Shirley's thoughts on Mr. Rogers and PBS's lame response

My mother-in-law Shirley followed my previous suggestion and e-mailed PBS. Her e-mail is below followed by PBS's lame cut and paste response. Thanks Shube for your action on behalf of America's and my kids.

Shirley's e-mail:
I am SO disappointed to see Mr. Roger's program being pulled from the daily PSB lineup. His program was a treausre to my children, and my grandchildren watch him at 1:00 in St. Paul almost every weekday. PLEASE reconsider. There is so little else worthwhile on TV.

PBS response:
Dear Shirley:

Thank you for writing to PBS regarding MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD.

This iconic series holds an extremely special place in PBS’s heart. Together, PBS and Family Communications, Inc. are committed to evolving the role this cherished series plays in today’s media landscape, ensuring future generations of children can experience this rich, unique
content.

PBS will continue to distribute repeats of MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD to all member stations. PBS stations have the option of broadcasting the series everyday or once a week as best suited for their local community interests. For those that choose to air the series daily, PBS is feeding 185 episodes over the summer, allowing easy access to a library of
episodes. For those stations choosing to air the series weekly, they can pick up the weekly feed this fall.

PBS continues to invest in the MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD Web site at pbskids.org/rogers, enriching content with new games, activities and resources for kids, parents and teachers. In addition, PBS and Family Communications, Inc. are planning to preserve MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD content and make it available on demand through Web streaming so families can access it 24/7. We will also engage Fred
Rogers’ many active fans to vote for favorite episodes, share stories and more.

Kevin Morrison, COO of Family Communications, added, "We've been working with PBS on the details of the distribution of MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD in 2008-09 and are pleased that stations can choose to continue to show the series each day or once a week. Fred Rogers was one of the pioneers of public television and it's exciting that he will now
be a new media pioneer on an expanded PBS KIDS Web service. Both PBS and Family Communications have some great ideas to make this a rich resource for children and parents for years to come.”

Our support for MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD reaches far beyond the TV series and Web site, including participation in comprehensive viral campaigns such as "Sweater Day" in March and various sweater drives across the country. PBS has carried on the legacy of Fred Rogers through his TV show, the Web and PBS station community outreach activities for
years because of the incredible impact Fred has had on children.

Fred Rogers' values are embedded in all the work we do and have been an inspiration to new generations of children’s producers. Everyday, PBS KIDS is taking children on a journey to learn about themselves, others and the world around them, a philosophy that’s very much inspired by Fred Rogers’ work and his dedication to the betterment of all children.

We appreciate your interest in our programs and hope you will continue to watch and support your local PBS station.

Sincerely,
Mary
PBS Viewer Services