PBS

Overview

PBS (the Public Broadcasting Service) is a non-profit, member-owned public broadcaster in the United States. Established in 1970, it distributes programming to hundreds of locally owned and operated member stations across the country. Unlike commercial networks, PBS is funded by a mix of government support, member-station dues, corporate underwriting and viewer donations.

History

PBS was created to replace National Educational Television and to coordinate public broadcasting nationwide. It built a reputation for high-quality educational and cultural programming at a time when commercial television was dominated by mass-audience entertainment.

Its children’s programming, in particular, has had a lasting cultural impact, introducing generations of young viewers to educational television.

Programming

PBS is renowned for documentaries, science and nature series, public-affairs and news programming, performing-arts broadcasts, and acclaimed drama acquired and co-produced with international partners. Its long-running children’s strand has produced some of the most beloved educational shows in American history.

Significance

As the principal public broadcaster in the United States, PBS plays a distinctive role in providing free, educational and culturally enriching content. Its emphasis on learning, the arts and in-depth journalism sets it apart from the country’s commercial networks.