PBS to Examine the Health of American Democracy

Posted by on October 17, 2003

[posted from Demos: Democracy Dispatch]

PBS to Examine the Health of American Democracy
Public broadcasting stations are planning a series of more than 60 programs between November 3 and November 9, 2003 that focus intensively on the health of American democracy. Among the offerings will be a documentary produced by Minnesota Public Radio and the Center for Investigative Reporting about how some low income citizens could be further disenfranchised by new voter ID requirements adopted in the wake of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The documentary will also examine potential problems that might emerge with the use of new voting machines. Another program will be a global call-in that explores the differences between democracy in the United States and in Europe, the lingering effects of colonialism, and the role of the U.S. and Britain in Iraq. "The health of American democracy is on the minds of people not just in our country but – quite literally – across the globe," says Michael Skoler, who is directing the special coverage. "Since September 11, free discussion has been hampered by those who argue it is unpatriotic to ask questions. So public radio stations are stepping forward to put our democracy on the nation’s agenda." PR Newswire 9/3/03