Thanks for the Marine recruits, PBS!

Marines and their supporters refuted criticism of the Feb. 21 program that PBS Ombudsman Michael Getler recently described as a "very well done testimonial and recruiting film masquerading as a documentary." Getler's critique was lost on one viewer who wrote: "Documentary or recruiting — whatever you want to call it, it was a pretty good show. I want to say 'thank you' in advance for the new ones who might sign with the Marine Corps just because they saw this show."

NPR: Blog of the Nation

NPR has launched a blog for Talk of the Nation. (Via Andy Carvin.)

The Sound of Young America: Public Radio Talent Quest: Let's Try Some Shit.

Jesse Thorn promotes the Public Radio Talent Quest and comments on public radio's approach to creating shows and cultivating talent. "New programming in public media is largely driven by pre-existing funding, which turns the development process backwards," he writes. "Instead of having a great idea, or a great host, or a great producer and feeding it resources, we find a need or niche we decide to fill, then look for money, then actually build the creative elements. It's anti-entrepreneurial and rewards sameness"