Will Romney End PBS, Public Radio Funding? | Nat Hentoff | Cato Institute: Commentary

Will Romney End PBS, Public Radio Funding? | Nat Hentoff | Cato Institute: Commentary: 'For decades as a reporter, I have continually found vital information on public radio and television that at first was available nowhere else.'

Just because a program has benefits doesn't mean that it is good overall? The "bridge to nowhere" also had benefits.

More importantly, where is the constitutional authority for the federal government to fund that?

'"In the commercial market ... the stuff for kids is targeted to sell things to kids, not to educate them"'

If children and parents choose to watch those shows, then that is the kind of shows that will be produced. I do see popular shows that sell products related to the show but I don't see popular shows that advertise to kids -- but maybe those shows exist and we don't watch them.

'In an era of media consolidation, fewer national and foreign bureaus and mass newsroom layoffs, NPR is one of the only media outlets actually bringing listeners more reporting (actual reporting, not warped pontificating) from around the country and around the world.'

TV broadcast media isn't the only media anymore -- welcome to the 21st century! I think mass-broadcast media is outdated and on its way out. It is being replaced by media where the time, place, and content can be much more customized to the user (i.e. internet delivery).