KBIA Local
(2009-07-06)
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COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
Fans of a newly canceled television program expressed their frustration yesterday and are trying to keep the show on the air. KBIA's Maureen McCollum has more on the effort to save "Pepper and Friends".
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There has been somewhat of a community outcry on KOMU's decision to cancel variety show "Pepper and Friends." There's a Facebook group, racking up more than 1200 members. Letters to the editor have been sent, and yesterday, almost 30 fans and the who's who of community organizations gathered outside the station that's been home to the show for 27 years.
KOMU has had a show similar to "Pepper and Friends" since the 1950's, so many residents have grown up with it and appeared on it at some point. University of Missouri Assistant Professor of Communication Michael Porter says the "daytime, variety, informational" format is a rarity because of high costs and production time. He says while some are waiting for the type of show to die out, Porter says they serve a purpose.
"I think programs like this give the community a sense of commonality, it brings people together. And there's not a lot that does that anymore, especially with the internet."
KOMU management canceled "Pepper and Friends" more than a month ago, citing high production costs and a lack of profitability.
Shortly after, Nancy Atkinson and her son, Chris, began a petition campaign to keep the show on the air. Her sons have been on the show and even volunteered behind the scenes, and Atkinson felt she should intervene. They collected more than 2700 signatures to keep the show on the air.
"But over and over, the one thing that we hear the most is "Pepper and Friends" is a community treasure, and we have so much to lose if it is gone."
Linda Green of Columbia attended yesterday's demonstration. She says "Pepper and Friends" provides an outlet for local issues, groups, and entertainers.
"The Pepper show is so great to just have all sorts of local things on so we know what's going on in our community. Without that, it's just all trashy stuff, national stuff, I mean who wants to watch that?"
Green says she looks to the show to know what's going on around town.
Organizer Atkinson also announced at the event that a formal complaint has been issued with the Federal Communications Commission, saying it's within the public interest to keep the show on the air. But according to the FCC's website, it does not control a station's programming.
After Atkinson addressed the crowd, Paul Pepper and co-host "Uncle" James Mouser came outside to join their supporters.
Overcome with emotion, Pepper says he's been touched by the outpour of community support since the cancelation announcement.
"I've worked here for 40 years, and that's a big chunk of my life. To have that all taken away, not of my decision, but their decision, it's like a death."
He says he finds it hard to believe that his show is losing money, and even offered to retire early and take a 50% pay cut. Pepper says he and Mouser sold the majority of their sponsorships.
Demonstrators attempted to present the petition signatures to KOMU general manager Marty Siddall, but he was not available at the time. Because KOMU is owned by the University of Missouri, have also reached out to Chancellor Brady Deaton and Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Jacquelyn Jones. Officials at KOMU were not available for comment.
Pepper says he doesn't know what he'll do after the final taping on September 18th.
"Know that your efforts have not gone unnoticed. That love that we're feeling right now will stay with us. Thank you, thank you."
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