The next time WTTW (Channel 11), the local PBS affiliate, requests money for ”quality programming,” we should recall its performance during the Bork confirmation hearings. While PBS stations from Boston to Washington picked up live feeds of the hearings, what did Channel 11 serve its viewers? Moldy reruns of ”Sesame Street.”
The Bork hearings are terribly important and extremely instructive as to the role of the court and Congress in the bicentennial year of the
Constitution.
There is more to ”quality programming” and ”public service” than endless debate over the location of the new Bears` stadium or admonitions from the Frugal Gourmet not to cook with too much salt. Channel 11 should put our money where its mouth is: Public affairs deserve more coverage from public broadcasters than do the Muppets.
