----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Only noticed the debate recently on cutting funding to your Public Network. Have not noticed much discussion on the diffrences between Public and commercial networks (could have missed it :-)) 1. Public networks are not dominated by a corporate / profit ethic. 2. Public networks usually have specific charters which force them to cater to a broad audience (culture/language/..) rather than demographicly (read advertising) defined audience 3. The level of poor (read shit) programming is MUCH lower. 4. They have a dedication to their audience rather than advertisers. 5. Raise (or keep up) critical comment on arts/culture/politics that commercial networks are unable to maintain. 6. Not dominated by ratings. I hope your debate goes far folks, over here if you raised the idea of privitising the two Public networks (ABC & SBS) it would be a sure-fire way of losing votes (and office). best-of-luck charles