Clive Barnes, who is the chief Dance, Drama and Opera critic for the New York Post once said, "Television is the first truly democratic culture - the first culture available to everybody and entirely governed by what the people want. The most terrifying thing is what people do want."

I think, however, that while most popular programming seems to be controlled by ratings, the "truly democratic culture," there are plenty of programs and stations that are immune to such measures. BYU-TV is one such station. BYU Broadcasting, as stated in its own mission statement, endeavors to "enrich the lives of audiences through the creation and delivery of religious, educational, cultural, news, and sports programs that reflect Brigham Young University's unique standards of excellence;" hardly programming that could withstand any democratic process. While engaging a large audience is important to BYU Broadcasting, it isn't necessarily what drives its content.

One more thought:
BYU has long believed that "The world is our campus." Quoting again from BYU Broadcasting's mission statement, "[BYU Broadcasting] is uniquely qualified to expand the influence of Brigham Young University beyond its campus." Hmmm...