For some time I have meaning to write regarding my growing disappointment with many things WTTW does or doesn't do as well as what seems to be misguidance from the CPB. I looked up on line how to write CPB but that requires snail mail. I shall include the text of this message and snail mail it to them. Now, the Wuhan virus scare has emboldened me to write.
For sometime, I have been amazed how WTTW squanders valuable educational time during programming gaps, by using paid ads, self promotion of upcoming, yet extremely well know programs which need no promoting, rather than using those moments (often extensive) to educate. We are avid watchers of TV5 Monde from France. They, during program gaps, use the time to teach and educate. French language clips with clever teachers, human handicap issues with silly and extremely well done skits, history via the post office using postage stamps to teach that history. We, on the other hand, are subject to promotions of Downton Abbey reruns, Check Please, Suze Orman plugs, Il Volo etc etc. No teaching or education in 5-10 minute programming gaps. Public Television and local program production seems to be slipping into oblivion as more and more British programming is purchased and shown, costing lots of money inducing the need to continually ask for more and more money, rather than developing homegrown programming (I understand homegrown costs money, I am guessing a lot). Currently there is absolutely nothing addressing the current health and economic crisis that I can find, except for Chicago Tonight. When Governor Pritzker addressed the state yesterday Friday March 20, 2020 at 3PM CT, WTTW was showing its regular programming (children's programming "Nature Cat" and "Wild Kratts") not the governor. Yet WTTW covered all of the impeachment proceedings. I was absolutely bowled over this AM when tuning into WTTW to find Suze Orman peddling her books and tapes in another WTTW pledge drive. Not only was her content inappropriate for today's new economic world, it was obviously taped, old and even comical while at the same time sad, to listen to her pitch because her information is no longer valid for today’s economics, not even by a long shot. But there she was this AM at 8:40. WTTW should be ashamed. Pre-recorded re-runs of Check Please (yes, I know this is local programming) are showing as usual promoting restaurants that have been closed for a week and only serve to make people realize what they are missing. Thanks WTTW for the fingernails on a black board. WTTW should really be ashamed. Who at WTTW, completely out of touch programmers and management, does this to Chicagoland? Both CPB and WTTW are clearly missing a golden opportunity to return to the good graces of the vast non-Downton Abbey world, Congress and the politicians by reestablishing themselves as a leader in education, societal support and hope. There is no reason why Public Television can't help with some of the heavy lifting, rather than being a powder puff by mostly showing the best of British programming, instead of helping America through this crisis. I am not saying all programming needs to be dedicated to the crisis, of course not. Intelligent programming and entertainment must continue, but even a modicum of education addressing the current crisis would be welcome and be a feather in Public Television’s cap. Get rid of the Suze Orman and the other medical hucksters you have used in your pledge drives to attract contributions. Permanently! Public Television needs an upgrade and it needs it fast. You should be a shining star rather than scraping your fingernails on the blackboard