View source for Comments on financial support of public broadcasting

{{article
| publication = The WMHT Program Guide
| file = 1983-08 WMHT Program Guide p54.jpg
| px = 350
| height = 
| width = 
| date = 1983-08-01
| display date = Aug. 1983
| author = 
| pages = 54
| language = English 
| type = 
| description = A viewer [[Dr. Who's Birthday and "Dr." Peter Davison vs. Peter Davison "D.V.M."|responds]].
| categories = letters to the editor
| moreTitles = 
| morePublications = 
| moreDates = 
| text = One of the problems may be the apparent deterioration of the public's standards; con- sideration, courtesy, manners, morals, good taste, self-control, respect. The standards which most people set and lived by, seem to be disappearing at all levels, "all walks of life." Our TV is seldom tuned to the commercial programs, "M.A.S.H" was the only fairly regular exception; the quality of "entertainment" and excessive, repetitive, childish advertising turns us-and the set off, if we are unable to receive one of our many favorites e of our many tax on [[broadwcast:WMHT|WMHT]].

The poor reception is not due to the set but our location. On the fringe area of WMHT, the "snow" and static are increased seasonally by hilly wooded areas surrounding our small acreage. Trees in leaf, bounce, and Interfere with the signal constantly during May through October-half of the year. Cold temperatures, bare branches permit clear sound and picture.

We tried to show our appreciation of your programming with an upgrade of membership as many others did, but too many fit the categories mentioned above; the smaller percentage will continue to do their best.

The variety and quality of programs are excellent, except for the "fillers" between feature films. If necessary for time wedges, more variety, if available, is suggested. "Thank you" gifts should not be essential; the thinking public realizes this--the others don't think. It is possible that publicizing your badly needed underwriters could be a confusing deterrent to certain levels of viewers. The support must be mentioned of course, additional wording might be helpful but please - at a higher mental level than shown by commercial channels. Perhaps a yearly charge and a selective attachment - like Great Britain uses would be the answer, but to set up one station on a pre-pay yearly subscription basis would be impractical. I'm not suggesting cable type hook up. We believe that you and your entire staff are doing an excellent job and wish that we could be more helpful.

Now for a criticism-of BBC-if they are responsible for the new "Dr. Who" that has become a disappointment. The cut back from 1-1/2 hours to 25-30 minutes; the change from pure science fiction format to fairy story, Robin Hood, confusing fantasy and weak plots; most important-the substitution of Peter Davison in place of Tom Baker. Mr. Davison portrays Tristan Farnan very clearly because he is Tristan and will always remain so. Tom Baker has a wide and convincing range of characterizations that puts reality into each minute, scene and story, inspires his fellow actors and leaves the viewer both satisfied and looking forward to the next episode. I do hope Tom Baker's "Doctor Who can be brought back on a permanent basis, minimum 45 minute film, or I shall be sorely tempted to eliminate the present "Doctor."

R. P. Anderson, Chatham, NY.

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