Public Service TVA few facts on PBSMedia English II/ Fall 2011

Differences

0Commercial TV0 Profit oriented0Short, flashy news0Emphasis on building

high ratings0Targeted audiences

(with money to spend)0Glitz, stimulation, sex

0Public Service TV0Tax-supported0Longer, deeper news0Emphasis on covering

everyone0Reach unserved

audiences.0Educational programs

PBS

0Public Broadcasting Service0Started in 1970.

0 Followed National Educational TV.0354 member stations around the U.S.

0 Many run by universities.0They provide programs, not central network.0Funding primarily from donations but also U.S. gov.

Common Programs

0Fine arts – opera, symphonies, dance0Science (N0ova)0 In-depth news (Newshour, Charlie Rose) 0Drama (Mystery Theater from the U.K.) 0Lots of ‘educational TV’ for kids (Sesame Street)

How to raise money

0Conducts seasonal fund-raising campaigns directly on TV.

0Stops programs while station leaders ask people to please send in pledges for contributions.

0You’ll see pitches everywhere for donations.0Even on videos.

The Law

0Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 requires public channels to strictly follow rules to be non-partisan in politics.

0Can’t endorse (or support) one over another.0Because of its humanitarian approach, PBS is often

accused of being too “liberal.”0Currently a target of right-wing politicians who want

to cut all federal funding.

On air fund-raising

Let’s see some TV

0A news documentary on immigration arrests in Alabama.

0 In-depth news from ITV (UK) on disaster recovery in northern Japan.