1. Public Broadcasting

2. Non-Commercial Broadcasting Almost from the beginning, channels have been reserved for non-commercial use. In FM radio, frequencies from 88 to 92 MHz were reserved for non-commercial use. Initially, those channels were almost all used by educational institutions.

3. Non-Commercial Broadcasting In 1952, the FCC’s Sixth Report and Order reserved over 200 channels for “educational television.”

4. Non-Commercial Broadcasting There is a conceptual difference between “educational” programming and “instructional” programming. –Educational programs are aimed at more generalized audiences and are often entertaining –Instructional programs are intended for classroom use, and are aimed at developing certain skills or competencies

5. Structure of Public Broadcasting The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 –Created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting –CPB is a “quasi-governmental” agency –CPB is a funding agency

6. Non-Commercial Broadcasting The Corporation for Public Broadcasting launched the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in 1969-1970 PBS is a program distributor – but not producer Member stations (affiliates) produce programs which are distributed to other members

7. Non-Commercial Broadcasting National Public Radio (NPR) is the radio equivalent of PBS. NPR distributes programming from members and other sources. NPR does produce programming.

8. Non-Commercial Broadcasting Public broadcast licensees –State and municipalities (40%) –Colleges and universities (25%) –Public School Boards (3%) –Community Foundations (33%)

9. Funding ALWAYS a problem for public broadcasters Government support continues to dwindle, as it has for nearly 40 years. Reliance on foundations and underwriting Underwriting has grown to more closely resemble commercial sponsorship