1. Public Service TV A few facts on PBS Media English II/ Fall 2011

2. Differences 0 Commercial TV 0 Profit oriented 0 Short, flashy news 0 Emphasis on building high ratings 0 Targeted audiences (with money to spend) 0 Glitz, stimulation, sex 0 Public Service TV 0 Tax-supported 0 Longer, deeper news 0 Emphasis on covering everyone 0 Reach unserved audiences. 0 Educational programs

3. PBS 0 Public Broadcasting Service 0 Started in 1970. 0 Followed National Educational TV. 0 354 member stations around the U.S. 0 Many run by universities. 0 They provide programs, not central network. 0 Funding primarily from donations but also U.S. gov.

4. Common Programs 0 Fine arts – opera, symphonies, dance 0 Science (N 0 ova) 0 In-depth news (Newshour, Charlie Rose) 0 Drama (Mystery Theater from the U.K.) 0 Lots of ‘educational TV’ for kids (Sesame Street)

5. How to raise money 0 Conducts seasonal fund-raising campaigns directly on TV. 0 Stops programs while station leaders ask people to please send in pledges for contributions. 0 You’ll see pitches everywhere for donations. 0 Even on videos.

6. The Law 0 Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 requires public channels to strictly follow rules to be non-partisan in politics. 0 Can’t endorse (or support) one over another. 0 Because of its humanitarian approach, PBS is often accused of being too “liberal.” 0 Currently a target of right-wing politicians who want to cut all federal funding.

7. On air fund-raising

8. Let’s see some TV 0 A news documentary on immigration arrests in Alabama. 0 In-depth news from ITV (UK) on disaster recovery in northern Japan.