Mitt Romney Says 'I Love Big Bird,' But Threatens PBS Funding Cuts in Debate
Mitt Romney declared that he wants to cut back government funding for the popular Public Broadcasting Service, or PBS, at the Presidential Debate on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012. Whether it was intentional or on accident, this was a direct insult toward the moderator of the night, Jim Lehrer. Lehrer is most well-known for his former role as an anchor on PBS's NewsHour, a program that would be directly affected if Romney is serious about cutting the network's funding. After the blunder, Romney corrected himself by saying, "I like PBS. I like Big Bird. I like you too." This blunder was one of the few in the debate that went unfavorably for the Governor. On the contrary, most consider him to have won the debate against acting president Barack Obama, something that was unexpected and pleasing to some.
If Romney becomes President of the United States, this will have a profound effect on the PBS network. The lack of millions of dollars of funding for the channel will lead to its possible failure in the television world. The network has been around since 1970, and change to this standard channel will completely shift the television world. This news is extremely important for the future of network television.
As a former broadcast journalism student, I look towards NewsHour and other PBS shows as an example to better my journalism skills. Without these programs, part of my continued education will be ripped from me. As a filmmaker looking into television as a career, this could affect the options available to me when I enter the industry. I do not want to lose these opportunities, so the government cuts could have a significant effect on me if television is where I decide to go. Also, as a consumer, I do not look forward to losing shows like the NewsHour for me and Sesame Street for my 5-year-old sister.
This makes me wonder how much influence the government has on the film and television industry. Can they snap their fingers and make networks or production companies disappear? What would this mean for the future of some certain companies that depend on the government for money like PBS? My only hope is that PBS can continue despite this potential setback in funding for them.
I like how we did the same article. Although I don't watch NewsHour, I do watch Downton Abbey, California's Gold, and Antiques Roadshow quite a bit. I honestly would be very sad if PBS was taken down by those pesky Republicans.
ReplyDeleteThis is good to know. I think this will affect kids also. Some kids who do not have channels like Disney Channel or Nick, are able to watch PBS. If this does happen, this will affect a lot of people. How many jobs will be lost ?
ReplyDeletePBS played a big role in my childhood. Well, not major but it still had an effect on my life. The thing is Romney decided to cut PBS's funding... which probably only takes less than 1% of the government's budget. Out of all things... PBS. The industry might see this as an offense that they are frivolous.
ReplyDeleteA lot of jobs might be lost.. if Romney happens to win.. I hope PBS can cope because there are also shows I wouldn't look forward to being cut.
I agree with Patricia, PBS did play a huge part in my childhood, I grew up watching educational shows like Barney and Elmo. No doubt about it, they shouldn't take down PBS. It will be a shame if they did.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy to think the government has a huge influence on television programs. It would be a tragedy to see then cut these shows. Like many people, I grew up watching sesame street and barney on PBS. I would hate to see these shows being canceled.
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