----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Re: Murdoch & PBS Look, I do the PBS issue, I travel in conservative circles, and I talk to communications lobbyists, including those from Fox, etc. Fox is opposed to privatization of PBS, on the record and off the record, including behind the scenes. The National Association of Broadcasters is also opposed to privatization of PBS. Broadcasters have always wanted to restrict competition over the air. PBS does a good job of blocking what might be competing channels. That is why it has had NAB support from day one. FX is a cable, not broadcast, channel, like CNBC, owned by a broadcaster. Speculation is not evidence, theories -- especially conspiracy theories -- are not facts. Lets stick to the facts, especially as this is supposed to be of scholarly interest. The players who might be willing to take over PBS right now are telephone companies and the cable companies. Others such as Microsoft, etc. are wished-for. But the broadcasters including Fox are backing PBS. Also, you might note that PBS stations are members of the National Association of Broadcasters. In fact Time-Warner and Paramount are probably more favorably inclined to the privatization initiative than Fox because they want channels for their new networks UPN and WB. Larry Jarvik CSPC