MPBN

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network has its fans. Proof of that is the fact that about 2,000 of of them braved a howling snowstorm recently to see a personal appearance by a little known (in the U.S.) humorist and story teller named Stuart McLean.

McLean is the host of an hour-long radio program called The Vinyl Cafe, a popular feature on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. His only connection to Maine is his show which is aired by MPBN at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Lots of conservatives are wondering whether or not Gov. Paul LePage and the unexpected Republican majority in the State House can get a fair shake from the media.

It's a legitimate question because the media, even in Maine, still seems sympathetic to the argument that activist government, not private enterprise, drives the state's economy. Hence the beliefs and actions of, say, a Chellie Pingree tend to elicit less skepticism and questioning than Paul LePage's conservative programs or comments.