— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
(Note: I have contacted PBS 39 at least three times. They have not responded even though I’m a resident of Northampton County, a taxpayer, and perhaps the biggest “Father Brown” fan on my block.)
PBS 39’s Board of Directors had a shot to deal with the present, prepare for the future and set a steady course at its July meeting.
Just one person with some sense of duty and a loud voice could have made a difference.
That didn’t happen.
I listened to the meeting. Remember, PBS 39 (formal name, Lehigh Valley Public Media or LVPM) blew through millions of public dollars in fiscal 2023. Based on the July meeting, big financial problems continue. I’ve been through some crazy financial stuff, but this meeting was cosmic.
So what’s their answer? A big part of it is: GET MORE PUBLIC MONEY.
Really. They have an eye on a big pot of state money, and plan to ask Pennsylvania Rep. Josh Siegel, Allentown, to help. Siegel wasn’t there. I’ve asked his office for comment. No response.
They’ll accept federal greenbacks too, and don’t miss that DONATE button on their website!
There was a chance at redemption. When CEO Emeritus Tim Fallon (in charge during fiscal 2023) talked about potential raids on taxpayers, why didn’t one board member stand up and shout:
“Let’s get our house in order, let’s figure out our mission, let’s set the correct size of this organization before we waste more public money!”
I’d have applauded. And while I don’t think this board has done much to justify its existence, these are not stupid people. Some would have agreed, and sanity could have prevailed.
Nobody said anything. The madness continues.
I’ve rarely seen an organization more in need of a dose of cold reality. Of course, they have an $80 million public endowment, and that covers a lot of mistakes.
Just say no. Ask your elected officials at the city, county, state and federal levels to demand answers when PBS 39 comes around demanding money.
If you detest public television, this is your chance. If you support PBS 39, you should be doubly motivated.
To ask the Inspector General for public broadcasting for an audit, send email to OIGemail@cpb.org
Or go to this website
The Inspector General’s website is not for programming complaints. If you’re unhappy with seeing Antiques Roadshow: Newport for the 47th time, just change the channel.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 
I hope they can right themselves and survive in better shape. More solid media choices enriches us all.
What I want folks to know, because there is a lot of public confusion, is the PBS and NPR are not the same entities. We have had an excellent NPR radio station here in the Lehigh Valley for nearly 30 years. You can tune in to WDIY at 88.1 fm, or go to http://www.wdiy.org – or download the wdiy app from the Apple or Google App Store. We have NPR News on Morning Edition 6-9 am weekdays, Fresh Air 12 -1:00 pm and All Things Considered 4-6 pm.
We also offer Classical Music every weekday morning 9-noon, The Blend 1-4 , folk music evenings from 7-9 pm and Jazz late at night. There are also early evening programs featuring community leaders, local news and views.
Just so there is no confusion, WDIY is going strong with member support. Go to http://www.wdiy.org for the weekly schedule. In the interest of full disclosure, I volunteer host Morning Edition Wednesday mornings and as I write, I am listening to Celtic Faire hosted by my husband, Rick Weaver.
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Thank you for this thoughtful comment. WDIY has always had a lot of dedicated volunteers. My concern is with PBS 39 because of the public money involved, the obvious fiscal mess and the board. PBS 39 needs an operations audit.
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