Public Broadcasting

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.

Non-Commercial Broadcasting

• In 1952, the FCC’s Sixth Report and Order reserved over 200 channels for “educational television.”

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

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

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

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.

Non-Commercial Broadcasting

• Public broadcast licensees– State and municipalities (40%)– Colleges and universities (25%)– Public School Boards (3%)– Community Foundations (33%)

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