Off Mic

Update: KPBS general manager Doug Myrland spoke about the cancellation on These Days .

The last day of July marked more than the end of the month. It was also the last day for Full Focus , the daily television news program I'd hosted for more than four years. I found out it was the last day just hours before we taped that final episode and it was as though the day suddenly slowed down, the way film does in slow motion.

The radio and television business is replete with stories of series that come and go. And they always do go -- although some take longer to disappear than others. In all of its iterations, Full Focus had been on the air for about 8 years, starting as monthly programs hosted by KPBS Radio reporters on location to eventually become the nightly studio-based shows divided into four segments.

The vision for Full Focus changed as the ideas flowed in. We considered "video kiosks" where people could record personal stories. We included community commentaries in Public Square. And we recently took the show on the road , shooting segments all over the county. Ratings climbed that week and we hoped more field location would translate into a larger audience. Viewers were passionate about Full Focus and its potential, but the numbers remained small by current television standards.

Vision is what makes life exciting. Vision is challenging and sometimes unattainable, and needs to be pursued by imaginative, dedicated, talented, daring people. Full Focus had those people. Natalie Walsh, executive producer, was a ferocious advocate for the program. Pat Finn, whose writing skills gave class to the segments she produced, oversaw the highly popular Friday "Top Stories" wrap-up of the week's news with local reporters and a variety of hosts, including Michael Marcotte and Alison St John from the KPBS News staff. Managing editor Graciela Sevilla is a respected journalist with years of experience behind her and a deep knowledge of the community. Producer Mary Garbesi is one of those rare multi-talented professionals who can produce, edit, work in radio or television, is in love with culture and the arts, and became a top public affairs producer. Reporters Amita Sharma, Joanne Faryon, Rebecca Tolin, and Heather Hill brought intelligence, dedication, and freshness to the program. All of their work was enhanced by videographers/editors, and production personnel whose pride in their work was evident each day. Some of them will be re-assigned at KPBS. Others will be grabbed up by smart organizations.

Sometimes in life, timing is absolutely perfect. In this case, time did not befriend Full Focus . The visions remained vigorous, while the resources and the audience did not keep pace. The execution of the program was the envy of television professionals who saw us devoting time and considerable thought to every aspect of each show, from careful writing to thorough research to deep consideration of topics to be covered with balance and fairness.

KPBS Television has had its share of canceled series over the 40 years of its existence. But next year or the year after, someone's vision will shape another local program that will find its own way to cover San Diego's important stories and ask the necessary questions.

Meanwhile, I turn my energies to other projects at the station. For me, KPBS remains a strong source for local news and public affairs on the radio and online. I'm hoping that soon KPBS Television will find another vehicle for covering what's going on in our community.

-- Gloria Penner was host of Full Focus for four years and has hosted over a dozen series on KPBS over the last 37 years. She continues to host Editors Roundtable , with additional contributions to KPBS Online, Envision San Diego and other reporting. Please read our guidelines before posting comments.

Gail
August 02, 2007 at 03:17 AM
Here's an idea - just show cartoons, even more Hewell Hauser and re-runs of Benny Hill 24 hours a day and your ratings will soar among the much desired 12-24 males living-in-their-parents-rec-or-laundry-rooms demographic. You ruined KPBS radio by getting rid of all those pesky thinking shows (Talk of the Nation, Science Friday, NewsHour.) Now your ruining KPBS television by getting rid of the only local television news show dedicated to discussion what's really going on in San Diego, most especially the Friday news review show. The only thing you did not try was a new, better-prepared moderator. What's Dirk Sutro doing? Helen Copley and her little Unionettes must just be so proud! Now, as soon as Tom Smudge admits he is a tepid, warmed-over version of Rush, the conversion of KPBS into the true, uncontested voice of the UT will be complete. Thank the heavens for the Internet and KQED, where I am a happy full-dues paying member. -----

mel shapiro
August 02, 2007 at 03:31 AM
It would be nice to know what the ratings are of all your shows. Why is this a secret ? Since you are PUBLIC TV,the ratings should be available to the public. I'd like to know who maakes the decisions to cancel shows and why . Does the KPBS board of directors decide ? Who's on the board ? How about posting the minutes of their meetings on your web page .How much influence does David Copley have on programming ?

miguel delgado
August 02, 2007 at 04:20 AM
AS A LIFELONG CHICAGOAN,WHO PLANS TO RELOCATE TO SAN DIEGO NEXT YEAR, I AM SADDEN THAT FULL FOCUS WAS CANCELED.I HAVE WATCHED THE PROGRAMS ONLINE FOR 2 YEARS,JUST TO GET A FEELING OF SAN DIEGO LIFE AND ITS PROBLEMS AS WELL AS IT SUCCESSES.THE SHOWS GAVE ME SOME PERSPECTIVES ON WHAT SAN DIEGO IS GOING THROUGH DAY BY DAY.I WILL TRULY MISS THE PROGRAMS,HOWEVER, I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE IN SAN DIEGO.

Dirk Sutro
August 02, 2007 at 06:07 AM
Gail: You made my day. Dirk Sutro

Karen
August 02, 2007 at 06:45 AM
I wholeheartedly share Gail's condemnation of KPBS and it's preference for TV and radio "lite," with one exception. I think Gloria Penner is one of the best interviewers and hosts around--well informed and gutsy enough to pose pointed questions. Besides it's refreshing to see a woman in this role. I have to admit that I rarely watched "Full Focus" because the times of its broadcast were not convenient (and I'm totally fed up with KPBS's TV offerings). However, I listen to "These Days" and "Editor's Roundtable" all the time and am well aware of the topics featured on "Full Focus." Like Gail, I was really annoyed that KPBS radio discontinued "Talk of the Nation" because (according to their public comments) viewers wanted news programs rather than call-in programs. To fill the slot vacated by TOTN, KPBS broadcasts "Day to Day," which is another news "lite" offering. Although I would like to put all of the blame for this bland programming on KPBS's management, let's face it, the San Diego audience is partly to blame. After all, we live in a city that pride's itself on its mild weather.

Jim Peugh
August 02, 2007 at 07:01 AM
Hello KPBS Management, I was disappointed to see the "Nightly Business Report" in place of "Full Focus" tonight. There were many times when I was concerned that "Full Focus" missed important aspects of some issues. But we will all be much less aware of what is happening in our region without it. I will really miss the content and the on-air personalities. Do you have another local news program planned to replace it, or are you going to give up on it? Please let us know! If the latter, I suspect that KPBS watchers will think of themselves more as PBS watchers, identify less with KPBS itself, and make your fundraising more difficult. The lack of communication with the public about this change seems disfunctional since you depend on the loyalty and support of the public. Jim Peugh

Nicole Lozare
August 02, 2007 at 07:13 AM
KPBS General Manager Doug Myrland is scheduled as a guest on "These Days" at 9 a.m. on Thursday to discuss the cancelation of the two shows.

Don Skolnik
August 02, 2007 at 10:15 AM
"Full Focus" certainly had strengths and weaknesses. I would say, "Mend it, don't end it." Cancellation of "Full Focus" without a reasonable replacement is very disturbing. A public broadcasting TV station without a locally produced news and public affairs show must be considered derelict in one of its key responsibilities to the community. Because of the lack of transparency at KPBS, one can only guess how these programming decisions are made. Certainly member involvement seems minimal. What a shame.

sally stark
August 02, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Wow! Since when does public tv cancel shows because they aren't making money? What a shame. I was under the impression that KPBS was at the public's service. This choice is definitley a diservice to the San Diego community. Will we see something else on this channel dedicated to important local issues? As far as I can tell, it was the only one in town. Now what?

Nguyen Vu
August 02, 2007 at 04:50 PM
I concur with all previous comments. In addition, I was really disappointed that KPBS cancelled Talk Of The Nation. I was a dedicated listener to TOTN everyday at 11am, I'm really pissed that it is gone. I stop support KPBS since then.

Martha Barnette
August 02, 2007 at 05:16 PM
I'm deeply saddened for the loss of "Full Focus." I'm proud to have had all those talented journalists as colleagues, and I appreciate all the comments here about the quality of the show. As for "A Way with Words," I can assure you that Grant and I are already in talks with other radio outlets and potential sponsors who see a bright future for our show's distribution at the national level. So I'm sure "A Way with Words" will land well, although of course I'm saddened for our local audience. In the end, it appears that as we added podcast listeners and other stations around the country, continuing to serve our growing national (and international) audience became too much for KPBS to handle. In fact, I've been spending the summer digging through and trying to answer hundreds of emails we've received from ardent listeners around the country and around the world. Meanwhile, I'm very happy to report that Grant already has our new "A Way with Words" website up and running. You'll find news about AWWW as it happens at http://waywordradio.org, where you can also sign up for our email list. http://www.waywordradio.org/ Check it out and let us know what you think! And of course, feel free to let KPBS know what you think as well.

jim guarino
August 02, 2007 at 05:21 PM
This is a shame. I find the Friday night round table more informative than a full week of commercial news.

Stu Williams
August 02, 2007 at 05:34 PM
I moved to San Diego from Tucson, Arizona, where the local PBS affiliate, KUAT, has successfully run a weekday TV news magazine, "Arizona Illustrated," for about 25 years -- all while doing it with fewer fundraising campaigns and paid advertising than I've heard on KPBS Radio/TV in the past 18 months. In addition, KPBS received a significant endowment from Joan Kroc. I don't think KUAT ever received a gift of that magnitude. This is a metropolitan region more than three times bigger than Tucson (three times more stories to cover, three times the listener/viewer base). As a relative newcomer to San Diego, it was refreshing to see the young reporters/producers doing local stories. Firing these folks and cancelling this locally produced show is a shameful and short-sighted programming decision.

Anthony Intrieri
August 02, 2007 at 06:03 PM
Thank you staff for your years of dedication to Full Focus, and to the radio show A Way With Words. Sadly I agree with most of the above comments, including listening to KQED and KPCC and KCRW (online)and have become a member of all of these.) They offer local programming and articulate thoughtful programs which are the mark of a creative, vibrant station. KPBS is going the way of ClearChannel radio: one local engineer pushing buttons to start the canned programs from the national affiliates. What is wrong? Your fundraising is becoming oppressive and repetitive. And you completely eliminate your nightly schedule including Wall Street Week, Nova, Bill Moyers, Frontline, etc. when you fundraise. STOP DOING THIS. You are driving us away instead of raising membership. Doug Myrland, on the radio today you said you are "the decider" and that KPBS doesn't have to listen to its members. Sounds too much like our favorite politician. Perhaps the person to be fired is the one in charge. Thanks.

jjinsd
August 02, 2007 at 06:19 PM
I can't believe they cancelled the show w/out so much as a warning that it was goin to happen or even a chance for the audience to wish FF adios. KPBS how about making The Editor's Roundtable a 2 hour show on Fri & cut your lame Friday "specials".

John Jensen
August 02, 2007 at 06:57 PM
I am sad to hear Full Focus has been cancelled. My wife and I have often commented on how it is so nice to see good coverage and often discussion of issues that the network media ignores. Full Focus will be missed.

Laurie Sterling Jensen
August 02, 2007 at 07:09 PM
I am deeply disappointed about Full Focus being taken off the air. In the era of sound bite junk news where more time is spent on Paris Hilton and Brittney Spears than on issues that really matter, Full Focus was a desperately needed last bastion of quality news programming. I have lost some respect for KPBS because of this decision.

Andrew Phelps
August 02, 2007 at 07:10 PM
The KPBS general manager spoke about this on "These Days" this morning: http://www.kpbs.org/radio/these_days;id=9233 Please keep the comments coming. I know it feels like no one is listening, but believe me -- some of us are.

Arlene V.d.W.
August 02, 2007 at 07:51 PM
Anytime Gloria Penner is not a part of the KPBS program schedule, we lose a sense of historical perspective. Too many young people, even including some of the editors, haven't lived through or learned from our history during World War II, not to mention the depression. Perhaps the biggest mistake has been chopping up both local radio & television programming into numerous small segments, many of which do not allow for public comment. This is supposed to be "Public Broadcasting", after all. Program management tells us "that our traditional public radio audience (from about 40 to 60 years old) has an increasing appetite for news magazines" (John Decker, email 11 Dec. 2006). However, if you call the Membership Department, they will tell you that 70% of member funding comes from radio & television listeners 69 & older. Some of us elders may not remember what we had for lunch yesterday, but we do remember with painful detail how our city, state, & nation have reached the conditions they are in today.

Keith Vertrees
August 02, 2007 at 08:07 PM
Doug Myrland, in the interview with Tom Fudge: "It doesn't work that way: we decide on the programming and you decide whether you want to listen to it or whether you want to support it, but we don't do things by voting. It's not a collective." Very well, you've made your decision, Doug. Now it's time for everyone who liked these programs to make theirs. I don't think you'll like their decision, Doug.

Brian O'Cooney
August 02, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Just when I was waiting for the Full Focus segment where Jerry Sanders is asked about being in bed with big business, providing them incentives, breaks in regulations, or the turning of an eye at the expense of public safty, while on the other had, intent on gutting public programs. Instead of local issues effecting San Diegans, I will now get non-local, uninformative, Nightly Business Report, where they review and recommend their personal favored stocks, that's real a winner! While it will boost corporate funding from big business, it does pose this question: Does anyone at KPBS really think bringing back Nightly Business Report will bring ratings up for that time slot? The good thing is that I now have more time to do other things, as I won't be busy keeping up with local issues important to San Diego on Full Focus. Ignorance is bliss. Why, I am just waiting with bated breath for Doo Wop one hundred and ten.

J. Philiip Geddes
August 02, 2007 at 08:25 PM
Losing Full Focus is a profound disappointment. Where else will we find a replacement for the broad, stimulating coverage of local issues? Certainly not on KPBS. Just more of the dumbing down of America. If only the Friday segment had survived. Not to be.

Marc Chery
August 02, 2007 at 10:22 PM
KPBS (radio and TV) needs to have more locally produced shows. Public radio/TV shouldn't be worrying much about ratings or whether shows make money or not. Do what some great public radio stations are doing, specially in smaller markets: produce local shows with knowleable volunteer talent -- they're all over the place. Great engineers and a top notch community programmer will make that possible.

Mary H. Stephens
August 03, 2007 at 12:10 AM
I was deeply shocked and disappointed to find Full Focus gone and business news returned. What a loss!! I have been one of the faithful viewers depending on this program for fuller, indepth news and coverage of topics vital to this city and beyond. Amita Sharma, Rebecca Tolin, and others are top notch reporters and I do hope they have not been cut from the staff of KPBS. I will turn to other stations, or catch up on back programs during that time slot until hoped for information programs pertaining to local issues, science, politics are once again covered. How did you base your poll to find the number of viewers?? I would have answered with a hearty "yes"!!! Another loss, alas!! Mary Stephens

Gloria Penner
August 03, 2007 at 12:42 AM
Today, my email and voice mail reflected, as did many of the web posts, that loyal Full Focus viewers will really miss having a local station seriously and intelligently deal with local issues. I heard from community and government leaders, the academic world, scientists, doctors, lawyers, and you. I believe in the power of the people. If your voices had been raised in approval and support often during the lifetime of the program and had successfully reached KPBS management (that's the key),the result would have been much different. I hope that's true. After all, ratings depend on who is in the sample. Gloria

Stu Williams
August 03, 2007 at 02:29 AM
Ms Penner: Respectfully, Full Focus's cancellation should've been announced, discussed and disseminated to the listening audience weeks, if not months, in advance. Rather the announcement seemed abrupt and at the whim of the General Manager or somesuch. In addition, had the show's production team made a sustained pitch for dollars to save this proram, specifically (i.e, budget earmark), I think this program's cancellation could have been spared. Faced with that choice, I think THE STATION might have been surprised at the outcome.

Chris
August 03, 2007 at 04:03 AM
I'll add my voice to the din of disappointment. I'll miss full focus, and A Way With Words. Like some other commenters, I sorely miss TOTN. Enjoy your next Wayne Dyer enchilida-thon, Mr. Myrland.

Chris
August 03, 2007 at 04:08 AM
...clearly, I'm too upset to proofread.

Wallace Tucker, Fallbrook
August 03, 2007 at 07:07 AM
KPBS Management As long-time supporters of KPBS, we are extremely disappointed in your decision to cancel Full Focus. It was one of the most informative shows about local events on the air, and our favorite by far. Full Focus filed a vital role in covering the large, diverse area and population of San Diego County. No other program compares with its range of topics, and level of coverage. Perhaps some of the interviews and reporting were revealing more about San Diego's power elite than KPBS management is comfortable with? We need more, not less of this kind of programming. Please re-consider your decision. Wallace Tucker Fallbrook

Don Skolnik
August 03, 2007 at 09:01 AM
I urge all members who are concerned about the cancellation of "Full Focus" to listen to Tom Fudge's Thursday interview with General Mgr. Doug Myrland on "These Days": http://www.kpbs.org/radio/these_days;id=9233 Here we learn that "Full Focus" was cancelled with no specific plans to replace it with another news and public affairs program. Here we learn that, though 40 to 45% of KPBS's revenue comes from members, "We [KPBS management] decide on the programming and you decide if you want to listen to it." Here we learn that KPBS is "not in financial trouble", that KPBS is "one of the most effective fundraising stations in the country", that cancelling "Full Focus" was a "strategic decision", and a matter of "ordering the priorities". One wonders just what those priorities are. Is this arrogant dismissal of member's opinions the way to nurture a community of KPBS members devoted to it future?

Stu Harris
August 03, 2007 at 04:42 PM
"ordering the priorities" is the same phrase that was trotted out over the abrupt dismissal of Pat Launer a few weeks ago. I'm far from a fan of either P.L. or Gloria Penner -- in fact I think they're both appallingly unsuited to radio and TV -- but I see a sinister pattern here. "Ordering the priorities" seems to mean "Getting rid of local information sources". By all means replace these talentless hacks, but replace them with something better, PLEASE.

Doug Myrland
August 03, 2007 at 05:27 PM
I don't know where people get the odd idea that we should survey members on every management decision we make. KPBS has been in existence for 46 years, and NEVER has it been a collective, or even a participatory democracy. I make decisions in the same way every General Manager before me did. There are a few public radio stations in the U.S. that do have huge volunteer corps and the inmates run the asylum. But the vast majority of stations run just like ours. And I am tired of being accused of being "arrogant" when I do my job and refuse to apologize for it. And it would be nuts to announce a show's cancellation in advance and create some agonized, prolonged discussion. And a few hundred random comments mean nothing. We operate in the mass media environment. We attract mass audiences, and our programming decisions are based on doing that more effectively. "Ordering the priorities" is a polite way of saying we wanted to get rid of under-performing activities in favor of things we thought would attract more viewers and listeners. Time will tell if we're right or wrong. Isn't that plain enough? This process doesn't need to be "transparent." We aren't elected officials--every budget line item and every personnel decision and every bit of information we collect is not everybody else's business. Just because you give a contribution or pay taxes doesn't give you the right to decide--or even influence--what goes on the air and what doesn't. Our audited financials are on the web site. Our CPB report is on the web site. I go on the air, and in this forum, to explain the major decisions we make. That's all the "transparency" that is required or appropriate. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. But as I said on the radio, listeners and viewers get to decide only if they want to watch or to listen. If they like enough of what they see and hear, we invite them, on a regular basis, to help pay for it. Those decisions are up to you. But what goes on the air is not up to you. It's up to me. That's not arrogant--that's just the truth. Doug Myrland

Keith Vertrees
August 03, 2007 at 06:45 PM
"Just becuse you give a contribution or pay taxes doesn't give you the right to decide-or even infliuence-what goes on the air and what doesn't." Wow. "OR EVEN INFLUENCE." Wow. Dude, this is one of the most arrogant things I have ever read. I REALLY REALLY hope that no one who reads it here gives KPBS another red cent until you are gone.

Stormy Weeks
August 03, 2007 at 07:10 PM
Way to kick off the first day of the "Summer Fundraising Campaign", Mr. Myrland. Seriously, did Doug Myrland really write that PR nightmare of a comment, or is someone pulling our collective leg? The tone is unprofessional and it is full of misspellings.

Stormy Weeks
August 03, 2007 at 07:26 PM
KPBS's mission statement: KPBS Purpose It is the purpose of KPBS to educate, inform, entertain and empower our audience by acquiring, producing and delivering high quality programming which is of value and worthy of support. KPBS Guiding Principles KPBS values community building, lifelong learning and providing a service that is accessible to all. KPBS believes in being a responsive and professional organization. KPBS staff are committed to creating engaging and appealing programs and services, and through their endeavors, reflect the values of civility, respect, integrity and individual responsibility. KPBS Mission KPBS enriches the lives of people in the San Diego region through unique media services. These high quality radio, TV, Web and community activities educate, inspire, entertain, and advance civic involvement, celebration of culture and the power of diverse perspectives. Responsive, yes. Responsive in a dictatorial fashion, perhaps, but still responsive. Civility, respect, and integrity....questionable in the above comment by Mr. Myrland. It's never respectful to lash out at viewers, especially when more than 38% of the revenue necessary to acquire, maintain and broadcast both radio and television programming comes from individual contributions. I have to wonder what is going on with Mr. Myrland, perhaps he would like to leave the KPBS organization and feels he could get a better severance deal if he is tossed out rather than resigning. That or a medical condition are the only explanations I can imagine for such irresponsible commentary to be posted on KPBS's vehicle for web communication, especially on the kickoff day for yet another fundraising drive.

Doug Myrland
August 03, 2007 at 07:28 PM
Keith--It won't make any difference if I am gone or not. Any one individual member of the public is not going to influence what goes on the air. And even a number of comments, taken in the context of the mass audience we serve, are not necessarily meaningful. Obviously we read and consider all the comments--after all, I am responding to yours. But I'm sorry if the truth hurts. Programming decisions are made not because of public comments, but instead are primarily based on our management assessment of trends and economics. Of course people are disappointed when we make a change or cancel a program they like. But that doesn't influence the decision, which is made for the overall good of the station. To your point about "giving a red cent," I can only say that indeed people should not give in the hope of having personal influence over individual program choices. They should give because they value what they see and hear and want to help support it. If one particular programming decision is so disturbing as to cause someone to stop contributing, that's unfortunate. But it happens, and we do realize that every decision has consequences. In the long run, what matters most is providing programming that more people enjoy more often. Over time, we have been very successful at that.

Stormy Weeks
August 03, 2007 at 07:38 PM
Apparently some viewer suggestions are acted upon, Since Mr. Myrland's post has now been spell checked and the errors fixed. Thanks Mr. Myrland! Now another suggestion: ranting at viewers is BAD for KPBS.

Doug Myrland
August 03, 2007 at 07:42 PM
Stormy: Sorry about the misspellings--I believe they have been corrected. I did not intend my comments to be disrespectful. Just truthful. Certainly I demonstrated more "ciivility and respect" than most of the people who posted comments here. And by the way, I don't find your remarks about a medical condition to be very respectful. I have reviewed my comments and I am afraid I see no "lashing out" either. The spirit of this forum is to have timely and honest communication. That's what I am attempting to provide. And I have no worries about the membership campaign. As I said in my response to Keith above, people should not give money to the station under some false assumption of having personal influence on programming. Membership supports what we do--and we are grateful for that support. If my remarks are impolitic, that's better than meekly pretending that I am sorry for making difficult decisions.

Stormy Weeks
August 03, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Mr. Myrland: Thank you for replying to me directly. First I would like to point out that my comments only representing myself personally, I am not representing an organization as you are representing KPBS as the GM with your blog comments. And as to my remarks about a medical condition, that was a polite way of saying the colloquial "You should have your head examined". This refers both to the ranting tone of your post as well as the misspellings which you have retroactively corrected.

Michelle Descoteaux
August 03, 2007 at 07:57 PM
Mr. Myrland...Pretty impressive, in one statement, you managed to insult KPBS staff, Volunteers and Viewers. So, what you are telling us is that you have no interest in what anyone else thinks, but you're not arrogant, just misunderstood. So let me see if I understand. You believe that viewers and volunteers of KPBS belong in an institution? As a parent of a child residing in a residential treatment facility, I say, how dare you make a comparison of that nature. As an occasional volunteer, I can assure you sir, I am extremely sane, and in proving that point, I guarantee that my volunteer hours are at an end until your replacement is chosen and in place. To the employee's of KPBS, I say hang in there, surely this type of ignorance/arrogance will not be tolerated for long. If I am not mistaken, it is the job of the GM of any organization to ensure its growth by having their finger on the pulse of consumer awareness. In one statement you tell us that what we think or feel doesn't matter, and yet, is it not the viewer rating that drives your business? In your own words, "We attract mass audiences, and our programming decisions are based on doing that more effectively." I believe, Mr. Myland, that WE are that mass audience you're referring to. Clearly you are correct in that we as contributors, volunteers and viewers/listeners, have no say in the day to day running of KPBS, and should not be part of personnel decisions made within the organization, except when people within the organization behave poorly as you have demonstrated in this forum.

Doug Myrland
August 03, 2007 at 08:18 PM
So let me see if I have this right. It's perfectly okay for viewers and listeners to write insulting, impolite comments about KPBS management and not only question our decisions, but challenge our competence to even make them. The cancellation of one program is grounds for immediate dismissal of the general manager. And by the way responding to that criticism in a straightforward and non-apologetic way is further grounds for my dismissal. I'm sorry if some people feel insulted. Welcome to the club.

Stormy Weeks
August 03, 2007 at 08:41 PM
I don't think the cancellation of one program is grounds for immediate dismissal. In fact, I wasn't even upset by the cancellation of Full Focus. My opinion is that funding for Full Focus was possibly provided by a "gift" or other dedicated funding to pay for the program, and for one reason or another, the funding has been discontinued. This would fit in perfectly with the statement that KPBS is not in financial trouble, but this was a management decision. Mr. Myrland's (in my opinion) unprofessional statement towards viewers on the blog was what offended me. I do think it is prudent to tread lightly when addressing sensitive issues as a representative of a company as opposed to expressing my own personal views on a subject. People do tend to "let fly" with the comments a little more when they have already been told that their input is not important anyway.

Doug Myrland
August 03, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Stormy--Your point about me representing the organization is well taken. I realize that by making some more personal comments (or as you term it "ranting") I am taking some risk for me and the organization. Certainly "normal" communications from me to the public would be more carefully considered and edited. But I believe that this forum is by it's nature more free-wheeling and involves person-to-person communication. In that spirit I am writing both as an individual and the head of the organization. I also realize that people will interpret what I write in various ways, and that the safe thing to do would be to just shut up. But we are not trying to be "safe" here --we are trying to create true dialog with people. So I feel an obligation to speak plainly and let the chips fall where they may.

Kerstin Lanham
August 03, 2007 at 08:50 PM
Well I'm a Full Focus viewer and I'm turned off. I feel insulted by Mr. Myrland's comments about individual voices, even hundreds of individual voices, not counting -- it's "the masses" that count to him. Mr. Myrland, there's no ocean without drops of water. Hello! And I see no waves of support for your programming decision. And I remember Joan Kroc giving KPBS TONS of money, and I think it was to support programs like Full Focus. I say your decision sucks and your attitude sucks and I'm sorry I didn't get to see how a superior being such as yourself's spelling sucks too. Nice raincoat though.

Kerstin Lanham
August 03, 2007 at 08:52 PM
P.S. to Dirk Sutro: Hey, I've missed The Lounge forever! What sucky thing happened to you? Nice to see you again.

Stormy Weeks
August 03, 2007 at 09:10 PM
One more question/request to you Mr. Myrland. You said in your post: Our audited financials are on the web site. Could you please provide a more direct link here to that portion of the site? Perhaps I am lacking navigational skills but I have not been able to find this information. Thanks in advance.

Doug Myrland
August 03, 2007 at 09:31 PM
Okay, let me try again. Obviously individual voices count for something or we wouldn't be hosting this forum and I wouldn't be posting on it. Individual comments are helpful in that they give us better understanding of specific things that resonate with our viewers and listeners. I also don't mind explaining our programming decisions--I think people deserve explanations. Giving those explanations helps us in our thinking about new projects. Being able to know you as individuals helps us round out our knowledge of who is out there. But the idea that a few (or a lot) of cards and letters and emails would influence a decision already made about a specific program change is just not correct. Those comments give us food for thought, and help us in future decisions. And related to that, the expectation that viewers and listeners get to "vote" on their programs is a false one. I am afraid I let too much frustration show because I've heard those same complaints for so many years about so many program changes and I just don't know why we can't put those notions to rest. It's puzzling because as I said it has never, ever been the case that programming is decided by polling members. Another odd notion is the idea that we should give some "notice" about changes. I'm not surprised that people are angry or disappointed or sad when a favorite show gets axed. And this forum should be a venue to express some of that. But l hope most of the dialog is about "why" and "what's next," rather than about some premise that somehow the process of making the decision was flawed. I apologize if my tone was too harsh or if I conveyed any disrespect.

Tammy Carpowich, KPBS Director of New Media
August 03, 2007 at 09:49 PM
Sorry the financial statements were hard to find. You can get to them here: http://www.kpbs.org/about_us/KPBS_final_w_opinion

Gail
August 03, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Mr. Myrland seems to forget that NPR and PBS have always had a special relationship with their listeners/viewers/members. When both took off in the 1970s, they did so as an alternate, independent voice to media controlled by the corporate Sales - not Editorial - Department and the Nixon war machine - a situation which has only grown worse under the Bush/Cheney Imperium. At its inception, both NPR and PBS strove to provide the unheard a voice and actively encouraged full, two-way participation from all its listeners/viewers. Reference to NPR and PBS as operating in the Public Trust is not idle media hype. NPR and PBS also strove to educate people (remember it was Educational before being Public TV) - all with a eye toward getting people to think about themselves, their community and their world in a new and/or different light (just as Full Focus did). It is PBS that brought us Carl Sagan and Cosmos, Robert MacNeil and the History of the English Language - and Bill Moyer. It is NPR that brought us All Things Considered, Terry Gross, TOTN, SciFriday and great documentaries from American Radio Works. (And, by the way - what happened to Scientific Frontiers?) There is room in the current media for an autocratic decision-maker who does not want to deal with any pesky input from the very people he was employed to service. And if the presidency of FoxNews does not work out - there will a vacancy in D.C. in 18 months to replace someone there who seems to have the same view as Mr. Myrland regarding input from those he was also employed to service in the public good.

Stu Harris
August 03, 2007 at 10:41 PM
> l hope most of the dialog is about ..."what's next," I agree. So now that Pat Launer and Goria Penner (and Martha Barnette) are outta here, WHAT'S NEXT?

Doug Myrland
August 03, 2007 at 10:42 PM
Gail: Your comments fall into the "puzzling" category for me. I started working in public radio in 1971, so I'm right there with you in the first paragraph. But in the second, what "full two-way participation" are you talking about? Radio and TV have always been one-to-many media. Certainly membership counts as participation, but hardly "full two-way." Programming decisions at PBS and NPR are (and always have been) every bit as "autocratic" as they are here at KPBS. Of course we all have research and ratings and yes, listener/viewer comments as input. But ultimately only a few people make the decisions to air or not air a specific program. And because I make programming decisions in the same way I am somehow compared to Fox news and the current administration? I don't mind if you say I'm a bonehead for making the decision to cancel Full Focus. I totally understand if you ask that I reconsider. What I don't accept is the notion that somehow I should have put the decision to a vote, or that by making the decision I am not operating in the spirit of public broadcasting and ought to seek employment elsewhere.

Doug Myrland
August 03, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Stu: Thanks for asking "what's next?" Here are a few things: We have secured some funds to form an investigative reporting team. Some of that work will end up on TV as well as radio and the web. That project is just getting started, so expect to see/hear somthing in late 2007. Under the Envision San Diego banner we plan a public forum/TV broadcast about water issues in October. In December a TV special about meth. And beginning in mid-September expect to hear increased local news and features in Morning Edition on radio. We're also offering a variety of arts reviews on radio and will be rolling out more. We're working on a lot more ideas for TV, but are open to hearing new ideas as well.

Naomi
August 04, 2007 at 02:33 AM
I am reluctant to offer additional comments as they seem largely unproductive and unwelcome at this stage. However, I think some people (perhaps incorrectly) want a two-way relationship with their local public broadcasting station - a desire not shared by KPBS. Mr. Myrland states that this is never the case. I would suggest that smaller stations around the country do make an effort to create this kind of rapport with their listeners/viewers. This may be because they are more desperate for pledges and don't want to turn people away. I can only speculate. In any case, KPBS seems to have a different attitude. Taking a more "business-like" approach, they will pursue their mission according to their own best judgment. This is fair - who would presume otherwise? However, I think the comments seen here reflect a growing concern over who the customer is. Who is the 'public' that KPBS is trying to serve? The "business-like" approach recommends you act efficiently when going after your market. Thus, it make more sense to go after 10 viewers willing to donate $1,000 (the Producer's Club) rather than 1000 people able to give $10. This is rational, but means you are just as happy serving a smaller percentage of the population. Who is to say which approach is right? KPBS does some great things for San Diego. They raise money for and promote worthy projects such as children's workshops, educational programming and other laudable programs. Personally, I still prefer public broadcasting that tries to maximize its interaction with the public, rather than streamline its marketing. I voted with my feet and stopped giving to KPBS a few years ago. Now I largely listen to KLSD and various outline outlets. Still, I think it is a shame that my local public radio station seems to prefer a more passive audience and doesn't welcome my active participation. Just my $.02.

Roland
August 04, 2007 at 05:46 AM
"Everybody is entitled to their opinion. But as I said on the radio, listeners and viewers get to decide only if they want to watch or to listen. [snip] Doug Myrland" OK. And I will reduce or eliminate my contribution to KPBS/KEBS after some 39+ years. And I will add better antennas so I can tune in KPCC, KCET, and KCRW more clearly (as well as over the Internet). And I will send the funds to those stations that used to go to KPBS. And I hope that KPBS can reform itself so that I can support it more some time in the future, with or without Mr. Myrland. But Mr. Myrland misses a point, it seems to me: his job is to listen well to the desires and to observe well the needs of the community. His job is to use the resources of KPBS to meet those desires and needs. If a program is meeting the needs and desires but isn't "paying for itself" in some way -- too bad. Then Mr. Myrland needs to find ways to provide that support. That is his job. His job isn't to interject his opinion, or that of a small advisory committee, against the desires and needs of the community. That job belongs to another broadcaster or sponsor.

Stu Williams
August 04, 2007 at 06:21 AM
I also appreciate the programming creativity and energy of Santa Monica College's KCRW and Pasadena Community College's KPCC. But the fact is we live in San Diego. And I'm happy to report I've found viable alternatives to the mainstream media here, and locally produced content too. Specifically, VoiceofSanDiego.org has a smart posse of writers. San Diego City College's KSDS (FM 88.3) is a superb local radio station. KPBS doesn't get it -- you don't go and alienate your listener base (as the GM's comments at this blog have managed to do, evidently; losing 10,000 core listeners in ANY media market isn't something to shake a stick at) and stop covering local news and issues! Period. Local content is the crux of public broadcasting. From PB to Palomar, Anza Borrego to Otay, San Diegans deserve a topnotch PBS affiliate. This is a dynamic region! Just do the show less often (and let Rebecca Tolin or Amitha Sharma or another Y-Gen'er anchor it; who cares if Ms. Penner 'wants to do something else'?!), as someone here suggested, rather than the terrible 6:30 pm slot, which in fact is when people are leaving work, or not yet home anyway, as yet another person observed. Be creative and a genuine force for this community, Management! Do more stories on your academic departments right there in your backyard at SDSU, for goddsake. Think outside the box on story ideas (Ms. Tolin seemed especially good at doing this, and I suspect she's one of the dozen staffers that got axed) -- there's a panoply of stories out there that matter to San Diegans and affect our quality of life. Stop doing a disproportionate number of stories on Douglas Manchester and the regional airport authority (snore) and you'll likely find a more responsive, diverse audience. And start funding specific programs with your fundraising drives. Bring back "Full Focus" and make it better! Sign me up.

Greg Duch
August 05, 2007 at 12:10 AM
Myrland takes the "public" out of public broadcasting. KPBS' Mission Statement sounds so high-minded. It's just a bunch of bull. KPBS has broken faith, and its "contract" with the community it "serves". As such, does it have any claim to pledges made by the public based upon false pretenses???? Seems like Myrland's decision was a POLITICAL ONE. He's not out to serve the greater public interest; rather, a narrow clique of special interests, instead.

Don Skolnik
August 05, 2007 at 06:05 AM
Mr. Myrland, I would again point out that by your own reckoning, members typically provide 40 to 45% of the station's support. And yet you say there is no need for transparency and no need for member involvement even in critical decisions, such as the decision to cancel "Full Focus". Your point of view is antithetical to the very concept of PUBLIC broadcasting. Mr. Myrland, though you may not understand it, KPBS does have a PUBLIC trust. (As an aside: I would be curious to know if you consulted the KPBS Programming Advisory Committee or any of the other advisory committees in this critical decision? Did you involve your board of directors?) Mr. Myrland, you talk about KPBS priorities. Is it not obvious that a PBS affiliate in San Diego has a clear responsibility to provide high-quality local news and public affairs coverage on a regular basis? Is it not clear that providing such programming should be one of the highest priorities. If so, how could you cancel "Full Focus" abruptly without a replacement ready to go? Finally, Mr. Myrland, by your actions and harsh words, you have depleted much of the goodwill between this particular member and KPBS. Perhaps it is time for members and volunteers to organize collectively to have their voices heard at KPBS. I wonder if others would be interested. If so, please write me at donskolnik@cox.net.

Greg Duch
August 05, 2007 at 11:28 PM
I once considered the Union-Tribune to be the best local case study of a medium which is secretive, insulated, arrogant, arbitrary, and irresponsible. After recent events, it appears that the Copley Culture of Customer Contempt may have become contagious; and struck the folks at Copley Hall. Maybe, Bob Kittle was a carrier of this malady. Each time he went to KPBS' studios for The Editor's Roundtable, he infected the management at K. Yes, Doug Myrland does have "A WAY WiTH WORDS". If I didn't know better, I'd say I was hearing the voice of Bob Kittle, instead of Myrland last Thursday on "Those Days".

Doug Myrland
August 06, 2007 at 04:42 PM
First of all, I again apologize for my original post. I had come to the end of a very long and difficult week, and I was certainly inappropriately defensive and harsh. So I hope you'll accept my apologies. I think some really great points have been made by recent posters. Naomi, I appreciate the compliments about the good things we do. I hope we are able to attract both large and small contributions, as is appropriate for the budget of each individual contributor. Roland--I agree with you that it is my job to listen, and to find support for programming the public values. I know my previous post didn't exactly support the notion that I'm a good listener. I'll try to do better. As far as finding funds, I managed to do that for five years for Full Focus. Nobody was more dismayed to lose the program than me--I was the one who fought to make it a five day offering. But in the spirit of finding programming that more people want to engage, and to spend resources wisely, I had to make a change. I too enjoy listening to KCRW and to KUSC. I agree that they are worthy of your support. I hope you decide we are too. Mr Williams: I agree with you too about our obligation to cover local issues and news. You can count on us to do so in the future. We just need to figure out a way to do it that will more effectively reach people. I think your story suggestions are truly helpful. I'm glad you noticed Rebecca Tolin had quite a few fresh story ideas. FYI she had decided to move on in her career shortly before we made the decision to cancel the show. Greg: I can assure you my decision didn't have anything to do with politics. In an odd way it might be easier if it did. But it was a very difficult decision that I made based on economics and the best interest of the station. It was about being able to do more programming in the future, and facing the fact that the program wasn't going to attract sufficient support or viewership to thrive. Mr Skolnik and others who have expressed similar thoughts. I hope you'll take a minute to consider how utterly impractical it would be to poll every member (or listener/viewer) on every programming decision. And of course not all would respond. And any random sample would be no better than the research we already purchase. KPCC, KCRW and KUSC don't poll their listeners about individual decisions either, at least that I am aware of. They do engage them in similar ways to us--this forum is one example. Others have suggested we share data--but in the case of most of the quantitative and qualitative research we purchase, it is not ours to share--our contracts with the research companies require that we keep it proprietary. (They make their living by selling research, so you can see why they require this.) In the case of the most recent decisions, please consider that I of course knew that many people would be dismayed--me among them. It was a decision about positioning us for the future. No committee of viewers could be expected to vote to cancel a good program like Full Focus. I'd be saddened if they did. I wouldn't want to put viewers in that position to have to decide. I'm really sorry if it seems out of the spirit of public broadcasting, but sometimes the most controversial decisions have to be made by management, and then we have to take our lumps. Indeed we do consult various committees on many decisions--but this was one case where it didn't seem practical. Greg: I was amused by the comparison to Bob Kittle. I never noticed the similarity. I'm not as thin, don't look good in bow ties, and I'm pretty sure he makes a lot more money. Again, thanks for all your participation and for engaging. And I once again apologize for being unpleasant last week. It was an unpleasant week--but that's no excuse.

Keith Vertrees
August 06, 2007 at 11:13 PM
Mr. Myrland, The thing that angered me, and probably most of the others, was not the cancellation as much as your protrayal of yourself as the sole decider. (Anthony came up with that one on pg. 2, and I'm afraid that it fits.) You seemed particularly adamant in your assertion that viewers' financial support should not (and does not) influence *your* programming decisions, e.g.: "It doesn't work that way: we decide on the programming and you decide whether you want to listen to it or whether you want to support it, but we don't do things by voting. It's not a collective." [from interview with Tom Fudge] -and- "Just becuse you give a contribution or pay taxes doesn't give you the right to decide-or even influence-what goes on the air and what doesn't." Is this still your position? If it is, then KPBS has a truth in advertising problem. Last night, during the Mystery! beg-a-thon, we were told repeatedly that FINANCIAL SUPPORT would insure the continued broadcast of Mystery! We were given the impression that our donations, during the Mystery! broadcast, would matter when it comes to deciding whether to keep Mystery! on the air. That impression is irreconcilable with what you've said in this thread and in your interview with Tom Fudge. What is the truth? Do members actually get a vote with their wallets? Or are the contributions that they are told will be earmarked for a particular program dumped into one big pot?

Rick Brooks
August 07, 2007 at 02:25 AM
I am truly saddened by the loss of this program. Like other viewers, I rarely was able to see the show, largely because of the hours I work. Unfortunately, this show really was one of the best local shows covering local issues in depth. God knows, the for-profit media aren't doing it. I think you really need to take a hard look at the mission of KPBS. I doubt that you could find a better use of my membership dollars than providing this kind of thoughtful, well-researched discussion. I have found myself more often disappointed than pleased by your programming choices. It has been my impression that the quality of both your radio and TV programming has been steadily falling. The cancellation of this show, and A Way With Words, does nothing to improve that perception. I hope to be proven wrong.

Conrad Hartsell MD
August 07, 2007 at 03:36 AM
Mr. Myrland please reconsider you decision to cancel Full Focus. Is the beautiful studio and expensive equiptment just going to sit gathering dust. Can you direct my pledge into a specific pledge fund just for Full Focus? Please try to find a solution to the problem instead of just cutting our favorite program. The citizens of San Diego need the investigative and in-depth reporting on local issues. The decision to cancel all the great work of your investigative reporters seems like a political move to silence the public's awareness of all the embedded corruption in town. Your reporters must have gotten too close to someone's money. Canceling Full Focus seems like political payback for a job well done.

Arianne Deschutes
August 07, 2007 at 10:27 AM
The arrogance and small-mindedness of KPBS might very well be the reason that people aren't watching or listening. To cancel such great programs as Talk of the Nation is lunacy. To eliminate Dirk Sutro, who was intelligent and well read, and offer up the banal Tom Fudge in the morning is pathetic. And to eliminate local programming like Full Focus and the really delightful Way With Words just because Mr. Myrland is "The Decider" is the last straw. Thank goodness for XM satellite radio - it allows me to hear excellent programming. Sometimes I can also get KCRW from Santa Monica - now THERE is a public radio station, Mr. Myrland. You should listen sometime. (And watch out with the blogs, Mr. Myrland - Harry Shearer may end up parodying you one day...) KCET in Los Angeles doesn't fill its airwaves with Lawrence Welk reruns and some of the most god-awful hours-long "lectures" by experts in skin care, relationship-mending, and menepausal sex. like KPBS does. You can really see the philosophy of the station's leadership when you watch their pandering during Pledge Weeks. If ever there was a reason to tune out KPBS, it is this insipid and dull stuff they've got on the air right now. I, for one, will never again donate to KPBS as long as Doug Myrland runs it with his iron fist and terrible taste. San Diego deserves better!

Anthony Intrieri
August 07, 2007 at 02:25 PM
I thought I was the only one. When I called in on these days last Friday commenting about the awful pledge drive programming which preempts the normally good programming like Frontline, American Experience, Charlie Rose, Tavis Smile, Wash Week, Now, etc., I didn't anticipate we would be treated to another pledge drive that very night. You have convinced me that KPBS is now on a mission not to offend any Republican anywhere and would rather air mindless drivel than be accused of airing intelligent, thought-provoking programs. (You know, what might be considered public-serving programs?) You really don't have a clue. The Internet (you know those tubes...) lets me listen to KQED, KCRW, KPCC, WHYY, etc. so I know how good Public Radio can be. And they are getting my money. Please consider changing the direction of KPBS. You give us no other option except withholding our membership funds. That scorched-earth policy means no one wins. Thank you

Marvin Gerst
August 07, 2007 at 06:57 PM
Several years ago (perhaps 5-7) Doug Myrland invited me to join the kpbs "advisory board" or "board of advisor's", something like that. There were about 12 people, 1 a dean at sdsu, a judge, business people etc. I never kept agendas, membership lists etc so this is all from a fuzzy remembrance. We met 1x/quarter and the format was usually, budget review, program reviews, general operations, special events. Several of us frequently asked Doug, about our function, power,etc. He responded that we were purely advisory, but in the future he hoped to turn us into a legitimate governing board of the station. Several issues should be noted; 1. If we did not "run" the station, or at least "run" the general manager, who did. Did/does Doug have anyone he reports to. Presumbly to NPR or the CPB (corporation for public broading). 2. What about local "public" control? Often program changes would be effected, and we had no prior knowledge, input, or means of influence.I often objected to these abrupt and staff decided changes, without any public input. Where is the "public" in public broadcasting? Doug, and the other senior staff with whom we interacted, seemed only concerned with public contributions. I tried to impress on them that kpbs was (or should be) different from commercial stations. There should be public input and warning about program (or anticipated) changes. 3. Doug never changed his MO. He always acted unilaterally (as far as the public were concerned) in making these changes. Finally, after about 2-3 years, the calls and mail stopped coming re the next meeting. Clearly I was off the board, and it was done in the same style as their running of the board. I searched the kpbs web site but could not find any reference to this board. Perhaps it no longer exists. It is (and was clear at the time) that our board was only in place to allow Doug to demonstrate that "public input" was functioning at the station. In fact, it was a charade without meaningful influence.

Bill Bradshaw
August 07, 2007 at 07:19 PM
Doug Myrland's candor is refreshing and reassuring; very "business like". Long term contributors like myself continue to support KPBS for one of two reasons. Some do it for ideological reasons, the idea of "public" broadcasting somehow resonating with them as opposed to filthy "commercial" broadcasting. The rest, like myself, do it because they prefer fewer (it used to be "zero") commercials, and they like the content of at least some of the shows more than whatever else is on. In other words, we do it because of what we're viewing. Personally, I've got two complaints. The First is not enough locally produced shows, and I'm distressed at the latest cuts for that reason. Second is the way they treat people like me. I resent the interminable "pledge" drives aimed at getting new or one-time contributors. Most businesses focus on their "core" customers, and certainly long term subscribers fit that definition. I'd like to see some incentives for renewing or one term special gifts by giving access to archives. I'd give a hundred bucks right now for a copy of the Bob Crosby Orchestra reunion about 15 years ago recorded at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.

Laura
August 07, 2007 at 08:28 PM
Unfortunately, I believe that the cancellation of Full Focus is just further evidence that KPBS TV has become obsolete, or perhaps just its management? This conclusion breaks my heart, as I have my roots in the Bay Area and was raised with the benefits provided by KQED. The organizational transparency and theme of community service that are the history of public broadcasting appear to have evaporated here in San Diego. I thought I could at least count on NPR programming but with the loss of TOTN, I think we're at the end of the road here.

Leah Peterson
August 07, 2007 at 09:11 PM
To all those people who keep talking about how much they like KCRW -- don't you realize how good you have it? You have *two* public radio stations to choose from, and they're both excellent. You get local news and information from one, and music from the other. They're different, and the idea is to support them both so that you can continue to have a choice. You're complaining that KPBS doesn't sound like KCRW - why would you want them to be the same? KCRW programs for an enormous market. They have the budget and can afford to be very specialized. San Diego is much smaller, so KPBS does a little bit of everything for everyone. There is nothing wrong with that. For those of you who want to hear Talk of the Nation, feel free to use the Internet. Get an MP3 player and an adapter, and play it in your car. That way you can listen to it anytime you want to. A public station is supposed to do the most good for the most people. If a show is getting low ratings, unfortunately, that means not enough people are interested in hearing it. The *responsible* thing to do is to find something better that is for the benefit of more people. I'm amused by the commenters who think they know how to program a TV or radio station. What qualifies you to make these statements? Do you have the depth of knowledge that the KPBS staff does? Do you have the research, and the time to sort through hundreds of hours of demo tapes? Have you ever looked at iTunes and seen all the other programs out there? There are lots of good shows but only 24 hours in a day. KPBS has to make some hard decisions and not everybody's going to like them. Personally I would love for them to run "This American Life" 24 hours a day, but that doesn't mean I'm going to get my way. And frankly, I'm glad it's not my job to decide because with every decision, the people that loved and supported you one second, turn on you and bash you the next.

Gregory John Duch
August 07, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Doug: The concept of the "RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION" somehow has become deeply absorbed into the American political and social culture. It is perhaps a quaint notion; bit it has persisted in the US for over two centuries. "Remember- when what's his name? said: " I disagree with what you say; but I'll defend to the death your right to say it!!!"--I think it was Merv Griffin who made that comment to Gore Vidal. ANYWAY-- Since you are the GATEKEEPER; the FILTER; THE JUDGE; THE DECIDER, the Grand-poobah of what is broadcast-- you have a great deal of power-- over a great many people. Do you understand why people might resent a stranger (you) making decisions regarding viewing choices, without any input?----ESPECIALLY WHEN those decisions occur within the context of-- PUBLIC BROADCASTING--which does owe some of its revenue to Johnny US Taxpayer. BY NATURE, PB is meant to serve the interests of the general local polity; and not the bottom line!!! PBS, NPR, the CPB all came into existence, by Federal government legislation as ALTERNATIVES to commercial broadcasting.---to give a voice to those who were voiceless and ignored by the BIG THREE commercial networks. Sir, with all do respects, you have acted in contravention of all that Public Broadcasting was meant to represent; and all that it was created to rectify in commercial media broadcasting.

Michael Bromley
August 08, 2007 at 12:15 AM
My wife and myself are members that will greatly miss this show. It's the only bit of TV that we watch(ed) that discussed the issues afflicting the San Diego region. Thanks to all the journo's for their efforts, it was appreciated. Having listened to Doug's explanation: We are very unhappy with the 'strategic decision' of management. And I now hope that 'more attractive to the audience' revolves around endless re-runs of Antiques Roadshow. Just put me in my rocking chair and spoon feed me liquid food.

Matt Shakter
August 08, 2007 at 01:29 AM
I'm new to San Diego and have learned more about this town by watching Full Focus than from any other source. I often had thought to myself while watching, what a wonderful and unique local show this is (was). I am sadddened by its cancellation but I am angry by the responses by Doug Myrland. Saying that "viewers get to decide only if they want to watch" is quite a comment. Is that from "Management Philosophy" by Roger Smith? He produced what he wanted to at GM and the public be damned and we know what began to happen on his watch. Public broadcasting has the public as its customers and its fund providers, both donors and taxpayers.Any business that ignores its customers will wither and die. KPBS does not exist for Doug Myrland but for the public.

Gregory J. Duch
August 09, 2007 at 01:16 AM
We all knew that it was strictly THE DECIDER's game to win. He's boss. A bunch of folks made extremely valid, relevant, important arguments here. But, turn out the lights, the game's over. The decider decided. At KPBS, membership has NO PRIVILEGES. Members, viewers, AND the general public are all equally ignored by the DECIDER. KPBS can go back to its fundraising, speaking its idealistic and patronizing platitudes; claiming to be an integral part of the community, and vice versa. Such happy-happy talk rings hollow, as just a pretense; and not the reality of KPBS' relationship with the community. Last week's actions by KPBS have proven what the true 'CORPORATE CULTURE" of KPBS is all about; and what it is not about. It is not about public service to the people of San Diego! Doug must be thinking: Hey, this is San Diego; people here don't really take a case of the hijacking of public broadcasting seriously.

Emma
August 09, 2007 at 04:17 AM
"In the long run, what matters most is providing programming that more people enjoy more often. Over time, we have been very successful at that."--Doug Myrland Hmmmmmm, Doug? -- Do you really believe that today more people in your audience have money available to invest --- and that those people deserve to have investment advice on a daily basis from KPBS? This decision appears to be a not-so-thinly-veiled pandering to an increasingly brazen and influencial segment of our society. I'm one of the (hundreds?thousands?) of poor schmos who counted on Full Focus in part because I need to stay current on local issues and in part because the UT was so poor about reliably covering issues important to me. Please don't tell me that I should have pledged my support by sending you money -- I'm one of so many who never thought that I would be in this position -- going further into debt every month trying to pay for health coverage. (This is the first time I have ever participated in a blog anywhere. It took me so long to find this site because I figured that replacing Full Focus with the Nightly Business Report was just another of the truly lame Pledge Week decisions where good programs are deleted because somebody thinks we would prefer to watch Andre, Wayne, or Suzie AGAIN!)

Brian Flanagan
August 09, 2007 at 04:51 AM
It's a shame that KPBS will not be airing on Full Focus the informative stories that I have come to rely on to get the type of local news that only a show of this type could present. It's also unfortunate that some of your stories were not done in a more professional manner. At times, it seemed as if I was watching a college news station as opposed to the polished pieces of Rebecca Tolin and Amitha Sharma. I hope that you will reconsider your decision to take off Full Focus or else bring back an improved version of this wonderful program. It will be sorely missed by me and most of my friends who were daily viewers.

David Harrington Campbell
August 09, 2007 at 06:18 AM
I will never give another penny to KPBS so cancel my membership. Mrs. Kroc gave you a pile of money and now you cancel FULL FOCUS. I expect she would be as angry as I am if she were still alive. I recently moved to Palm Springs but I still have a home in San Diego and I was planning on remaining a proud member of KPBS, like my license plates state. But now I'll only be giving my money to KCRW in Santa Monica and I will pitch my KPBS license plate border into the recycle. The smug, double-tongued Doug Myrland is the one who should be cancelled. And along with him, Tom Fudge, his lap dog. I'm happy Tom has recovered from his injuries. I used to respect him. But now he sounds more and more like Bob Kittle who would have happily taken his job because you can barely tell the difference between them now. Good riddance, KPBS.

Stu Williams
August 09, 2007 at 06:58 AM
Oh well, there you have it, KPBS Management. You're incessant fundraisers, repeat telethons and inexhaustible repeats of Suze Orman, Andre Rieu, et al ARE indeed wearing thin on viewers' patience. Looks like willy-nilly cancellation of the saving grace -- a locally produced show on local news and information -- was the last straw for a few dedicated PBS viewers/listeners. I haven't tuned in since Bill Moyer's excellent show Friday night, which was interrupted thrice by fundraising pitches. Shameful. Best to start benchmarking your line-ups to the competition: Other PBS stations around the country. Sorry if it sounds like I'm taking potshots. I just think your impetuous and unsound decision to cancel this show has really gone and pissed off the loyal viewers, that's all!

Steve
August 09, 2007 at 10:42 PM
I, for one, do not mourn the "loss" of "Full Focus". I understand that Ms Penner is a former high school teacher. She certainly brings to the program all of the thrills and excitement of a high school civics class. While you're at it, please give the "heave ho" to Tom Fudge, who seems to have an unerring knack for interrupting an interviewee just when the response is becoming interesting. Admittedly, that's tough, given the poor quality of the questions. Please, folks, KPBS management, do yourself a favor and listen to KCRW's "Which Way LA" with Warren Olney or darned near anything produced by KPCC. I realize that San Diego is a cultural backwater but with all that Kroc money and the backing of a major university, KPBS really can do better. Is it any wonder that as soon as any staffer gets to be any good, they jump to the network? There's a reason why I'm an Archangel supporter of KCRW and do not subscribe at all to KPBS.

stu
August 11, 2007 at 12:37 AM
agreed: "Which Way LA?" with Warren Olney IS good local programming. And, if I'm not mistaken, KCRW (a broadcast of Santa Monica Community College) airs Santa Monica city council meetings too. Even Arianna Huffington has been on that station's airwaves quite a bit. It's truly diverse, thought-provoking programming (and Nic Harcourt doesn't hurt, that's for sure) that succeeds in drawing in the listener, making him/her feel as if they are an Angeleno, a part of the community and have something AT STAKE. KPCC (a broadcast of Pasadena Community College) is similar, serving the San Gabriel Valley. But, wait -- I'm a San Diegan. Gee, wouldn't it be nice if we had such a venue?

Steve
August 13, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Stu: I wasn't suggesting that KPBS not have local programming. I was suggesting that the local programming should be better. A lot better. Perhaps we could aircheck KPCC and KCRW's local programming and forward the audio files to Mr Myrland for his edification.

Gregory Duch
August 15, 2007 at 12:25 AM
I never met Doug Myrland, nor just about anybody at KPBS. So, I have no reason to prejudice my remarks by personal likes or dislikes of individuals. 1. I will just say that giving the gift of " A WAY WITH WORDS" to another station or whatever vehicle Martha and Barrett choose WAS A COLLOSSAL DUMB THING FOR KPBS. It "AWWW" will no doubt go national and it represents an intelligent innovative use of air time. MISTAKE #1 2. Having a daily political-social-economic foRum on a local basis is something that public radio should be doing better than anyone. To renege on that obligation is a derelection of duty to the community. MISTAKE #2 gREG TBC

Greg Duch
August 17, 2007 at 03:19 AM
Continued from above POST KPBS WILL REGRET: 1. GIVING UP AN INNOVATIVE, CREATIVE radio show with two talented hosts --" A WAY WITH WORDS". But then innovation and creativity must not be valued at KPBS. KPBS: " San Diegans are too dumb to appreciate an egghead show like " A WAY WITH WORDS!" 2. DEEP SIX the only independent, LOCALLY, PRODUCED nightly forum of actual newsmakers and news reporters in San Diego County. (FULL FOCUS) POOF--SCREW LOCALLY-PRODUCED PUBLIC INTEREST PROGRAMMING. --KPBS KNOWS that SAN DIEGANS ARE NOTORIOUS NITWITS IN THE SOCIO-CULTURAL-POLITICAL realm. KPBS: "San Diegans are so dumb; they'll never miss it". 3. DROP network programming like (TALK OF THE NATION) without so much as a whisper. Make like it never existed... KPBS: "San Diegans are so dumb; they'll never miss it!" THE OVER-ARCHING PHILOSOPHY WHICH TIES ALL OF THE ABOVE TOGETHER IS KPBS' CULTURE OF SECRECY. I WONDER IF KPBS STANDS FOR Keep Public Broadcasting Secret............. Whatever the case, KPBS stock has dropped into the sea in terms of credibility. WHEN CAN YOU BELIEVE KPBS? WHEN DO YOU STOP WONDERING WHETHER THE WHOLE STORY IS PURPOSELY BEING QUASHED? KPBS MOTTO: "PUBLIC BROADCASTING HAS A RIGHT TO PRIVACY" SADLY, I GIVE UP ON YOU GUYS. YOU'RE NO LONGER AN AGENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE. JUST ANOTHER BUNCH OF BACKROOM WHEELER-DEALERS AND CLOISTERED, ELITIST, DECISION-MAKERS WHO ARE OUT TO JUST COVER THEIR OWN MESS.

Laura Shine
August 20, 2007 at 06:44 PM
I am very saddened to hear of the cancellation of KPBS's A Way With Words. I listen online here in Louisville, Kentucky and to the weekly broadcast on our hometown public station. I will miss this show very much and the good humor and storytelling from Grant and Martha. I found the show to be a real breath of fresh air and educational and of the highest quality which seemed to fit your above mission statement for KPBS. If I was a regular listener to your station in San Diego I'd be very concerned for any program I liked due to the ambiguous and arbitrary nature with which you so swiftly pulled such a popular show. I also find it very hard to believe that you would pull a show that was on its way to syndication because you couldn't handle the demands that go with growth. That too concerns me for the future of your station. It's too growthful so pull it? Pretty lame. I hope Martha and Grant thrive outside of your narrow thinking on this. In fact I'm sure they will.

Nancy Ballantine
August 27, 2007 at 07:13 PM
It's a shame (and unprofessional)for KPBS to introduce the "Off Mic" Blog and then abandon it.

John Sedory
August 29, 2007 at 09:19 PM
I caught a brief mention of the death of Hewell Hauser (Sp?), age 44, tv personality. Can you give me more details of this obituary?

Dr. Ivan A. Gargurevich
October 11, 2007 at 09:21 PM
It is a shame for a show with high standards and excellent journalism to be cancelled. Unfortunately we live in a time that most of us want instant news as well as anything else.... Rather than a well developed commentary on a given problem or situation facing communities and people. I want to commend Rebecca Tolin and the rest of the team for a job well done always, and the best of luck in future endeavors. The show and their presence on KPBS will be missed!

Paul White
December 13, 2007 at 09:11 PM
Some would say management "ruined KPBS radio by getting rid of all those pesky thinking shows" like Talk of the Nation. Well, I wish my new local station, Jefferson Public Radio in Oregon, would "ruin" itself this way. I'm sick of hearing Neal Conan (who seems to be living out some perverse "24"/Agent Jack Bauer fantasy) defending torture and other Bush atrocities. Maybe if other stations had the courage to ash can Conan's show, he would have to move to that desk waiting for him at FauxNews that much sooner.