Georgia Public Broadcasting has canceled the popular talk show Political Rewind after Georgia lawmakers reduced GPB’s budget earlier this year. The show, hosted by former state capitol reporter Bill Nigut, was the only statewide daily radio program dedicated to in-depth coverage of Georgia politics.
Some believe that the show was a victim of backlash from the politicians it covered. GPB cited a programming realignment that affected other offerings as the reason for the cancellation, denying any discussions with lawmakers about eliminating the program.
GPB will continue airing Political Rewind for one remaining week, coinciding with the implementation of the network’s reduced budget.
The loss of Political Rewind is a blow to independent and polite discussion of Georgia politics. Nigut did a first-rate job with his interviews and analysis. Something smells! I’m afraid my cynicism about the present state of politics in general makes me think that the Georgia legislature simply wanted to trash the show given its lack of an appropriate partisanship.
Political Rewind was a valuable and important source of information for the people of Georgia. I listened every day, and I appreciated the intelligence and depth of knowledge evident in every broadcast. I donate to GPB every month, and Political Rewind was a big reason for my continued support. I felt like I was part of the conversation with Bill Nigut and his guests. I am truly upset that I no longer have access to the knowledge and wisdom I received through Political Rewind. Politics is local, and the citizens of Georgia deserve to know what our elected officials are doing to serve the people of our state. I would be quite pleased to see the show back on the air in the near future. Sometimes what is done can be undone.
Isn’t it time for Bill to start a fee based podcast along the same lines, similar to Bill Mahar after his show on ABC was cancelled for being too controversial. We could use our former contributions to GPB to fund it.
Cancelling my support today
Georgia has lost a show run by an experienced journalist who spoke “truth to Power,” for the Atlanta audience. What other programs are on the chopping block?
Honor in politics is at a low point today. Fewer honorable people are entering politics leaving room for others to to have power and influence. Dishonorable people are loath to confront thruth and squeal foul when someone challenges their falsehoods. I believe this occurred recently on Political Rewind. Stopping the program smacks of NPR being unwilling to stand up to pressures from unscrupulous politicians.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, I too feel that your words ring true.
That’s GzpB not NPR
Worst decision ever made by GPB. It’s the most important program you produced. Pathetic that Georgia’s Republican lawmakers are so afraid of truthful, balanced, and respectful reporting of what they are doing and will use any means necessary to snuff out inconvenient facts. But public broadcasting is supposed to fight for the public’s right to know, and in this case GPB failed all of us when it counted.
This has been my “go to” for political discussion for years. I am so saddened by this.
For many of us who are interested in local governance.
Republicans don’t like criticism. They don’t like science or grammar either. Come to think of it, there’s not much they do like. Except telling others how to behave maybe. Little wonder they don’t like an honest journalist like Nigut
👍
Best political analysis on the air. How in the world is this show cancelled. Ridiculous!
Totally!
Having studied journalism, including a grad course or two, I can honestly say Bill Nigut represents the very best in the tradition of professional broadcast journalism. He is as fair as they come, and consistently represents a great variety of viewpoints. From what I glean, those who seek his removal are driven by the right wing radio talk jocks (is there any other brand?) who use the “public money” argument to claim some sort of incursion or unfairness. >BS!PUBLIC< Radio/Television has much higher standards, calling and MISSION, which Nigut consistently delivers. This show is essential to our understanding of current (political) events, and is easily our most valuable resource to become sufficiently INFORMED to make the most important decisions American citizens are charged with: Electing competent, honest, wise and skilled leaders to represent our best interests. How tragic that there are those who seek quite the opposite, for the most horrid reasons.
I’m very troubled by the fact that Bill Nigut”s program Political Rewind has been cancelled seemingly because cuts in the budget, I believe this is because of political pressures put on by the Georgia Lawmakers who did not like the show. This is a public channel and should be able to present political views with facts from all sides which it did with respect without pandering to conspiracy theories and extreme views without facts or merit. We need to have this type of program, the viewers and listener’s will continue to support NPR and subsidiary’s if you ask. I’m considering canceling my 20 year support for your Radio since it seems you will cancel any program that seems offensive to the Georgia Government.
Tragic decision by GPB!
Political rRewind is a very informative broadcast. I am so sorry to see it canceled and will miss the show greatly.
Hope to hear bill Nigut somewhere in the future.
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