Let the market decide about PBS

Re “Standing up for public television,” Opinion, March 6

Ken Burns quite rightly swings back at critics who say that the Public Broadcasting Service is unnecessary in a television universe that offers hundreds of channel choices. But not only does PBS match up favorably against its cable competitors, it’s available to any American who has a TV and an antenna, not just to those who can afford to pay ever-higher cable or satellite subscription charges.

David Bernhart

Burbank

Public television is good and bad. On the one hand, there are documentaries from Burns and music shows with great performers. On the other, there are the incessant requests for contributions.

Public television is important, and I do not object to support by the government, but there is a lot of logic in suggesting that the marketplace determine what should or should not be broadcast. I do not remember ever seeing a request for donations from the National Geographic or Discovery or History channels. They are supported by advertising and private donations, provide high-quality programs and are not annoying like PBS.

Michael Wolfstone

Montebello