Dear PBS: Want money? Stop screwing with the schedule

Our local PBS affiliate is in the middle of their pledge week. It's sad that I know this because I haven't watched our PBS affiliate for several weeks. The reason I haven't watched is because they keep screwing with the schedule during pledge week. Instead of showing the quality programming they've become known for (aka BBC America), they instead put on shows that they feel will increase the normal pledging. Tonights feast of programming includes:

  • “A Tribute to James Taylor.â€? Performers include Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, Sting, Bonnie Raitt, the Dixie Chicks, Indie.Arie, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Sheryl Crow, Dr. John, Taj Mahal, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Keith Urban. (Yeah, I'll get right on watching that one. Don't get me started on what I think of Sheryl Crow).
  • Brenda Watson's H.O.P.E. Formula for Ultimate Health: Hints for achieving energy, a clear mind and a vibrant life. (Here's a hint: Don't sit around watching television. You'll have more energy, a clearer mind, and a life).

This is alternated with other such classics as "Masters of Doo-Wop", "Gary Null's 'Live stuff is live, dead stuff is craaaaap'" medicine and snake-oil show", and "Learn how to play the piano-forte" crap that gets peddled around every pledge season.

(PS: Tomorrow is " Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan For Automatic Weight Loss With Mark Hyman, M.D." , and "60's Experience", featuring "The music of the '60s is featured in a retrospective that combines modern concert appearances with archival footage. Included: “Nowhere to Run,� by Martha Reeves; and “Purple Haze,� by Jimi Hendrix."

Where do I send the check to get my BBC America back?


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