What Can We Do Without Government Funding? Well, a lot, actually...

by Somer Leathern

Resources are available for minority public broadcasting that extend beyond the need for unnecessary federal funding...

Portrait of Donald Trump

Trump Administration Budget Cuts

The current issue with the Trump Administration budget cuts of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and the National Endowment for the Arts will affect culturally diverse broadcasting. 

Such public broadcasting stations include Native American radio and television channels that are used for cultural events like tribal meetings.

The argument regarding this hot spot is split two ways: the budget given to CPB helps spread cultural and other diverse media that otherwise would not receive substantial funding. 

It is also a preservation method for important Native American traditions and history. However, others argue that the government should not be involved in public broadcasting to the extent that it now is.

Churchill: Shooing Away Doubts

I have never listened or read the “Sinews of Peace” speech from Winston Churchill and I was rather ignorant about the origins of the “Iron Curtain” metaphor. I love listening to audio tracks from before the boom of technology. 

The Importance of Taped Media

I work in broadcasting and over this past summer, I worked on a special project where I converted old tapes (legit film reels and such) into digital media. It was crazy hard and I was terrified I was going to destroy the sensitive material. But I gained a perspective on how broadcasting and media worked before the digital age where most systems are now automated. I have a greater appreciation for historical media such as the Churchill.

Painting of Winston Churchill via Wikimedia Commons

Rhetoric of Peace

As far as rhetoric for the speech, I want to lead this analysis with an important part of the audio that is not written. From what I assume are journalists or radio commenters documenting the event, saying things along the lines of “Churchill is wearing a red robe to signify academia, etc., etc.,” one of the most interesting comments occurred while the speakers transitioned, and it was noted that Churchill “shooed” away photographers. This comment encapsulates the importance of the “Sinews of Peace” speech as well as the tone that Churchill wanted to leave with the audience members. Simplistically, Churchill intended with the contents of his speech as well as this action that this was not about him or his role in public media but about the changes that the Allies can create together.

During the written components of the speech, whenever Churchill refers to himself this concept of focusing on others is still apparent, because Churchill literally says it himself: “There is nothing here but what you see,” and “This is no time for generality and I will venture to be precise.” By clarifying that there is no “fluff” in this talk, Churchill attempts to appeal to ethos by establishing authority that is simple and difficult for the audience to misunderstand.

Selflessness over Selfishness  

This was effective for the audience because it did draw attention to the overarching topic that Churchill called “the unestimated sum of human pain” in a “sad and breathless moment.”  Considering that this speech was delivered during the tail-end of war started for what could be argued as selfish reasons, the tone of the speech derailed that selfishness and united those who may be weary of world leaders or doubting the future unity and effectiveness of the Allies.