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Why is PBS So White?
Are non-European stories worthy of being publicly financed and produced?
Full confession: I watch and have watched lots of PBS television. I have watched and watched all kinds of programs.
I have watched historical docs shows like Eyes on the Prize, The Civil War, Reconstruction, and many more. I regularly watch public affairs shows like Frontline, NOVA, Firing Line, and pretty much anything else someone recommends. Television is full of trash and has always been full of trash; PBS has some gems, lots of them.
Education. Culture. History. It’s a world totally different from the crap spewing from most streaming channels.
Yet, regarding their fictionalized programs, the historical dramas, and mysteries, PBS has a “white” problem. A Eurocentric problem. I would think they would have fixed this by now but PBS is lagging.
Every year I scan their new and old programs and it is the same: dozens of dramas about Europe. As if America is just Europe or European history. And most of it is British. I am pretty done with it. My viewing is getting less and less.
Where are the people of color and their stories? I can tell you where — usually, in the background in supporting roles or non-speaking roles.
