The March 20 Style article on Brian Lamb, “For C-SPAN founder, a quiet exit,” was splendid. The Federal Communications Commission’s public-interest regulatory regime has been largely a failure regarding commercial broadcasting, and so has the policy on noncommercial broadcasting because of inadequate funding.
The one bright spot has been C-SPAN. In countless programs, Mr. Lamb has sought to foster an informed electorate, which is so vital to the proper functioning of our democracy.
Japan designates some of its distinguished citizens as national treasures. Brian Lamb is surely a national treasure of the United States.
Henry Geller, Washington
The writer was assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information from 1978 to 1979.