It's not WHAT they're doing. It's what they're NOT doing.        *The word local refers to the entire broadcast region of OPB, which includes the people of southern Washington in the OPB signal pattern and those in southern Oregon who are viewers of Southern Oregon Public Television - commnities which share physical,cultural and political geographies.

Oregon Public Broadcasting is highly regarded by many. Others think it is an elitist organization that doesn't care about the people of the state. It is more than a question of Quality vs. Relevance. Without criticizing what they are doing, our concern is what they're not doing: local programming - local production relevant to local communities*.   96% of regular prime time TV on Oregon Public Broadcasting is imported, corporate sponsored "infotainment". Less than 4% is actually by or about Oregonians. Despite the thousands of professional and student videographers around the state, there is almost no opportunity for independent producers' work on OPB television. 53% of OPB's budget comes from "viewers like you," who have no legal membership, nor any vote in what gets on public broadcasting. Increasing commercialism and corporate sponsorship have a major influence over programming on public television. What are the public services rendered by OPB that make it any different from commercial programming suppliers - that warrant OPB getting tax breaks, public license priviledges, state and federal tax money?   >> Producers' Comments on Working With OPB: Some find it difficult to get local productions broadcast by or made through OPB. The Programming Department particularly seems unfriendly to locals. >> Local Programming Defined: What would local broadcasting on OPB resemble? What should be its goals, criteria, implementation? >> What Others Stations Are Doing: Minneapolis, San Francisco and Kentucky provide representative models of local public programming. >> Local Programing At WGBH, Boston: Attempt by Boston's Community Advisory Board to raise priority of local programming vs. national. Fat chance. >> OPB Programming Balance: So 96% is imported - 25% is British!! Only 13 weekly Oregon Field Guides are produced each year. Take a look at prime time programming throughout the week. >> OPB Income Sources: Corporate, State and Federal dollars each comprise about 10% of the budget. Viewers provide 53%. >> Noncommercial Public Television - A Warning: A respected media activist warns against commercial diversion with digital broadcasting. >> U.S. Law - Community Advisory Board: CABs should be independent of management and representative of the diverse communities served. Obligations and legal requirements are defined. Is OPB in default?  >>LIBRARY: Other articles relating to public broadcasting are available in our Library.   You should have a lot to say about how OPB gets programmed. CAB is one of your means to affect public broadcasting.  You may express your feelings directly to: Yet To Be Appointed, Chair Community Advisory Board Oregon Public Broadcasting 7140 SW Macadam Ave. Portland, OR 97219   CAB meetings are now held quarterly at OPB. The public and press are iencouraged to attend. Call Joyce Sanders at 503-293-1904 to confirm specific time and location.     Send your views and comments to us, as well, so we can present them in our lobbying, public information and advocacy: Friends of Public Broadcasting PO Box 5031 Eugene, OR 97405 e-mail: fopb@efn.org   FOPB Home Page Producers & OPB Library Related Sites This web site is still under construction. Please check back frequently for new information. Update7/11/00