Ethical Question

[lfp302]

Mail them a donation, and say You're often in the area on business, and really enjoy their staion....

 

[DJdish]

If they ask, you could tell it´s a donation on behalf someone else.

 

[catamount]

Detroit WSTV PBS openly states coverage to Detroit area/Windsor/London/Sarnia. According to their website: 1 milllion Detroit viewers weekly. Canadian viewers 1.8 million weekly. This is because WTVS is carried on Shaw Direct and Shaw Cable. They pledge drive 60 days per year. They take Canadian dollars at par.

It's all about the money!

 

[northgeorgia]

And beyond the donation aspect, some stations may do the unexpected and from time to time ask the general public for feedback about their programming. Even then, you still don't have to say you're an FTA viewer (although they know we're out there). I've submitted my solicited opinion during these invitation periods to a couple of stations (one that broadcasts in English and one in another language), and yep, the quality of shows actually did improve. I recall that I and another user on SatelliteGuys both won a gift card from one particular station as part of a prize give-away during the feedback period. So there is a time and place for feedback, but in the end, it is just television. So sit back and enjoy what's already out there! Have a good evening

 

[KE4EST]

Boy when the OP signs back in he is gonna be surprised at the replies.

 

[Kraven]

And no one mentioned to get a tax receipt either..

 

[bpalone]

I see this has created some discussion. My concern was of tipping the hand that they were being watched via satellite by those out of their normal OTA area. And, then causing them to have to reconsider their satellite distribution methods. The ethical part being in regards to the FTA community (i.e. possibly causing something to go away).

Want to thank everyone for their responses. I came to same conclusion most of you had, that it is all about the money. They don't care where it comes from, just so long as it is good. Therefore, I went ahead and kicked in a few bucks. I do enjoy some of their programming. And just in case nobody figured it out, it was for OETA.

 

[navychop]

We watch MPT while at our RV. Almost never watch VA PBS. Was tempted to donate to MPT but my hand cramped up reaching for my wallet.

So I admire that you are going to the trouble to donate.

 

[migold]

Although we are in Virginia, we are unable to receive the "local" PBS station OTA, due to mountains. So we watch WVPBS (OTA)and contribute to them. It is not a problem in this area, as the WV PBS covers the entire state of WVa, and coverage extends well into most of the neighboring states. We do occasionally watch FTA PBS; but our contribution goes to the WV PBS.

 

[waylew]

but my hand cramped up reaching for my wallet.

In my case I don't want to disturb the moths,they have so little to eat as it is

 

[Mr Tony]

Lpb even says on their site what satellite they are broadcasting on 87w ku.

unlike the other PBS stations, LPB on 87W is a backup feed for affiliates (I think they are normally fed through fibre). Thats why they will be off the air for sporting events

 

[KC9TIK]

Louisiana PBS: http://www.lpb.org/index.php/site/satellite/
Thirteen (WNET): http://www.pbs.org/about/faqs/satellite-services/ "serve households that use satellite receiving antennas (backyard dishes) ... consumer receivers beginning November 15, 2010."
WCPE (classical from North Carolina) is publicly published too. There are more, but I lost my list.

 

[danristheman]

I remember you saying that to me David about pbs on 103w c band.