You probably still hum the theme song in your head:
It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...
Sadly, if PBS has its way, future generations of kids will never have the opportunity to get to know Mr. Rogers and his neighborhood as we did. The public television network recently announced plans to drop Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood from its programming schedule next month, removing the show from its daily syndication lineup and only sending it out for one weekend airing each week. The network says it is doing so to make room for new children's programming.
Though today's tots may be more attracted to the fast-paced, high-tech shows that air on Nickelodeon and Disney, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood stood as a reminder that children need calm and reassuring environments for learning. Mr. Rogers' common refrain, you're “special—just because of who you are,” is rarely communicated as simply. For 33 years he donned his cardigan sweaters and sneakers and spoke slowly and directly to his viewers about reality and make-believe, as well as a variety of other subjects.
The fight is on to save this landmark TV show, and you can join in the campaign by visiting Save Mister Rogers' Neighborhood to learn more about what you can do.
on Yahoo! |
That's terrible. Why not have a classic block that puts Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, and Reading Rainbow on together? After watching some of the latest programming with my young cousin, I am amazed at how bad some of it is.