Glenn Beck was right the whole time.

[30ashopper]

That one I've heard - it was in mid 90's and someone on NPR made a comment about how if there was "justice" Helms or one of his family would get AIDS as payback for his lack of tolerance/bigotry regarding AIDS etc.

They didn't get fired, but it certainly wasn't okay and they had to publicly apologize.

I believe that was Nina Totenberg.

 

[Teresa]

If intelligent, educational, worldly, un-sensationalized, respectful, thoughtful programs such as the ones offered by NPR are "liberal" in nature... then I am confused. I know they are typically given that label by many, but usually by those who have never really listened, as far as I know. Do they know about Science Friday? Or Car Talk? Or any of the incredibly well produced programs offered every day? or are these topics "liberal" even if they are not political? I am confused. Are you a "liberal" if you like to listen to the news, learn from quality programs or listen to stories about life in America (which are well crafted without even a touch of sensationalism)? Or are you a normal, every day American who just happens to enjoy informative but relaxing news without all the gore?

Some of the political commentary definitely leans from middle to left. but usually issues are well represented by various guests so that intelligent, respectful, insightful discussion can take place - among people who come from different perspectives/experiences of an issue (usually professionals in their fields). Most of these discussions help me to learn that there are truly many sides to most issues. And that these issues can be discussed without insulting remarks, drama, sensationalism given on other radio talk shows. Its the only way to listen and live, imo.

As pointed out by scooty and others, political commentary is a very small part of NPR programming. I find the programming highly educational and insightful, on an array of timely topics. Interviews with actors, musicians, authors, former prime ministers, and so many other people from around the world, are always incredible and well worth the listen.

Go up and read the first post. Read Beck's words. Amazing to me how he takes one incident or fact, and then takes so many leaps and bizarre connections. Is he making this stuff up as he goes? Or is it well crafted? Hard to know. I would say he makes it up as he goes based on how his speech is so disjointed. But, no, it must be well crafted for him to be able arrive at such outlandish conclusions - the kind that gets his viewers/listeners literally foaming at the mouth as they so love to do. Imagine loving to foam at the mouth whenever possible.

Car Talk - one of my favorite shows for years! Goofy but still you learn a thing or two. They make me laugh out loud. So much better than the Beck effect (foaming).

 

[Andy A]

Okay, lets say NPR is a wonderful unbiased network. There programming is useful to a lot of people. They get a lot of donations for their programing. Please explain to me why, even though it may not be a great amount, my and everyone else's tax dollars should go to any TV and radio network. Are they in need of government financial assistance? Oh wait. GM, Banks, Mortgages...hmm what else is new?

 

[Teresa]

Okay, lets say NPR is a wonderful unbiased network. There programming is useful to a lot of people. They get a lot of donations for their programing. Please explain to me why, even though it may not be a great amount, my and everyone else's tax dollars should go to any TV and radio network. Are they in need of government financial assistance? Oh wait. GM, Banks, Mortgages...hmm what else is new?

good question, and I think you have a very good point. I didn't say NPR is unbiased. but probably the least biased of any other news source. Its political commentary may lean left but its expressed respectfully and presented in a way that explores the whole issue (not just one side)... (I think people's opinions have become overly biased about NPR. Who told my aunt that NPR was evil? what a terrible thing to do to someone!). Yes, I think it is biased in some ways - but not to any extreme - it does seem to have a fairly sophisticated listening audience.. the numbers from its membership/supporters show that listeners and supporters come from every direction.

as far as funding, I think its a pretty good deal to provide outstanding public TV and radio for everyone. I haven't looked at it closely, but why is it that public tv/radio programs strive for and attain such excellence? is it a govt requirement to meet certain standards? or is it due to the expectations of the supporting membership? or is it that its not for profit and not bought and paid for by anyone but its membership? or a little or each?

Some folks are calling for the govt to pull funding, and I can guess the reasons. It is sad.

I don't know.. maybe funding should be pulled. Maybe we should each do more as members, help raise funds and donate more for something so important. Federal funding has helped to establish something worthwhile so maybe the time has come.

npr FAQ

NPR receives no direct funding from the federal government. Less than two percent of the budget is derived from competitive grants from federally funded organizations such as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Science Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. Approximately half of NPR's funding comes from NPR member stations. In an average year, NPR funds about 45 percent of its operations with membership dues and program fees from member stations. The balance of NPR's annual revenue is derived from private foundations, individuals and corporations, in the form of grants, gifts, investment proceeds, and corporate sponsorships. NPR receives some revenue from distribution fees and fees from tapes and transcripts. Financial statements, based on annual audits, are available in NPR's most recent Annual Report (5.7 MB - Requires Adobe Acrobat).

Wiki

Funding

In 2009 NPR revenues totaled $164 million, with the bulk of revenues coming from programming fees, grants, contributions and sponsorships.[14] According to the 2009 financial statement, about 40% of NPR revenues come from the fees it charges member stations to receive programming. Typically, NPR member stations raise funds through on-air pledge drives, corporate underwriting, and grants from state governments, universities, and the CPB. In 2009, member stations derived 6% of their revenue from local funding and 10% of their revenue from the federal funding in the form of Corporation for Public Broadcasting grants.[14][15] NPR receives no direct funding from the federal government.[16] About 1.5% of NPR's revenues come directly from Corporation for Public Broadcasting grants.
During the 1970s and early 1980s, the majority of NPR funding came from the federal government. Steps were taken during the 1980s to completely wean NPR from government support, but the 1983 funding crisis forced the network to make immediate changes. More money to fund the NPR network was raised from listeners, charitable foundations and corporations instead.

 

[Matt J]

Okay, lets say NPR is a wonderful unbiased network. There programming is useful to a lot of people. They get a lot of donations for their programing. Please explain to me why, even though it may not be a great amount, my and everyone else's tax dollars should go to any TV and radio network. Are they in need of government financial assistance? Oh wait. GM, Banks, Mortgages...hmm what else is new?

Perhaps you should read up on corporate welfare.

http://www.cato.org/pubs/handbook/hb108/hb108-33.pdf

That particular publication doesn't even go into other forms of indirect corporate welfare.

Oh and I forgot to remind you that GM and the Banks got loans, not just a check. In fact the banks are almost done paying it back.

 

[Andy A]

Perhaps you should read up on corporate welfare.

http://www.cato.org/pubs/handbook/hb108/hb108-33.pdf

That particular publication doesn't even go into other forms of indirect corporate welfare.

Oh and I forgot to remind you that GM and the Banks got loans, not just a check. In fact the banks are almost done paying it back.

Yeah, like every other "loan" made by the federal government. Yes, the banks supposedly "paid back' loans many did not want in the first place because it gave the federal government an "in" into their business. Our economy and debt is unsustainable in its present condition and yet liberals such as you make every effort to convince the public alls right with the world if we just wait long enough. Its just like all the info on funding NPR. Their funding has purposely been structured so that it appears there are no federal funds involved. I know a couple of Senators who disagree that there is no federal funding and I happen to think they are right. That money could be better spent elswhere especially now that George Soros is their mentor.

 

[poppy]

Yeah, like every other "loan" made by the federal government. Yes, the banks supposedly "paid back' loans many did not want in the first place because it gave the federal government an "in" into their business. Our economy and debt is unsustainable in its present condition and yet liberals such as you make every effort to convince the public alls right with the world if we just wait long enough. Its just like all the info on funding NPR. Their funding has purposely been structured so that it appears there are no federal funds involved. I know a couple of Senators who disagree that there is no federal funding and I happen to think they are right. That money could be better spent elswhere especially now that George Soros in their mentor.

YouTube - Bush's Address to Nation on Economic Meltdown

 

[Bob]

If intelligent, educational, worldly, un-sensationalized, respectful, thoughtful programs such as the ones offered by NPR are "liberal" in nature... then I am confused. I know they are typically given that label by many, but usually by those who have never really listened, as far as I know. Do they know about Science Friday? Or Car Talk? Or any of the incredibly well produced programs offered every day? or are these topics "liberal" even if they are not political? I am confused. Are you a "liberal" if you like to listen to the news, learn from quality programs or listen to stories about life in America (which are well crafted without even a touch of sensationalism)? Or are you a normal, every day American who just happens to enjoy informative but relaxing news without all the gore?

Some of the political commentary definitely leans from middle to left. but usually issues are well represented by various guests so that intelligent, respectful, insightful discussion can take place - among people who come from different perspectives/experiences of an issue (usually professionals in their fields). Most of these discussions help me to learn that there are truly many sides to most issues. And that these issues can be discussed without insulting remarks, drama, sensationalism given on other radio talk shows. Its the only way to listen and live, imo.

As pointed out by scooty and others, political commentary is a very small part of NPR programming. I find the programming highly educational and insightful, on an array of timely topics. Interviews with actors, musicians, authors, former prime ministers, and so many other people from around the world, are always incredible and well worth the listen.

Go up and read the first post. Read Beck's words. Amazing to me how he takes one incident or fact, and then takes so many leaps and bizarre connections. Is he making this stuff up as he goes? Or is it well crafted? Hard to know. I would say he makes it up as he goes based on how his speech is so disjointed. But, no, it must be well crafted for him to be able arrive at such outlandish conclusions - the kind that gets his viewers/listeners literally foaming at the mouth as they so love to do. Imagine loving to foam at the mouth whenever possible.

Car Talk - one of my favorite shows for years! Goofy but still you learn a thing or two. They make me laugh out loud. So much better than the Beck effect (foaming).

I once met "click and clack"at a poll party at disney. most likely 2 of the most pleasant guys you would ever want to talk to. npr is a calming counterpoint to the rantfest of most political talk radio.

 

[LuciferSam]

I would describe NPR as taking a sober view of the world's events.

 

[Matt J]

Yeah, like every other "loan" made by the federal government. Yes, the banks supposedly "paid back' loans many did not want in the first place because it gave the federal government an "in" into their business. Our economy and debt is unsustainable in its present condition and yet liberals such as you make every effort to convince the public alls right with the world if we just wait long enough. Its just like all the info on funding NPR. Their funding has purposely been structured so that it appears there are no federal funds involved. I know a couple of Senators who disagree that there is no federal funding and I happen to think they are right. That money could be better spent elswhere especially now that George Soros is their mentor.

Andy, Fox just reported the sky is green, guess it is.

Many banks were forced to take loans, even if they didn't need them, so there wouldn't be a run on banks that did. If I looked at everything as short sighted as you do then I never would have made it to September 12th.

I've never said everything's alls right. I have a realistic view that although the housing market isn't still booming and things have slowed in most economic sectors things will come back. If they don't then I'll start farming and responding to your scrawls on telephone polls.