And the plurality of viewpoints that are fostered by independent producers bring forward ideas and perspectives that we don't find elsewhere. We see more programming which originates outside of New York, DC, and Hollywood, and work which provides more voices. Sometimes its simply hearing from different people, as opposed to an established stable. They need to get over their fear of racial or ethnic minority communities and of sexual minorities. Politics should not preclude anyone access.
Independents also stress the importance of supporting non-commercial work.
Many argue that a dangerous trend in commercial broadcasting actually overwhelms the news gathering and reporting process, while undermining our democracy. In doing so, they offer a lot of unsavory material that doesn't do much to enlighten or heighten society, but rather actually demeans and dehumanizes people. Because we live in a free democratic country, and because we have a Constitution, broadcasters are allowed to say what they wish as long as it isn't too offensive. Concerns about commercialism also apply to public broadcasting, many of the independent producers note with concern that some within the public television system have advocated for pushing commercial boundaries further into public television. Others feel that 30 second underwriting spots are inappropriate.