TV Review - Cable’s ‘Earthbeat’ Brisk, Informative

Tired of TV shows that warn you about the environment but leave you wringing your hands over what can be done? A new TBS cable series, “Earthbeat” (debuting at 8 p.m. Sunday), tries to be different and largely succeeds. But it also leaves you wondering about at least one of its own tactics.

Hosted by Marlo Bendau and Tim White, the first half-hour show is brisk and informative--divided into several segments that revolve around the central theme of global warming, including one featuring Robert Redford.

Most of these segments are followed by “action tips”--ranging from simply “plant a tree” to the suggestion that you call a 900 number and add your name to “a petition we’ll send to the world’s auto makers” encouraging improved gas mileage. It’s also suggested that you use the same number--(900) 226-2250--to get information on the Tree People group, environmental issues, etc.

Here’s where the questionable part comes in. The charge for calling is $2 for the first minute and $1 for each additional minute. There’s no mention during the program where this money goes. If TBS wants people to respond, why not establish a toll-free 800 number?

Everything else about “Earthbeat” seems well thought-out and possibly even revolutionary in this genre. When the show talks about fuel-saving cars, it names the most efficient U.S. model (the Chevrolet Geo Metro). When it visits an energy-saving house and recommends compact fluorescent bulbs, it tells you which companies manufacture those bulbs. And so on.

Bendau and White are a little too TV-hosts-as-usual slick, but other than that and the 900 charge, “Earthbeat” looks like a big step in the right direction.