The demonstrators, those campaigning to bring Democracy Now! to WXXI, began lining up on Chestnut street at about 5:30pm Wednesday afternoon. As they lined up, they unfurled thousands of petition cards written to Silverstein and WXXI board members asking them to give Democracy Now! a try. The demonstrators covered four blocks on the east side of Chestnut Street. As more demonstrators appeared, they continued unfurling the petition cards (affixed to roles of paper) on the opposite side of the street, for several more blocks. The 3000 + cards were the original signed cards demanding that WXXI air Democracy Now!.

The Pat Mitchell speaking event was free and open to the public, but advertised as “limited seating” and those wishing to attend were encouraged to register in advance. As the discussion was about to start, the auditorium was less than 1/4 full, until many of the protesters (including this reporter) were able to get inside, bringing the attendance to well over 3/4 full. Norm Silverstein began the introductions, stating that the purpose of Mitchell’s discussion was not to discuss any single program. The goal of the evening was to clarify and discuss the future of PBS, problems they are facing with the Center for Public broadcasting (CPB, the governmental body created by Congress to oversee PBS), and what digital technology can bring to PBS.

After Mitchell’s lengthy introductory remarks, the floor was open to questions. The questions were written by audience members in advance. The first few questions dealt with issues surrounding technology. Eventually a question about bringing Democracy Now! to WXXI was read, and Norm Silverstein volunteered to field this one. He began by stating that he knows many present will not like his answer, but the WXXI board still considers Amy Goodman’s show to be “advocacy journalism” which goes against WXXI’s programing philosophy. With the anticipated jeers, over half the audience got up and left. This brought on cheers and catcalls from those in the audience who stayed, once again leaving the auditorium, barely 1/4 full.