appointed Chairman, hired Tomlinson, Ken a consultant keep track to of bias bothat networks in2004. CPB.” shouting, the accusations of bias and elitism … produced little more a than fairly simple,if painful, budget cut.” Exactly the same befell fate President George Bush, W. who tried every AsSpeaker of the House of Representatives in 1995, Newt Gingrich promised zeroto out funding, CPB an actual plank of his Contract With America. He told a lunch gathering on Capitol Hill on Feb. “The year of that that 17 still CPB gone, is appropriation the that realize don’t still They … light the seen hasn’t The power of the thethat speaker game is is over. the power of recognition, and I will not recognize proposal any will that appropriate money for the same experience was repeated under George H.W. Bush, too, under whom whom under Bush, too, H.W. George under repeated was experience same legislation was introduced abolish to the CPB. said the at (R-NC) time, “There are millions of Americans out there who share balanced.” not is television public programming on the that view the resignedover policy differences withReagan appointees on the board.

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 26 http://www.npr.org/ (accessed July 31, 2017). The effort was stopped. Tomlinson resigned from the the from resigned Tomlinson stopped. effortwas The 121 122 121 Ibid. 122 “Report Faults Ex-CPB Chair Tomlinson on Ethics,” NPR, November 15, 2005, templates/story/story.php?storyId=5013575 board 3, 2005 on Nov. amid accusations he that was applying a political test hiringto the at CPB. clear-cut authority.”

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Historical background knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 27 https://www.cato. and enumerates enumerates and 123 .

124 http://constitutionus.com/ . There is little question had publicthat broadcasting 125 123 The Constitution of the United States, David124 Boaz, “Education and the Constitution,” The Cato Institute Blog, May 1, 2006. org/blog/education-constitution 125 Burke, pg. 4. of federal funding for education carried into classrooms by broadcasters broadcasters classrooms by into carried education for funding federal of nothad yet been “On embraced, the contrary, it was however. the result of a gradual and sometimes painful evolutionary process which required yearsmany of work.” hewed neutral to educational and cultural programming free of politics, it education, but the U.S. Supreme Court has also refused recognize to any taxpayer-funded a education.” to right Over time, support grew for publicly funded education if left the to individual concept the mid-20th century, the Amendment. In 10th the under states Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution states “The Congress Power shall have and collect lay Duties, Taxes, To Imposts and Excises,” its other specific powers. The careful reader will find that funding does not appear for either the press or education. The Institute Cato is right when it asserts “notonly is the Constitution absolutely silent on the subject of Funding publicFunding broadcasting: government of role proper the Not Three main arguments follow: government spending in journalism falls falls journalism in spending government follow: arguments Three main left- the by worsened problem is the government; proper role of the outside leaning bias of the programming, which is unfair roughly to half the country, which must for public yet pay broadcasts; justification any mightthat have existed for public broadcasting in the 1960s has now disappeared under the new technological environment. These three problems are analyzed below. broadcasting was captured early on by men and women influenced by the the by influenced women and men by on early captured was broadcasting counterculture of the 1960s and subsequently reflected the liberalism that followed era. that The tension has not been good for conservatives or public country. the for consequently and broadcasters were sown from the start. Among the issueswere the decision include to public affairs programming in an undertaking had mostlythat been sold theto American people as educational and cultural; the further decision financeto such public affairs programming using taxpayer funds; and the early emergence of a political bias toward liberal causes, despite the Act’s public shown, record As has the balance.” and “objectivity of requirement WHY IT MUST CHANGE IT MUST WHY broadcasting public and conservatives between tension of seeds The

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 28

130 and

129 131 . 127 . . 126 . 128 http://purehistory.org/pbs-tv/ http://www.apts.org/sites/default/files/legislative/advocacy/2017%20 https://whut.pbslearningmedia.org/readytolearn/ https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/about/products/teachers/ 129 PBS LearningMedia, PBS 129 LearningMedia, PBS 130 131 Public Service Media, PMS%20LEG%20Leave%20Behind_0.pdf 126 Nixon Administration’s Public Broadcasting Papers, Summary of 1972. 127 Ibid. 128 PBS-TV PureHistory, plans and images. They can use it access to such PBS KIDS programs and documentaries PBS also and “Peg+Cat,” and George” “Curious as Masters” “American Experience,” “American “NOVA,” including programs on supporters expenditures describe therefore could CPB “Frontline.” and all the above as educational. raise questions That would however, only, for the Learn Ready to pre-K program for children in low-income communities. The requests CPP appropriations of $30 million for the Learn Ready to program for 2018, as opposed the to $445 million for the itself. CPB LearningMedia is the portal through which teachers and parents can lesson material, resources, digital access videos, and interactive register include programs such as “Sesame Street,” “intended to educate as well as as well as educate to “Sesame “intended as such Street,” programs include children. entertain” The educational effort is ledby LearningMedia, a platform which the CPB describes as “the” destination for its educational digital media content, PBS’ primetime schedule has a strong public affairs element ledby such marquee shows as “PBS NewsHour;” its flagship investigative documentary programming cultural The etc. Week,” “Washington series, “Frontline;” includes “Great Performances,” cooking and antiques shows and many period pieces imported from the BBC. The morning and afternoon schedules PBS member many feed [and] stations/networks replaced have distance programming.” other and children’s with content education This there is that not say to is no educational programming, but parsing what separates it from public affairs is not easy. In itsIn present form, is just NPR that, a journalistic medium, and one in which liberal voices dominate. As for PBS, little remains of the dreams Johnson harbored of outstanding teachers being brought classrooms to his like at Cotulla through the digital miracle television of television. “has Today, allowed stations carry to these programs on digital subchannels in lieu of the main affairs and the diminution of the educational component courted immediate opposition. As the Q&As prepared for Nixon instructed public him say, to was purpose Its medium. journalistic a be to intended “was not broadcasting encourageto local and private initiativesin educational programming and development.” program experimental would have bipartisanwould have blessing However the early embrace today. of public

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 29 (accessed (accessed Frequent Frequent Clearly, 132 135 Nothing much 133 http://library.cqpress. (accessed July 31, 2017). http://www.nxtbook.com/ In the In closing of the days 134 (accessed July 31, 2017). 136 . http://variety.com/2016/film/news/ken-burns-donald-trump-hitler-1201887845/ http://vietnamveterannews.com/898-ken-burns-introduced-his-the-vietnam-war-program-in- 134 Vietnam Veterans News, “Ken Burns introduced his “The Vietnam War” program in Houston,” April 30,2017, houston/ 135 Brent Lang,“Documentarian Ken Burns Warns Donald Trump’s Rise is ‘Hitleresque,’” Variety, October 2016, 13, July 5, 2017). 136 The Public television act of 1967. Hearings, Ninetieth Congress, first session, on S. 1160. pg. 73. 132 NRA letter to PBS Ombudsman Michael Getler, February 15, 2015, nxtbooks/nra/aff_201503/index.php?utm_medium=Social&utm_content=org_nxtbook_com_ nxtbooks_nra_aff_201503__18-2015-02-23&utm_campaign=Article#/18 133 Congressional Quarterly Researcher, Charles S. Clark, September 18, 1992, com/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre1992091802 must exist separately if the latter to is be an independent check on the Changing theformer. funding from annual appropriations the to BBC-style taxexcise on television sets and radios was that proposed in the 1960s would not fundamentally change the equation; such a tax would still be imposed would be appropriated or even approved branch any by of the Federal government.” demand they misused, being are taxes their believe When taxpayers accountability and pressure their elected officials, who then turn that pressure on the public This broadcaster. is why government and the press the media is supposed keep government to in check. The Constitution’s First Amendment injunction against “abridging law any the freedom of speech, or of the press” does not in itself bar public funding ofmedia, but Fred Friendly was on something to when he testified1967 in that at allavoid must costs“We situationany in which budgets of news and public-affairs programming 2016 election he warned that Donald Trump was “Hitleresque.” was Trump Donald that warned he election 2016 whatever consensus exist may on publicly funding education does not extend taxpayerto funding of public affairs, and separating one from the other in the difficult. is LearningMedia offered on documentaries media, when funding government in contradiction inherent an also There is talking about political documentaries which come as close being to an has.” broadcasting as such institution an as page editorial Ken today, PBS for documentary maker acclaimed most The changed. has Burns, is a long-time donor the to Democratic Party who in 2009endorsed Barack Obama, whom he compared Lincoln. to of the Broadcasting Act’s guidelines on objectivity and balance. about climatewarnings change on are “NOVA” another example. During the funding 1992 crisis (which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Broadcasting Act), Senator Bob Dole (R-Kansas) PBS excoriated documentaries: “The liberals it. love They their have own network. are We surreptitious political indoctrination of the young. the of indoctrination political surreptitious Conservativesrepeatedly have criticized “Frontline” as biased, for example. For example, in 2015, the National Rifle Association pointed out the many in whichways the episode “Gunned Down: The of the Power fell NRA” short conservatives about whether educational programming is being used as as used being programming is educational whether about conservatives

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 30

138 but http://www. 140 If the groupsIf 139 https://www.law.cornell. 137 https://www.law.cornell.edu/ (accessed July 6, 2017). [emphasis mine]. [emphasis . (accessed July 31, 2017). funded are truly diverse, students many are likely disagree to with things arethat said some by groups Public universities a compelling have interest in promoting student expression in a manner is that viewpoint neutral … This be done may providingby funding for a broad array of student groups. 138 Wisconsin Southworth, v. Legal Information Institute, Cornell University, edu/supct/html/98-1189.ZO.html Ibid. 139 140 Mike Gonzalez, “NPR Admits It’s Packed With Liberals,” Fox News Opinion, March 16, 2011, foxnews.com/opinion/2011/03/16/earth-tax-dollars-npr.html reject such that lack of intellectual diversity has an impact on their output. one believe to would beFor to that liberals that true, have however, are fully 137 Harris Quinn, v. Legal Information Institute, Cornell University, supremecourt/text/11-681 Bias: Unintentional perhaps, but real but perhaps, Unintentional Bias: When they let their guard down, NPR, PBSand their parent organization, the CPB, admit their that workforce is overwhelmingly progressive discussion, not prefer it may some viewpoints others.” to Thus, the issue of bias makes its insisting entry. In on objectivity and balance and banning editorializing, the drafters of the Broadcasting Act seem have to Constitution. the of sense good a had The remedy was objectivity and balance. “The proper measure,and the conclude, we students, objecting for protection of standard principal is the requirement of viewpoint neutrality in the allocation of funding support. ... When university a requires its students fees pay support to to the extracurricular speech of other students, all in the interest of open In hisIn opinion in the Southworth case, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that “[i]t is all but inevitable the that fees will result in subsidies speech to which beliefs.” personal their to offensive and objectionable find students some he wrote the opinion in the 2014 Quinn Harris case: v. for ends not that all citizens - as a war long agree as those on - say, ends contribute the to public good and general However in safety. the area of expression, the courts emphasized have the need for balance.Wisconsin In of constitutionality the Court Supreme upheld the 2000, in Southworth v. groups support student to used activity fees university student mandatory engagedthat in expressive activity.As Justice Samuel Alito explained when of the Internet. Alltaxpayer funds are raised coercively, which is why the extracted the with do to what deciding when prudently act must government funds. The courts held Congress that have has the right appropriate to funds by government,by and it would also be increasingly impractical in the age

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 31

On the right, January 27, January 27, 142 (accessed July 2017). 7, http://www.wnyc.org/story/235573-ira- The Washington Post, Washington The The reasons given are well known: 143 (accessed July 2017). 7, http://www.mrc.org/special-reports/liberal-mediaevery- http://www.pbs.org/about/contact-information/program-contacts/ which HillaryClinton won with percent 82 of the vote. 144 : You and I both know if that you were: You somehow to poll the (accessed July 31, 2017). : Journalism, in general, reporters tend to be Democrats and and Democrats be reporters to general, in tend Journalism, : 141 https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/2017/01/27/dear-mainstream-media- Ira Glass Ira tend be to more liberal than the public as a whole, sure. But doesn’t that change And what is going I feel out like, well, over the air. let’s measure the product. Bob GarfieldBob political orientation of everybody in the news NPR organization all and at of the member stations, you would find a progressive, liberal crowd, not overwhelmingly. but uniformly, why-so-liberal/?utm_term=.fc8a884b4a89 143 Media Research Center, “The Liberal Media: Every Poll Shows Journalists Are More Liberal than the American Public – And the Public Knows It,” poll-shows-journalists-are-more-liberal-american-public-%E2%80%94-and 144 PBS Program Contacts, (accessed July 2017). 7, 141 “Ira Glass’s Challenge,”On The Media, September 14, 2012, glasss-challenge/ 142 Erik Wemple, “Dear MainstreamMedia: Why so Liberal?,” 2017 In 1991,In Goodman Walter Times of The explained New York the liberal tilt of PBS documentaries this way: “In its role as an alternative the to commercial networks, public television is almost forced an adversarial into role. very Its and comfort the afflicted,” and the main news centers are based in the liberal hot houses of ManhattanWashington, and D.C. This exactlywas the reason Nixon did not the want news divisions of PBS be and to based NPR in those PBS’cities. public However, affairs shows are produced mainly in those two Boston, plus cities countless studies. Washington Post media writer Erik Wemple did a good job of compiling of those many studies 2017 column. in Jan. a 27, ideological lopsided the catalogued also has Center Research Media the nature of newsrooms in a massive study. journalistsMany been have taught their that job is “afflict to the comfortable That journalists are more liberal than the public has been proven by The argument that populating a newsroom with liberals will nonetheless nonetheless will liberals with newsroom a populating that argument The produce objective reporting was well articulated on Sept. 14, 2012 Ira by Glass,whose “This American Life” show is produced Chicago-based by public radio station WBEZ. Here is the exchange with Bob Garfield of “On the Media,” a show produced WNYC: New by York’s would be to true also have practically that every Republican and Democratic own wrong their concerning fundamentally been has 1970 since leader political interests, the former in criticizing public broadcasting and the latter opposite. the conversant with conservative perspectives and ideas. More importantly, it it importantly, More ideas. and perspectives conservative with conversant

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 32 148 May 6, The 146 , October 23, 2016. https://www.wsj.com/ The New York Times, Another recourse is to A year later, Goodman A year later, 149 145 The Wall Street Journal https://spectator.org/public-television-and-radio-remain- (accessed July 10, 2017). 147 , March 24, 2017. (accessed July 11, 2017) (accessed July 2017). 7, http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/06/movies/critic-s-notebook-documentaries-that-lean-left. (accessed July 5, 2017) moderators. Mr. Wallace’s personal Wallace’s moderators. politics Mr. are a mystery us, to but his position as an anchor News a weekly (where Fox have at we TV show) means he is exposed political to points of view are that alien most at other outlets. media He asked questions would that even occurred never have the to other outlook 148 Arnold Steinberg, “Special Report: Public Television and Radio Remain Unconstitutional,” Spectator American unconstitutional/ 149 Peggy Noonan, “P Is For Permanent,” The Wall Street Journal, June 16, 2005, articles/SB122486862600567069 145 Walter Goodman, “Critic’s Notebook; Documentaries That Lean Left,” 1991, html 146 Quoted by Clark in the CQR, September 18, 1992. 147 Review & Outlook, “Chris Wallace’s Moderating Secret,” https://www.wsj.com/articles/chris-wallaces-moderating-secret-1477262113?mod=wsj_review_&_ public broadcasting for the past half century and infer they that know their own interests best. That demonstrates point: Noonan’s “The Democratic Party naturally desires retain to or increase public funding of a television second contention has become PBS and NPR’s ultimate defense: Prove Prove defense: ultimate NPR’s and PBS become has contention second ConservativesIt. could just shrug their shoulders and agree with Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan “arguing that over whether PBS is and has long been politically liberal is arguing like over whether the ocean is and has long been wet. Of course it is, and everyone knows it.” simply point out how conservatives and liberals consistently have reacted to Americans would later call ‘public’ (meaning taxpayer-funded) television and and television taxpayer-funded) (meaning ‘public’ call later would Americans radio would, in its public affairs programming,at best,be similarlymyopic.” Perhaps because of the difficulty of measuring bias in reporting and analysis can that be in a way considered satisfactorily dispositive, Glass’ The conservative commentator Arnold Steinberg, who in his youth in the cut After point. Friendly same the raised Friendly, Fred for worked 1960s some questions from an interview he conducted, had he said, “I realized then the bias was unintended; is, that Fred Friendly simply did not grasp the novelty perspective of my or the significancemy questions.of a wasHe professional what he did, at but he and I lived ina different world, and what reason: the Even most just person cannot throw the into analytical mix facts he does not know or perceptions he does Believing not have. The Street Wall Journal’s job the Chris explanation at last News’s Wallace’s of why FOX easier: is widely praised so was 2016 of debate presidential wrote of PBS documentary makers, “unlike more restrained journalists, they own opinions.” little shown their compunction about pushing have nonetheless do newsrooms liberal overwhelmingly that point second Glass’s produce objective reporting and analysis strains credulity for a simple existenceis rebuke a a profit-driven to society.”

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 33

151 http:// http:// http://www. . 153 (accessed July 11, 2017). (accessed July 11, 2017). NPR’s audience NPR’s is even more liberal, 154 150 155 (accessed July 10, 2017). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZxs09eV-Vc 152 153 Jarvik, pg. 201. 154 Pew Research Center, “Where News Audiences Fit on the Political Spectrum,” October 21, 2014, www.journalism.org/interactives/media-polarization/outlet/pbs/ 155 Pew Research Center, “Where News Audiences Fit on the Political Spectrum,” October 21, 2014. www.journalism.org/interactives/media-polarization/outlet/npr/ 150 Ibid. 151 Jimmy Carter’s Public Broadcasting System’s message to Congress, October 6, 1977, presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=6755 152 Obama For America, Big Bird, The world which into the was CPB born was different fromtoday’s. The three networks - ABC, CBS and NBC - basically enjoyed an oligopoly. They competed mercilessly inside this environment, but the at end of the they day 200had million Americans divvy to up. This relied oligopoly, moreover, on a finite spectrum, giving the industry the look of highly regulated utilities. conservative” respectively. conservative” An transformed environment in 2014, percent 25 of PBS’ audience is “mostly liberal” while 35 percent is “consistently liberal,” compared 11 percent to “mostly conservative” and four conservative.” “consistently percent versus “mostly percent liberal,” 26 and liberal” “consistently percent 41 with “mostly and conservative” “consistently percent nine and percent three series in the Buckley 1970s. spoke of feeling and Friedman, like however, outsiders PBS. at “Somebody speaking with the accents and emphases of Bill Moyers is acceptable,” said Buckley, “in the sense somebody that speaking with those of a Milton Friedman or me would not be.” Audiences never been have doubt. in any As Research Pew demonstrated For years, many PBS tried bring to in conservative voices such as Bill Buckley, who hosted the show “Firing Line” for more than 30 years, and John McLaughlin, who hosted “The McLaughlin Group” from until 1982 his death in 2016. The free-market economist Milton Friedman also a documentary had political influence” becauseto want “I encourage public broadcasters at all levels engage to in active news reporting and public affairs programming.” 2012,In the issue of CBP funding actually became campaign a matter in the to promised Romney Mitt candidate After election. Republican presidential defund the CPB, the Obama campaign cut a satirical with ad Big Bird in which funding. CPB defended it the world as liberals see it.” While Nixon, and Reagan the others sought limit to or eliminate funding and put the onCPB shorter a leash, Carter sought not just increase to spending from inappropriate insulation broadcasting’s public increase “also but network whose overall and reflexive tendency is to persuade viewers to see see to viewers persuade to is tendency reflexive and overall whose network

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 34 http:// 158 157 . 156 You will see a processionYou of game shows, formula comedies about totally violence, mayhem, sadism, thunder, families, blood and unbelievable gangsters, eyes, men, good private men, western bad western murder, many - commercials cartoons. Andmore violence, and endlessly, boredom.all, of most offending. And and cajoling, screaming, 156 Burke, pg. 201. 157 Newton Minow, “Television and the Public Interest,”American Rhetoric’s 100 Top Speeches, 1961, www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/newtonminow.htm Will.158 public affairs is possible, and there is truthadvertising: in Levin does not hide the fact he is a conservative nor Kornacki he that is a liberal. Dean Johnson’s saidCoston in protest have may of the clause excluding editorializing in 1968 - in comments also that displayed the pervasive contempt for the profit motive existedthat - “I don’t know where you are going get to good public policy Will has a point. Any public-spirited person looking for information on radio or television would that help her make a better-informed citizen can find everything she needs on the commercial dial. With options MSNBC’s like Steve Kornacki Mark talk Levin, to radio’s finding intelligent discussion of internet transformed have this world, and what purpose the serves CPB couldthat not be served others by is hard imagine. to As George Will wrote, choices 500 approximately reduce “would viewers’ CPB the terminating approximatelyto 499. Listeners public to do radio with make to might have America’s 4,666 commercial FM stations, 437 satellite radio channels, services.” streaming and internet other podcasts and 70,000 perhaps the important things, everyone would stay out of each other’s way. Leonard H. Marks’ contention 1956 television that Today, is “a new dimension in a new era and only federal funding could bring it a level to of productivity everyonethat thought possible”is no longer true. Cable, satellite and the The same reason was given for broadcasting low-density to rural government-subsidized only that underserved audiences with communities broadcasting could serve. The commercial networks, inother words, were after advertising dollars, andthe drafters of the bill promised the that CPB would not compete for those. There was, roughly, an understanding that, for The belief broadcasters that interested in profitwere too crassto deliver education and culture permeated the creation of the CPB. A 1961 speech by FCC Chairman Newton Minow the to National Association of Broadcasters, in which he referred commercial to TV as a “vast wasteland”, was typical of this attitude: broadcasting in Congressional hearings, arguing that commercial TV Congressional in that broadcasting hearings,arguing was Johnson that content cultural and educational the producing of incapable not programming such did because Commission Carnegie wanted the and appeal mass to audiences. The presidents of ABC, CBS and NBC supported the creation of public

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 35 165 And no taxes were http://reason.com/ 160 has become an In concessions In to 161 163 http://www.hughhewitt.com/ 164 http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/06/ (accessed July 16, 2017). But today, for comprehensive But today, 159 Examples include “Breaking Bad,” Examples “Breaking include Bad,” 162 (accessed July 12, 2017). (accessed July 31, 2017). (accessed July 6, 2017). . http://www.cpb.org/aboutcpb https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-03-15-resources-to-help-you-choose-the-digital-tools- 160 Hugh Hewitt, interview, “CIA Director Mike Pompeo,” June 24, 2017, 162 Leopold, Todd “The new, new TV golden age,” CNN, May 6, 2013, public radio and television stations, revenue that would more than cover the free online.” them distributing then and programs, the producing of cost 159 Burke, pg. 209. not just these that stations become have a waste of taxpayer money; they production Epstein, Jim says distribution,” online to obstacle an present also assistant WNET from for New York’s 2002 2009. to stations, hosts NPR are barred from mentioning popular podcasts or Edition” carry “Morning cannot podcasts themselves The apps. smartphone Thingsor “All Considered.” “Without the massive overhead cost of 1,400 local Technology, in fact, hasTechnology, made public broadcasting redundant. Its decentralized financing structure, in which more 70 thanpercent of CPB’s federal funding goes directly local to media stations, obstacle realizing to the full potential of new technologies and a huge and unnecessary expenditure in overhead could that be going content. into “It’s “the Television.” of Age Second Golden “The Wire,” “The Americans,” “Homeland” and “Lost.” As for nature shows, riches, reality from TV-oriented of the embarrassment Discovery an there is and Science the Channel, Channel Geographic National the to Channel others. Asfor culture, Minow’s jeremiad about a “vast wasteland” could not be more wrong The rapid today. growth in critically acclaimed commercial U.S. television series over the past 20 years has led critics call to our present era showbiz/golden-age-of-tv/index.html 163 About CPB, 164 Jim Epstein, “Why Government Funding Hurts PBS and NPR,” July 16, 2017, reasontv/2017/02/17/public-broadcasting-end-federal-dollars 165 Ibid. hughs-debut-msnbc/ 161 Karen Johnson, “Resources to Help Choose You the Digital Tools Classroom Your Needs,” March 15, 2016, your-classroom-needs research it all, especially all the new educationapps.” In termsIn of the in-classroom help the that former teacher the at little schoolhouse in Cotulla is today if wanted, anything have what we too much choice. As a teacher told the Foundation Gates (itself a free provider of such “There tools), are so digital many resources out there, I am lost as to which ones are good. learn to excited I am always about new technology, but overwhelmed how much at there is out there. is hard It find to timeto to getto it out of the commercial networks.” coverage of an important subject, Hugh Hewitt’s MSNBC interview withCIA Director Pompeo is Mike hard beat. on to June 24, 2017, coerced for it. pay to editorializing certainly if you can’t get the it You at public aren’t sector. going

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 36 http://www. Take away the funds away to Take (accessed July 12, 2017). 167 168 Subscribers, corporations and foundations make up the bulk bulk the up make foundations and Subscribers, corporations 166 sure. But, if CBS run to didn’t commercials, have and commercial- had free programming and all all day night because of taxpayer subsidies, wouldthat obviously put ABC and a terrible NBC at competitive disadvantage. break, radio listeners around the city are changing the channel. Some Somecome don’t. That back a few minutes reality later. obviously drives our ratings in a downward direction. never NPR hits wall. that Their ratings in metro the D.C. are great. Stunning. Liberal area, be to Everyone in the radio business knows when that goa commercial we to 166 Public Broadcasting Revenue, Fiscal 2015; Year Public Broadcasting Revenue by Source, cpb.org/files/reports/revenue/2015PublicBroadcastingRevenue.pdf 167 Ibid., Table Two. 168 Email to the author, June 30, 2017 regularly ignored by many. by ignored regularly I asked WMAL radio host Chris Plante what he thought of the competition from and NPR this is what he wrote: competitors: Their reliance on taxpayer support helps them automatic avoid dial turning when an upcoming commercialbreak is announced. Commercial commercial means sponsors, on which rely Hewitt’s like programs interruptions. Hewitt knows histhat command before he switches over commercialto plugs for sponsors - “Don’t touch dial, that America!” - is of the rest. The numbers are better for public radio, which is less than half as television. public as appropriations CPB on reliant the 1,400 stations, and public broadcasting would survive without taxpayer support. publicFinally, broadcasters an unfair advantage have over their commercial it is right public now, broadcasting gets about 35 percent of its revenues fromtaxpayers, a figure includesthat 14.6 percent in federal CPB a and governments, local and from percent state 11.4 about appropriations, and colleges state certainfrom sources more as indirect such percentage universities.) The removal overhead of that would relieve the taxpayer of his burden. As

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Why it Must Change knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 37 171 Peggy Noonan made (Cambridge University Press, 1999), University Press, 1999), (Cambridge 170 169 Jefferson: Writings, Political 169 Joyce Appleby and Terence Ball, eds., pg. 390. 170 Nixon Memos Summary, 1971. 171 Noonan. works, where corporations account for around four percent of funding and government Corporate for zero). sponsorships are already working and could bring even more funds. As George Will wrote, ‘Sesame “If Street’ programming were put up for auction, the danger would be of getting would solve nothing. The solution is allow to the whole package go to off public support andover some with Clearly, individuals. and corporations foundations, charitable to creativity, a taxpayer funding shortfall could be made up. The membership model has been shown work to sustains (it the foundation where the writer Doing so is not practicable not and even be may possible. How can public affairs be separated from education and cultureKen in a Burns documentary programor a NOVA constantly that hammers home would climate It change? require the constant monitoring liberals that decried have for decades. It outlined an option “seek to legislation provide to a new structure for federal funding of only educational and cultural programming the at national level and for direct grants local to educational stations.” the same argumentin 2005 when she wrote, “Why, then, doesn’t Congress continue fund to PBS current at levels but tell them they must stick what to they are good at, and stop being the TV funhouse of the Democratic Party?” It’s temptingIt’s believe to public that affairs broadcasting could be stripped programming in culture and education from broadcasting, public leaving place. an Oct. In 4, 1971 memo curiously that mirrored Friendly’s warnings about the danger of mixing opinion with public Whitehead funding, T. Clay disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.” Public broadcasting figures such Iraas Glass they want say the bias measured,Tomlinson but attempts and Mannto by do justBrookhiser, that beenhave shut down after cries of censorship. Anything done on the public dime comes with accountability. The only solution is defunding. conservatives have come to view as political indoctrination on the public public the on indoctrination political as view to come have conservatives dime. Thomas Jefferson never heard an electronic broadcast, but he under broadcasting public for funding taxpayer continued why up summed these circumstances is unfair and unwise when compel he said, “To a man he which opinions of propagations the for money of contributions furnish to CONCLUSION on emphasis promised from the away walked broadcasting Public education and cultural promotion when it embraced public affairs, which

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Conclusion knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 38 http:// , May 24, 2011, NPR Ombudsman NPR 172 Today, that would probably probably would that Today, 173 The true conservative response is: So what? that,to however, 174 (accessed July 18, 2017). 174 Alicia174 Shepard, “Worthy Cause, Controversial Funding Source,” www.npr.org/sections/ombudsman/2011/05/24/136216017/worthy-cause-controversial-funding- source 172 Will.172 173 Nixon Memos Summary, 1971. MSNBC for and example, Fox where they compete in the market place of ideas. The goal here is not suppress to one side or the other but remove to the tyranny which to Jefferson referred. funds for liberal hour on public TV, no doubt Bundy Mac will be ready with Ford Foundation money up take to the slack.” throw public broadcasting further the into arms of the Tides Foundation or the liberal financier philanthropist George Soros, who already givesNPR money. Liberal and conservative views are already funded at the by private sector, Conservatives have sometimes demurred on the question of handing PBS PBS handing of question the on demurred sometimes have Conservatives and over completely NPR private to sector actors.an Oct. In 15, 1971memo fromWhite House aide Jonathon Rose Haldeman to staffer LarryRose Higby, wrote: “Even if go we the Whitehead route and succeed in cutting off federal trampled the by stampede of potential bidders.”

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Conclusion knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn 39 / 39 A Race forA Race the Conservatives How Future” Can Break the Liberal Monopoly on Hispanic —was released in 2014. Suite 3300 Suite Miami, 33131–2349 FL 200 S. Biscayne Blvd. MIKE GONZALESMIKE Telephone: (305) 908–2600 (305) Telephone: JOHN S. AND JAMES L. FOUNDATION KNIGHT before being posted Hong in 1995 to Kong deputy as editor of the editorial pages of the newspaper’s Asia before returning Hong editor. as to Kong he next logged years 11 with The Street Wall Journal, writing a column on the stock in market York New left journalism to join the administration of President George W. Bush, where he was speechwriter speechwriter was he where Bush, W. George President of administration the join to left journalism for Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox before moving on to the State State the to on moving before Cox Christopher Chairman Commission Exchange and Securities for the news agency for six years. After taking off yearsto an earn MBAtwo from Columbia Business School, spent close years 20 a journalist, as to of 15 them reporting from Europe, Asia and Latin America. He edition. Between 1998 and 2003, he served in the same capacity for the European edition in Brussels, assimilation, as well as foreign policy. foreign as well as assimilation, Fellow in June, his 2014. new In capacity he writes on national identity, diversity, multiculturalism and Department’s European Bureau, where he wrote speeches and Op-Eds. His book—“ His Panama and Cyprus,Panama among others. Boston Herald. work for He went to Agence France-Presse reporting in from 1987, around the globe for Kong and SouthKong Korea and spent has months living in and reporting from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Mike Gonzalez, senior fellow at the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies, Studies, International for Institute Davis Cullom Shelby and Kathryn the at fellow senior Gonzalez, Mike Columbia Business School. Fluent in Spanish and French, he reads Italian and Portuguese. and Italian reads he French, and Spanish in BusinessColumbia School. Fluent Gonzalez holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Emerson Boston’s College and MBA an from Gonzalez got his first regular reporting 1980,beat in covering high school sportsfor one summerfor The Gonzalez born was in Cuba and left He also the lived has 12. age at in Belgium, France, Spain, Hong Gonzalez, who joined Heritage Vice as President of Communications in March 2009, became a Senior American

A NEW ROLE FOR PUBLIC MEDIA | Colophon knightfoundation.org | @knightfdn