For the most part, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments so eloquently expressed by the late, great Newton Minow in his classic speech delivered 9 May 1961 to the National Association of Broadcasters in Washington, DC in which he declared the programming on American television to be a “vast wasteland.” Since Mr. Minow’s 1961 address, the situation has certainly not improved; in fact it has become far worse – by something akin to an order of magnitude. However, thanks essentially to PBS, the occasional oasis may be found.
This Sunday (26 July 2009), the award-winning series Nature will repeat a broadcast of one of its best and most important episodes: Silence of the Bees. To those who have previously viewed this superb documentary on the decline of honeybees around the world and the possible causes behind this alarming trend, no further explanation is needed (although a visit to the episode’s website is recommended for some additional information to be found there on developments since the episode’s original broadcast in October of 2007). To those who have not yet become aware of the importance of honeybees to the global food chain, particularly the reliance of modern agriculture upon them, consider this notice the most emphatic encouragement to spend an hour enlightening yourself to this critically important issue. After viewing it, you will never look at bees the same way again.
Next, in what I consider one of the more curious juxtapositions of programming and network identity, James Currie has apparently managed to break the mass media barrier with his Birding Adventures television series on the Fox Sports Net channel. I’ve had the honor and opportunity to meet Mr. Currie on numerous occasions and I can readily attest to both his enthusiasm for as well as skill in the birding world. Now, to be honest, I have not viewed Birding Adventures in its entirety as Fox Sports Net is not a channel I receive on my television machine, however the promotional material he has provided to me as well as the clips on his website lead me reasonably to believe the series worth watching (consider this high praise indeed from me as I am no admirer of nor at any other time recommend people to view “Fox anything”).
Finally, regarding the more distant future, it has come to my attention that a friend, colleague, and fellow naturalist, John C. Robinson, will be appearing on an episode of one of my daughter Elizabeth’s (and admittedly mine as well) favorite PBS programs: Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman. Not much more is known about this at the present time, save that the broadcast is expected to take place during the 2010 season. Rest assured, additional information will be found here once it is announced.
