Okay, I'm torn...

[arib]

So, the local NPR station is having a raffle for a Toyota Prius, one of the new models of gas/electric hybrid cars. I'd *love* to win a car, and a hybrid would be even better.

Here's the problem. To be entered in the drawing, you need to make a donation. I strongly disagree with NPR's coverage of Israel, and don't want to support them in that. Yes, they've improved somewhat, but it's still horribly slanted...

But I want the car!

er... help?

Comments

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

1. Is the station only NPR? Our public television station uses some NPR programming, but also uses PRI and other independent media as well as locally produced material. Are you supporting the station directly, or just the NPR aspects?

2. Most of what NPR produces has nothing to do with Israel. Could you look at it as supporting that?

Re:

[arib.livejournal.com]

The station's primarily NPR, with a small amount of PRI stuff, mostly BBC News related. The BBC's also got a lousy track record on their middle east coverage, but they're doing much better at attempting to be neutral. I also like their program "The World" which the BBC co-produces with WBUR, my local station...

2. Most of what NPR produces has nothing to do with Israel. Could you look at it as supporting that?

I could, but let's face it, I have no real control over what my money will be used for.

[hakamadare.livejournal.com]

hrm. some thoughts:

1. have you let NPR know about your specific objections? this page has some contact info you may find useful. the nice thing about "listener-supported public radio" is that they've got considerably more incentive to listen to your opinion than any commercial media source has.


2. are you in favor of public radio as a concept (regardless of the details of NPR's specific implementation of that concept)? if so, then that's a good reason to help out a worthy cause, especially if it gives you a shot at winning a worthwhile car.

at the end of the day, your choice comes down to this: are you so unhappy with NPR's coverage of Israel that you would rather they ceased to exist as an organization? if that is the case, then you have an obligation not to contribute to their continued existence; otherwise, i think you can buy a raffle ticket with a clear conscience.

hope this helps,
steve

p.s. oh, sorry, is my bias showing? :) yes, i donate to NPR, even though i listen to the radio very rarely these days, and the only NPR shows to which i have any emotional attachment are All Things Considered and Car Talk. on the other hand, i don't donate to public television. heh,

raffles are bad odds anyway

[(Anonymous)]

follow your conscience, even though I totally disagree with you on npr, you should do what you think is right and not buy a ticket...odds are against you winning, so you (in theory) win the money you would have spent.

I support npr, am a total tree hugger, and I honestly think that when you compare them to the rest of the media in america, the public radio and tv organizations are usually the only ones not jumping on the latest jingoistic bandwagon. That's why I support them. We need an (at least somewhat) independent voice. Even when I disagree with them, I thank that we have them around. :)

[teddywolf.livejournal.com]

My opinion of their news coverage is that there's not very much pro-Israel sentiment there. Then again NPR has underdog leanings - and they perceive Gaza and the West Bank as underdogs. It's a major focus of NPR.

Maybe you might want to read The Economist instead - they'll take your money, give you more news and they do seem to have a much more neutral stance.