It was too good to be true. One of the local TV stations in Seattle, KING 5 started a local arts show. But it turns out, this is not really a news/feature program, but rather an infomercial paid for by the 5th Avenue Theater to promote its own shows. When the theater doesn’t need the airtime, it “rents” the airtime out to other arts groups. And of course, it’s expensive so the only groups that can afford it are the largest ones. The disclaimer about this being paid advertising is virtually hidden, and the content is treated like feature reporting.
Money
Acts of God
Given overall economic hardships, dwindling government funding for the arts, a distracted and over-stimulated audience, community malaise, dizzying media environment, must we in the arts also factor in “acts of god” when considering our long-term planning?
Caution: Sports Analogy
We’ve talked before in this blog about a subsistence existence, pertaining to a common financial mindset at many stations in public radio. I’m pretty convinced that there also exists a similar mindset when it comes to excellence and excelling.
Cash for Clunkers
Many stations have successfully implemented vehicle donation programs. But, did you see this in the news?
Out of this world cash for clunker…