Letters: The Partial Digitization of World History
March 18, 2007
New York Times Business Section
To the Editor:
In the move to digitization, radio and television programs, now largely preserved in analog tape format with a limited shelf life, require special attention. These programs are of relatively recent vintage, with the oldest dating back to the early 20th century, and thus often escape concern because they are not viewed with the same historical lens as manuscripts and fading photographs. They also reside in institutions around the country that may not be able to make them widely available online due to copyright restrictions imposed by their donors. The private and public sectors must move aggressively to provide the financial and technical resources to save these critical sources of information and entertainment.
Stuart N. Brotman
Lexington, Mass., March 11
The writer is past president and chief executive of the Museum of Television & Radio.