PBS estimates that last month the show was carried by 63 percent of its member stations, covering 79 percent of American TV households."
Sad day in the Neighborhood. I don't expect much response but thought those who may have children or grand-children may want to know.
In the mid sixties to late sixties as a little kid Fred Rogers came into my home and I watched him as much as I watched Underdog, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Star Trek, Daniel Boone and other shows. He made an impact on me and I feel strong that though some of his shows are outdated, many, if not most, are not.
Here is the article:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08162/888699-85.stm
If you want to do something about it here is a site:
http://savemisterrogers.com/
If you need to remember why you should save it here is his 6 minute 20 million dollar speech from 1969.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KIk9JDetf8
I personally have contacted my local PBS station to let them know that they need to continue to broadcast his show Monday through Friday and at a time when young children can watch him. As a supporter I mentioned that until a new show that is of equal caliber and meaning is produced, Mr. Rogers needs to stay in the "Neighborhood." In many ways, I think his message(s) are needed more today for children than ever before.
As a side note, I know Fred Rogers also testified before the Supreme Court in Sony v. Universal over copyright infringement on copying using VCR's. Rogers was in favoring of it since it allowed families to record his show and let kids watch it at a latter time. He was quoted in a footnote of the decision:
I'm sure those who are in the legal profession or are versed in this in more depth can correct my errors on the case, or to expand on its importance."I have always felt that with the advent of all of this new technology that allows people to tape the 'Neighborhood' off-the-air, and I'm speaking for the 'Neighborhood' because that's what I produce, that they then become much more active in the programming of their family's television life. Very frankly, I am opposed to people being programmed by others. My whole approach in broadcasting has always been 'You are an important person just the way you are. You can make healthy decisions.' Maybe I'm going on too long, but I just feel that anything that allows a person to be more active in the control of his or her life, in a healthy way, is important." Id., at 2920-2921. See also Defendants' Exh. PI, p. 85.
seriously! 