Shut them down already. The trailer trash in Washington and Aroostook Counties don't listen to MPBN anyway.

Ahh, we can always counrt on Knightscross to speak with shock value added. I think you'd be surprised, bub. But if you have to cut back you do it in an area where it will effect revenue the least. And that's us. So I agee with the first part of your statement: Quit harping and just bloody do it all ready!

It only makes sense that they would close the towers that affect the least number of people. The tower that serves Portland costs the same money to operate as the tower that serves Lubec, but it broadcasts to many more people and potential donors. People in these remote towns can complain, but I think given the economic situation that we're facing, MPBN is just the tip of the iceberg. Money is going to start consolidating around populated places and dry up in remote areas.

As a long time public radio member, it saddens me to see MPBN cutting back like this. I wonder if the conversion to digital signals has increased their costs. For those living in the very north and eastern parts of our state and have internet access, I hope that you can get many of the programs online.

Perhaps it's time to re-think the entire public radio system. Either fund the thing to cover the state or shut the whole thing down. I'm sure the owners of commercial radio stations would be happy to have a government subsidised competitor out of the market. Perhaps MPBN could look to attract acutal advertising dollars as a way to fund themselves. Considering the essence of what public radio is supposed to be and that they are closing in the poorest areas of the state lends one to consider that they might just be a commerical operation in sheeps clothing.

MPBN TV is sub-par. Up until this year, I had a national feed of PBS via Directv, so I know how PBS stations SHOULD look. No pledge drives - programming 24 hours (so you can tivo programs any time and, I imagine - great for the night shift people).

Maine PBS TV could go away and Maine would be a lot better off getting a national feed via cable and/or satellite.

The programming on MPBN TV is, indeed, sub-par. They can no longer afford to purchase the first-tier from the national. Something has also gone screwy in the analog to digital conversion--have you noticed the "blockup lockups" on the current programming. Digital glitches.

Like the State House, MPBN needs an enema of sorts at the leadership level. It's shocking how many formerly solid Bangor area institutions have failed because of poor leadership--MPBN, The Bangor International Airport, the Waterfront Plans, etc.

If MPBN wants to move forward it needs to do the following:

1. Issue an aplogy for not listening to the public and acting in a petty and arrogant manner when decisions are questioned (Humble Farmer comes to mind)

2. Hire professionals to take over the fundraising.

3. Send the goon squad that assasinated the Humble Farmer packing--they did more damage to MPBN than any other duo in history.

4. Don't beg to the State--after yesterday's press conference by Hannah Pingree and Libby Mitchell it is self-evident now that they are choosing to beg to the Feds to save Maine instead of taking the action necessary to save Maine from total financial anhilation

5. Sack the Board of Directors and get a Board comprised of an average cross section of Maine.

Again, MPBN can be fixed and move forward. Just don't look to them to do it.

Not that it makes any difference. But, the interactive map on AntennaMap.com indicates the MPBN station in Calais would have been the ONLY free over-the-air TV station received in that area after the DTV switchover. Guess the elderly, poor and unemployed will have to subscribe to satellite or cable.

My apologies. The antenna web site I was referring to is antennaweb.org.

Not a tactic? To that I say bovine defication. By shutting down the EBS transmitter they know the state will fork over more taxpayer dollars that we didn't give during their monthly "begs".

If you are in that kind of financial trouble maybe it would be wiser to shut the entire system down rather than discriminate against part of the state. It only goes to proves that there are two Maines and always will be. MPBN quality has gone down hill. I, for one, wonder what it's worth what is being put into it.

The time has come for MPBN to close its doors and do some deep soul searching. Not about whether or not there's enough money to fully operate, but whether or not to operate at all. It appears that the people of Maine have spoken...MPBN is no longer worth watching or listening to or worth paying for. Perhaps they could simply rebroadcast PBS National programming, throw in some local IDs and be a conduit for the Emergency Alert System. They could operate with a skeleton crew...no fundraising staff, production staff or other un-necessary employees. Have a lower paid Manager instead of a "President." They could close down the Lewiston office. The QUESTION really is: Should they remain in existence at all???

Send the signal over the Internet and the two or three people who miss public broadcasting in Calais and Fort Kent can get it on their computers or have their legislators appropriate money for them to buy one.

Couldn't they just try turning off the audio or the video for a while and see if that helps? Learning lip-reading might be a useful skill!

Didn't some wise person once explain that there could be problems with government-controled news media? MPBN-TV is a distributor of some wonderful TV programs (the radio branch sucks, imho), but it's govmnt controled. Think of mind-control. Next, think about the University of Maine System. Government controled education. Many pros, but some cons. This is a public service announcement brought to you by David889327. See you in the gulag.

I am one of the so called two or three people in the Calais area that watches and enjoys MPBN. As for the internet, we are unable to get high speed internet in our area. So we are screwed all the way around. Also, there are many people in this area who watch the high school basketball tournaments on MPBN every year. I am sure they will be disappointed as most will not be able to travel to Bangor to watch them.

Snip>>>they could simply rebroadcast PBS National programming, throw in some local IDs and be a conduit for the Emergency Alert System.

Exactly!!!!

Wensdayschild123, They already advertise and so they are a commercial operation and shouldn't be getting public subsidies. They use an euphemism for advertising and call it "underwriting" but ads are ads. When the advertising started I stopped my annual contributions. Perhaps others feel the same way and thats why public donations are down. MPBN should make up their mind and either be "public" or be "commercial." I think they got greedy and are trying to have both.

Tournaments always pre-empt the halfway-decent "national" PBS programs that do not "stink." I'm sure a handful of high-school kids' parents want to watch local basketball 24 hours a day, but I sure as h*** do not.

I am calmy reading these remarks as posted. I live in Washington County. I am not sure how many towers exist between Portland and Bangor. Would it not be more feasible to shut down one of these, between Porland and Bangor, if it exists? I do realize that costs have increased for everyone, every business, even MPBN. That said, why is Washington County and northern Maine considered for even more isolation and cut off? The rails have been removed in Washington County, Machias.....the rest of the state and the nation are realizing resurgence in rail travel but there went our rail tracks. We have to beg for money for road repair. Have you seen Route 1 in this area? We do not have a ready or quick access off of 1-95 to get to us. We have little to no public transportation. The Brookings Report ,which identified approximately 7 Hub zones for ALL of Maine, showed THREE of these to be in Washington County....Eastport, Machais, Calais. The state paid big money for this report. Why? To ignore the recommendations? Also check out the Flanagan Report. The state and the rest of Maine has been told that we matter. Why isn't Washington and also Northern Maine treated as if we matter?

I am very saddened to read all of these comments. First, I know first hand what is going on there because I know someone who works there. And I want to say that no one likes what is happening.

In my opinion, since Jim Dowe has come on board, everything has been shifting to Portland. Like one poster said, they should have sold off their Lewiston location and put that money into the money flow. Secondly, Mr. Dowe could take a pay cut since he gets paid $160,000 a year. Getting paid an awful lot for someone who has no experience in communications. When state and national funding decreased, it caused MPBN to no longer be able to get certain programming. With that said, MPBN did do a survey of its audience and some of the changes you have seen are from that survey. And to the person who wants Humble Farmer back, all I can say is yeah right. You must have been the one person who called and complained about it being taken off the air because no one else complained.

For people who want the radio side to go automated, how many of you complain about the commercial stations in the area that are automated?

We need to remember that MPBN, as well as all PBN stations operate in the public interest, whether you like the programming or not, it benefits us all.

There is no clear cut answer. I would suggest more people get involved if they don't like what they see or hear. But shutting it down helps no one. Now more then ever, I would say, MPBN is important.

It's indeed interesting that MPBN is choosing to disenfranchise what are already Maine's two most-isolated areas, the St. John Valley and Washington County; while leaving the coverage in Southern Maine and much of New Hampshire, areas that have a plethora of other radio and television choices, unaffected! Perhaps they should change their insipid new tagline, "Now, more than ever" to "Now, less than before".

Just like always, us downeasters or (trailer trash) as some people like to refer to us, gets the shaft. You know knightcross not everyone who lives in a trailer is "trash". It's affordable housing for many. I will miss watching the games on MPBN and even though I have high speed internet I don't think watching it via the internet would be as relaxing. But we are used to having things taken away so we will adjust as usual.

sewmama, et al, why don't you guys get together and create an economy? That would help all of us.

TImes are tough all over for public broacasting; when the price of power goes up, the money has to come from somewhere ! I remember when I worked in commercial radio in Aroostook County back in the 80's. The boss used to send WEEKLY checks to pay the electric bill down enough so that it would not be impossible to pay the *huge* end of the month bill.

On the subject of underwriting - underwriting is not new at all in public broadcasting, it has been around since the inception of public broadcasting, and it is distinct from advertising. Advertising is always specific to current products, whereas underwriting is simply mentioning who generously contributed funds to keep programming available and keep the stations on the air. I don't understand why it is a business that is generous enough to donate funds should be forced to do it annoymously, that's just a rediculous and unreasonable expectation.

The money needs to coem from somewhere, and if the state contrubution isn't even covering the power costs, what exactly is to be done ? Closing these stations is a remarkably bad move, but these are remarkably bad times with no end in sight. Public broadcasting has a tougher time securing funds than commercial broadcasters, it is much easier to sell ads than it is to convince people to donate and subsidize public radio.

160k a year to manage public radio in Maine is a lot of money, I just do not see this as appropriate. I can think of at least two people who live in Maine who are far more qualified to keep the system on the air, and both of them would give half that 160k a year pay up, because I've seen it done before, that's what you do when your really love radio and the communities you serve. You eat baloney sandwhiches and heat the house with coal just to keep on the air. You hire precocious and dedicated high school kids for air shifts. You drive a plymouth horizion. You do what needs to be done to get by, just like the public you are serving.

Public radio isn't commercial radio, but it sure could learn a lesson or three in management and dedication from it.

It's called lock down! Maine will cease communications between towns. That's really the last option that should be taken, if at all. STATE!

Are they converting to wind power?

I no longer live in Maine and do miss MPBN terribly. We had only 3 channels when we did lived there and MPBN was the one watched most. It is most unfortunate that the need has arisen to close these towers, but I (who loves public boadcasting) would like to remind folks that it is "public." Does that mean tax dollar supported or listener supported? As a listener of Christian broadcast, as well as, public I know that if a "listener" supported station does not reach its goals it must cut back or shut down. Another point, living in the hinter lands of Aroostook and Washington have other "advantages" that can't be taken away. As with everything there are always trade offs in life. I would rather live in those counties without MPBN than live in York or some other more populated county with MPBN.

Faid927, I have it on internal authority at MPBN that the e mails, etc. in support of the Humble Farmer were overwhelming. Everyone realized they'd made a huge mistake. My friend said he stopped counting the e mails at over 8,000....

We love MPBN, too. But I cannot, in good consicence, continue to support an arrogant and non-responsive institution that benefits from taxpayer monies and my (former) substantial corporate sponsorship. Time for a change at MPBN (there is a theme there)....Now, More than Ever it is time to Sack the Charlatans!!!

Hey, now!! I live in Aroostook County and I don't live in a trailer, thank you very much! The "trailer trash" comments only serve to feed the mistaken assumption that there's nothing or noone worthwhile up here or in Washington County! Come on up North and DownEast and meet people! Our geographical location is a disadvantage insofar as we can't live off the overflow of money from Boston but we are proud to be able to get along without all that!

As far as MPBN's recent decisions to save money, I'm very disappointed but not at all surprised. The leadership of MPBN has long wanted to distance itself from the North and Downeast as the membership revenues don't match the Southern Maine and Midcoast regions. That's because we are fewer in population numbers and lower in overall income. You might find, however, those who are members do donate very generously and at a greater percentage of their income and are very loyal members!

In most of these affected areas, there is no cable or satisfactory internet services. There never has been as it was considered to be "not cost effective" by the private companies. Satellite television services are not an option for low/fixed income folks. Receiving radio and television signals from an MPBN transmitter in Bangor or Presque Isle is not possible. That's why these threatened transmitter sites were built in the first place. And as far as radio services over the internet---how do I do that when I'm driving in my car? Come on, now, whoever suggests this is an alll inclusive option really isn't out here in the real world!

In order to attract funds, MPBN has shifted its efforts to "News and Public Affairs" and away from its original mission: Education in our schools.

Do we remember watching MPBN in classrooms in its early days? That system was a great supplement to small, rural, and remote schools in Maine to show all of us kids the world outside of our own! Why wouldn't that be a great service to our schools today considering the condition of school budgets these days? Since many schools no longer offer "field trips" as part of their educational service, why don't we offer them a "virtual field trip" on television like MPBN used to do years ago? I know, you'll tell me you can find that on the internet. well, maybe---if you have a good connection.

And besides, who's producing the internet content we''re giving our kids?

Look at the MPBN leadership---how many Vice Presidents does one company need? Yes, they're taking a salary cut, (temporarily). I suggest they

can take deeper cuts without any harm. That still doesn't explain or justify the large numbers of Vice Presidents! Hopefully the Legislature will

notice this and act on it soon!

Ultimately, we need to bring MPBN back in line with its original mission, Education. I'd like to see this infrastructure be saved so it can be used to

educate our kids for their future. They need it "Now more than ever"!

Good riddance, who gives a flying eff. I listen to French language CBC anyway. SInce I don't speak French I can enjoy the poetic sound of the language instead of having to listen to something I don't want to hear, and the better music, instead of the high-school peudo-english that is "spoken" on MPBN. Buh-bye.

Just a comment to knightscross . Who the hell do you think you are anyway.. Must be an imported M*!&^#%.

THATS FRENCH FOR MASSACHUSETTS HOLE

To Knightscross- Your comment, "Shut them down already. The trailer trash in Washington and Aroostook Counties don't listen to MPBN anyway."- speaks volumes of your narrow-mindedness, bias, and prejudice. I live in northern Aroostook County and know first hand the hard working people of Fort Kent and surrounding towns. Along with construction workers, farmers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, police officers, forest rangers,- we have doctors, nurses, veterinarians, lawyers, professors, teachers, accountants, and small businesses, etc. WE collectively and continually re-invest our faith in our communities. Simply put, MPBN is a vehicle for educational and entertainment means for the ENTIRE state of Maine. The only trash realized is the trash of your chosen words, which is a reflection on how you were raised- without decency, decorum, good character and a compassion for humanity.

I am embarrassed for you.

I'm not sure that it's fair to attribute this completely to MPBN radio, but my depression started to lift after I stopped listening.

MPBN Radio is positively depressing, you are correct David. Actually lessening the amount of industrial media pumped into one's head on a steady basis is probably a healthy thing. One question I'd like to throw out to all Mainerers: how can you dislike M%^@*&s and like the Red Sox? Also, where did y'all learn to drive? What's with the pulling out in front of people and not signalling fur turns?

I don't know, nothing seems to thrive up here.

MPBN has lost many thousands of dollars in donations due to their shoddy treatment of the humble farmer Robert Skoglund. When they publically acknowledge this, apologize and return him to their radio schedule hundreds of donors will return to the fold.

SoPoME you're off your rocker. Good riddance to that gasbag. If mpbn lost more than a dozen members -- skoglund's neighbors, mostly -- over the "egomaniacal farmer," I'd be amazed. marian mcpartland could live to be 800 and she'd still be more interesting to listen to.

Regarding fumble harmer:

I have met Robert Skoglund a few times, and I would say

that he falls into the "shameless self-promoter" category.

When you're a responsible broadcaster, you simply CAN'T

allow the inmates to run the assylum. Humble over the years

became somewhat of a loose cannon over the air and over-

estimated his listenership to a large degree. He would NOT

accept any direction at all from MPBN. As a listener, I myself

heard some of his rants. I don't know if this is absolutely

true or not, but I was told by an acquaintance of his that he

personally manufactured a lot of his supposed fan mail and

then would post it from various locations during his travels.

What was MPBN to do? Despite my misgivings concerning

their actions over the past few years, I would say that they

got it right on this one.

The rest of it? Only time will tell.

OldBangor