public service tv a few facts on pbs media english ii/ fall 2011
TRANSCRIPT
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.