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NewsHour anchor Jim Lehrer invited comments about the February 17 New York Times commentary.  More than 5,000 viewers responded.  You can post your comment by visiting the NewsHour site.  We’d also love to hear your thoughts.  Even if you post with the Newshour, consider sharing your comments with us here. 

-Susan 

Also, here is PBS President Paula Kerger’s reply to the Times.

To the Editor: It is dispiriting to read the inaccurate, shopworn attacks on public broadcasting by Charles McGrath (“Is PBS Still Necessary?” Feb. 17, 2008). The article reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of what PBS does, and the broad audience it serves.  

For the grand sum of $1 per tax payer per year, plus voluntary contributions from people who find great value in public television, PBS delivers news, information and entertainment to about 2 million viewers each evening, an audience that is double or triple that of most cable networks.  

For the quality of programming, consider the awards others have bestowed on PBS, which led all broadcast and cable networks for children’s programming for the tenth consecutive year, won 9 Primetime Emmys (six for MASTERPIECE THEATRE) and 10 News & Documentary Emmys, equaling or topping all broadcast and cable networks for the seventh time in seven years, and receiving twice as many awards as the closest competitor.

 On one point I will agree with Mr. McGrath: public broadcasting deserves increased funding commensurate with the hearts we touch, the minds we open and the lives we impact.   

PAULA A. KERGER

President and Chief Executive Officer

Public Broadcasting Service