Comments on: KLRU takes steps to strengthen operations http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/ Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:36:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Karl http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-4667 Karl Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:52:06 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-4667 Dear KLRU- I am a contributor and watch PBS almost exclusively. I was disappointed about discontinuance of KLRU2. If I missed Jim Lehrer's News Hour at 6:00 pm due to work demands, I could catch it at 10:00 pm--it was the only national news that I watched for many good reasons. I have no idea of what KLRU Q 18-3 is--except that I don't receive it. If I missed an episode such as "Behind Closed Doors--WWII" I could always count on seeing it later on KLRU 2. I guess I won't see the missed episode. Also, I keep getting these periods when KLRU goes silent in the middle of a program while the video is still on--sometimes the screen goes completely lime green--is this degeneration of broadcasting a result of the budget cuts too? Too bad for those of us who are KLRU fanatics. It's not hard times yet, but it sure is a loss in quality of viewing. Karl Dear KLRU-

I am a contributor and watch PBS almost exclusively. I was disappointed about discontinuance of KLRU2.
If I missed Jim Lehrer’s News Hour at 6:00 pm due to work demands, I could catch it at 10:00 pm–it was the only national news that I watched for many good reasons. I have no idea of what KLRU Q 18-3 is–except that I don’t receive it. If I missed an episode such as “Behind Closed Doors–WWII” I could always count on seeing it later on KLRU 2. I guess I won’t see the missed episode. Also, I keep getting these periods when KLRU goes silent in the middle of a program while the video is still on–sometimes the screen goes completely lime green–is this degeneration of broadcasting a result of the budget cuts too?

Too bad for those of us who are KLRU fanatics. It’s not hard times yet, but it sure is a loss in quality of viewing.

Karl

]]> By: Virgil Howarth http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-4547 Virgil Howarth Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:09:43 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-4547 Thank goodness for "Nightly Business Report". It's the best and most honest business information program on the air. I do wish you could move the "Worldfocus" news program to an earlier time though. It along with the regular PBS news program at 6pm are head and shoulders above any of the major network news reports which are mainly entertainment programs. Thanks for the effort, Virg Thank goodness for “Nightly Business Report”. It’s the best and most honest business information program on the air. I do wish you could move the “Worldfocus” news program to an earlier time though. It along with the regular PBS news program at 6pm are head and shoulders above any of the major network news reports which are mainly entertainment programs.

Thanks for the effort,
Virg

]]> By: Jim http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-4145 Jim Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:56:58 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-4145 I'm posting this at 2 a.m., so yeah, color me dissatisfied with the decision to cease late-night programming. I also have to agree with LP, your programming during pledge weeks is some of the worst on broadcast television, especially when compared to your regular programming which is stellar. I'm also concerned about some of the stories I've heard about the manner in which staff were let go. For the first time in my 25 years as an Austinite, I'm seriously beginning to question the management practices of KLRU. I hope this dark chapter soon passes and I can once again donate with pride. I’m posting this at 2 a.m., so yeah, color me dissatisfied with the decision to cease late-night programming. I also have to agree with LP, your programming during pledge weeks is some of the worst on broadcast television, especially when compared to your regular programming which is stellar. I’m also concerned about some of the stories I’ve heard about the manner in which staff were let go. For the first time in my 25 years as an Austinite, I’m seriously beginning to question the management practices of KLRU. I hope this dark chapter soon passes and I can once again donate with pride.

]]> By: Jo http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-4133 Jo Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:46:21 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-4133 I'm also discouraged that you're not broadcasting 24 hours. When waking up in the middle of the night, I always turn on KLRU Create or would catch reruns of NOVA, Frontline or Amercian Experience. Not having cable, all that was on was infomercials. (please don't take Scott's advice!) I thought maybe it had something to do with the DVR switch. I too contribute when I can. I would rather have KLRU off one day a week (not a weekend though!), instead of the hours you have chosen. I’m also discouraged that you’re not broadcasting 24 hours. When waking up in the middle of the night, I always turn on KLRU Create or would catch reruns of NOVA, Frontline or Amercian Experience. Not having cable, all that was on was infomercials. (please don’t take Scott’s advice!) I thought maybe it had something to do with the DVR switch. I too contribute when I can. I would rather have KLRU off one day a week (not a weekend though!), instead of the hours you have chosen.

]]> By: Scott http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-3992 Scott Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:43:09 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-3992 i guess this would make too much sense, but why not sell those 5 hours or whatever to telemarketers and pay for the rest of the shows? make a little money the old fashioned way instead of constantly begging people to send in donations i guess this would make too much sense, but why not sell those 5 hours or whatever to telemarketers and pay for the rest of the shows? make a little money the old fashioned way instead of constantly begging people to send in donations

]]> By: Ann Paige http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-3878 Ann Paige Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:13:18 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-3878 Love KLRU! Unfortunately, now that 6/12/09 has come and gone, I don't get any of your stations over the air. Before, I was able to get three of your stations and especially enjoyed the addition of Create programing. What happened? I am just outside Austin at Lake Travis? Love KLRU! Unfortunately, now that 6/12/09 has come and gone, I don’t get any of your stations over the air. Before, I was able to get three of your stations and especially enjoyed the addition of Create programing. What happened? I am just outside Austin at Lake Travis?

]]> By: LP http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-3677 LP Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:41:09 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-3677 I also would much prefer having KLRU on late night instead of having three channels. Also, the reason I don't donate is because KLRU limits the amount they will accept online to $25 or more, which I can't afford right now. In addition, the pledge drive programming is the WORST programming KLRU shows. Celtic Woman specials over and over and over again, New Age music like Yanni, self-help blabber shows on ALL DAY, etc. preempt programs that actually make me watch KLRU, like This Old House, Antiques Roadshow, NOVA, Frontline, American Experience, etc. Maybe that gets a certain older demographic, but you're really alienating the young people who would like to donate now and as their incomes continue to rise in the future. I also would much prefer having KLRU on late night instead of having three channels. Also, the reason I don’t donate is because KLRU limits the amount they will accept online to $25 or more, which I can’t afford right now. In addition, the pledge drive programming is the WORST programming KLRU shows. Celtic Woman specials over and over and over again, New Age music like Yanni, self-help blabber shows on ALL DAY, etc. preempt programs that actually make me watch KLRU, like This Old House, Antiques Roadshow, NOVA, Frontline, American Experience, etc. Maybe that gets a certain older demographic, but you’re really alienating the young people who would like to donate now and as their incomes continue to rise in the future.

]]> By: KLRU http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-3552 KLRU Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:05:49 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-3552 KLRU is currently working on a plan that would permit us to move back to 24 hours on all of our stations without the need to add back staff. As far as the new channel, there is no cost to the station of utilizing the bandwidth to deliver a third channel; the only costs are for the programming content and for the personnel to program the channel. Regarding the programming content, we are using PBS content, which we have already paid for as part of our annual PBS programming fees. As far as the cost of the staff to program the channel, no new positions are required. The person who is programming the channel is the same person who has previously programmed KLRU2 and KLRU-G, which are being eliminated effective June 30. The decision to eliminate KLRU 2 and KLRU-G is based on our desire to end the practice of programming channels that are only available to customers of certain cable companies and not to others — by ending the two channels and, instead launching one new one that is available to everyone. KLRU is currently working on a plan that would permit us to move back to 24 hours on all of our stations without the need to add back staff.

As far as the new channel, there is no cost to the station of utilizing the bandwidth to deliver a third channel; the only costs are for the programming content and for the personnel to program the channel. Regarding the programming content, we are using PBS content, which we have already paid for as part of our annual PBS programming fees. As far as the cost of the staff to program the channel, no new positions are required. The person who is programming the channel is the same person who has previously programmed KLRU2 and KLRU-G, which are being eliminated effective June 30. The decision to eliminate KLRU 2 and KLRU-G is based on our desire to end the practice of programming channels that are only available to customers of certain cable companies and not to others — by ending the two channels and, instead launching one new one that is available to everyone.

]]> By: Jerry Malin http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-3247 Jerry Malin Sun, 31 May 2009 07:35:37 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-3247 It seems to me to be a bad management decision to cut the twenty-four hour programming schedule for budget reasons and then add a third station. You already show the same programs on both create and klru. You should condense you schedule to two channels and not add the third. You are alienating forty percent of your audience by eliminating your late night audience. It seems to me to be a bad management decision to cut the twenty-four hour programming schedule for budget reasons and then add a third station. You already show the same programs on both create and klru. You should condense you schedule to two channels and not add the third. You are alienating forty percent of your audience by eliminating your late night audience.

]]> By: Matyas http://www.klru.org/blog/2009/05/klru-takes-steps-to-strengthen-operation/#comment-3001 Matyas Sat, 23 May 2009 22:16:45 +0000 http://www.klru.org/blog/?p=414#comment-3001 I read a lot of comments here expressing frustration over the cuts. I hope that viewers will not only complain to KLRU, but will be equally vocal with their family, friends, neighbors etc. when they explain the importance of the community support KLRU needs. (I contribute slightly above the sustaining level.) Some programs mentioned I never heard of, so I may not be able comment on whether the right cuts were made (I get only two channels over the air). I watch KLRU mostly for the outstanding news coverage and also for Nature, Nova, Independent Lens, Masterpiece etc. To Greg: I find it incredulous that, say, a reduction affecting Mister Rogers' Neighborhood would keep someone from (finally) contributing. You may have an overwhelming interest in children's programs only, but also consider to sustain the programs your child will need after growing up. Without the news and political coverage of KLRU (which you find outstanding) the population will be even more ignorant. Do you really want your children grow up into that society? My suggestion is to look at http://www.amazon.com/Mister-Rogers-Neighborhood-Adventures-Friendship/dp/B0007LPSUO and subtract your cost from the amount you would contribute if KLRU aired it and send only the difference to the station... Also consider this: I recently emailed KLRU to put the Miiller Debates on the schedule and accompanied it with an additional donation. My guess/hope is that they will listen more to a regular contributor than someone who never contributed. I read a lot of comments here expressing frustration over the cuts. I hope that viewers will not only
complain to KLRU, but will be equally vocal with their family, friends, neighbors etc. when they explain the importance of the community support KLRU needs. (I contribute slightly above the sustaining level.)

Some programs mentioned I never heard of, so I may not be able comment on whether the right cuts were made (I get only two channels over the air). I watch KLRU mostly for the outstanding news coverage and also for Nature, Nova, Independent Lens, Masterpiece etc.

To Greg:
I find it incredulous that, say, a reduction affecting Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood would keep someone from (finally) contributing. You may have an overwhelming interest in children’s programs only, but also consider to sustain the programs your child will need after growing up. Without the news and political coverage of KLRU (which you find outstanding) the population will be even more ignorant. Do you really want your children grow up into that society?

My suggestion is to look at
http://www.amazon.com/Mister-Rogers-Neighborhood-Adventures-Friendship/dp/B0007LPSUO
and subtract your cost from the amount you would contribute if KLRU aired it and send only the difference to the station…

Also consider this: I recently emailed KLRU to put the Miiller Debates on the schedule and accompanied it with an additional donation. My guess/hope is that they will listen more to a regular contributor than someone who never contributed.

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