Ken Tomlinson, as chair of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in America wielded a powerful gavel attempting to influence PBS to reflect conservative values.
"His activities were viewed by pubcasters as breaching CPB’s role as a “heat shield” that protects their programming from political interference. Media revelations and the ouster of a CPB president eventually brought them to light, sparking one of the biggest political scandals in pubcasting history."
Tomlinson hadn't met this woman...yet
Enter Pat Mitchell, president of Public Broadcasting in America. PBS.
Mitchell asked legendary journalist Bill Moyers to return after 9/11 to help the country heal.
PBS, Mitchell and Moyers were immediately criticized for what Republicans called, "Unpatriotic" journalism.
PBS, represented by Mitchell, were called before the Corporation for Public Broadcasting at which she was told by the Republican lead board, "You better do what I say or I'll take you down-and Bill Moyers with you."
Mitchell retorted with, "Ken, I'm going to do what I think is right for the PBS board and the 349 public television stations. You do whatever yo feel you have to do. I'm going to put aside that threat, but I'm not going to forget it."
KARMA
"Tomlinson resigned today in anticipation of the results of an internal investigation. He had been accused by critics of overstepping his authority and political meddling in public television and radio. NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik has been covering the story and joins us now."
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/4989040
The Republicans were not through with PBS or Mitchell.
The party convened a committee and after the chairman, Ted Stevens, accused the public network of broadcasting liberal views, Mitchell replied, "Senator, actually, that's not true. I have the numbers right here..."
I don't know how Pat kept her cool with the jackass talking like that. But I guess losing millions in funding can produce control. Kudos Ms. Mitchell.