The Enduring Educational Value of PBS
In an era dominated by fleeting headlines and sensationalized stories, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stands as a beacon of trusted, high-quality educational content. For many Americans, PBS is more than just a television network; it's a vital connection to the world, offering access to a diverse range of programming and services that enrich lives and foster learning.
A Legacy of Trust and Value
For over two decades, PBS has consistently ranked as the most trusted institution in America. A 2023 nationwide study marked the 21st consecutive year that PBS and its member stations earned the #1 spot in public trust. This trust extends to news and public affairs programming, where PBS consistently outranks major broadcast and cable news networks.
The value of PBS is also recognized by the American public. In a 2023 survey, 66 percent of respondents rated PBS as an “excellent” or “good” value, second only to military defense (73 percent). This high rating underscores the public's appreciation for the services PBS provides, especially considering its minimal cost to taxpayers - approximately $1.60 per American per year.
Educational Programming: A Cornerstone of PBS
PBS has played a crucial role in producing educational TV programs, especially for children, for nearly 60 years. Educational programming is at the heart of PBS's mission, with shows like "Sesame Street" and "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" shaping generations of young minds. These programs provide foundational lessons in literacy, empathy, and social skills, laying the groundwork for future academic success and personal growth.
PBS KIDS, in particular, stands out as a leader in children's educational media. More than 80 percent of those surveyed named PBS KIDS the most educational media brand for children, substantially outscoring other kids brands. PBS KIDS averages 15.5 million monthly users and 345 million monthly streams across PBS digital platforms.
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Scientifically-Backed and Expert-Vetted Content
PBS's commitment to education goes beyond simply providing entertaining content. Its programming is scientifically backed to support school readiness, especially for children who may not have access to formal preschool. Each show is vetted by experts and designed to support kids’ growth.
The creation of PBS KIDS shows involves a rigorous production process. This can include observing children watching the show, conducting focus groups, and surveying parents about their experiences. PBS KIDS has vetted curriculum frameworks for math, literacy, social studies, science, social and emotional skills, and character development. Episodes of shows like "Ready, Jet, Go!" are fact-checked by experts like NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory astronomer Dr. Amy Mainzer, and "Super Why" episodes are reviewed by literacy specialists. For shows like "Carl the Collector," autism experts review every draft from premise to script to animation.
Impact on Children's Development
Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of PBS KIDS programming on children's development. Studies have shown that children who watch "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" demonstrate greater empathy, recognize emotions better, and feel more confident in social interactions. A brand new study out of UCLA shows that the messages learned from "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" are sticking with the first cohort of kids who watched, who are now teens.
Beyond Children's Programming: A Diverse Range of Educational Content
PBS offers a wide array of educational programming for audiences of all ages. Shows like "NOVA" and "Nature" explore the wonders of science and the natural world, while "American Experience" and "Masterpiece" offer windows into diverse cultures and historical narratives. This programming broadens perspectives and fosters a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.
PBS is committed to bringing the power of media into the classroom - helping educators to engage students in new and different ways. PBS LearningMedia is an online destination that offers free access to thousands of resources from PBS member stations and partners. PBS also provides training and educational services to teachers.
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A Trusted Source of News and Public Affairs
In addition to its educational and cultural programming, PBS serves as a trusted source of news and public affairs. When asked which networks they trust most when it comes to news and public affairs programming, survey respondents ranked PBS #1, ahead of the major broadcast and cable news networks.
PBS and NPR’s in-depth reporting and analysis provide a nuanced examination of current events, often devoid of partisan conflict. Their commitment to factual accuracy, diverse perspectives, and long-form journalism facilitates a deeper understanding of complex issues and fosters informed public discourse.
Accessibility and Community Engagement
PBS is committed to making its programming and services accessible to all Americans. PBS’s broadcast signal is uniquely important to the millions of American households, particularly in rural areas, that lack access to reliable and affordable broadband internet. CET and ThinkTV bring quality, non-commercial, trusted programming to millions of people right here in our communities without a fee, subscription service or fancy equipment. While programs are available on smart devices, YouTube and however people stream programming, they can also watch channels simply by setting up an antenna.
PBS has 350 local owned and operated member stations that tailor their outreach and programming to the needs of their communities. These stations offer a variety of community events and educational outreach programs, connecting local residents with inspiring stories, helpful information, the arts, and essential learning resources.
The Threat of Funding Cuts
Despite its proven value and widespread support, PBS has faced threats to its funding in recent years. In July 2025, Congress voted to claw back US$1.1 billion it had previously approved for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which distributes money to PBS and National Public Radio.
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These funding cuts raise concerns about the future of PBS's educational programming and its ability to serve communities across the country. A recent analysis by an Ohio State University researcher shows PBS delivers three times more educational content than Nickelodeon, raising concerns about the impact of Congress’s $1.1 billion funding reduction.
The Impact of Funding Cuts on Educational Content
Rebecca Dore, the director of research at OSU’s Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, re-examined data from a previous study and found that 45% of educational TV shows and videos that first graders across the state watch were from PBS. With funding cuts, Dore is concerned that PBS’ educational programming will decrease, potentially leading to a decline in the overall quality of children's media.
The Importance of Continued Investment
Despite the challenges, advocates for public broadcasting continue to emphasize the importance of continued investment in PBS. They argue that PBS is a democratic value, like investing in public schools, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to free, high-quality educational content.
For every $100 of federal spending, public broadcasting receives one penny - and most of that is given to local member stations that respond to the needs of their local community. Funding PBS and PBS KIDS isn’t controversial! In fact, 85% of Americans agree that PBS stations provide an excellent value to their local community.
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