Public broadcasting works a bit differently depending on where you are in the world. American TV made the leap more toward commercial broadcasting in the early days, yet PBS and NPR still remain a vital part of our national fabric. In England and many other countries, public broadcasting is more the standard. Learn all about the interesting history of public broadcasting in today's episode.
AI Summary
# Stuff You Should Know: Public Broadcasting
In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore the history and current state of public broadcasting in America, from its origins in the 1960s through today's funding debates. They trace how LBJ's Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 created the infrastructure for NPR and PBS, explain how the funding system actually works (spoiler: it's more complicated than you'd think), and dive into the ongoing controversies about whether public broadcasting leans left, right, or somewhere in between. The guys also wrestle with the real question facing these institutions: as streaming and social media change how people consume news and entertainment, can public broadcasting survive without government funding, and should it even try?
Antiques Roadshow
1979
★ 6.5
"Or Antiques Roadshow. I mean, some, Mr. Rogers, some of the more legendary shows in American history. — Cited as one of the legendary shows on PBS that attracts viewers."
— Josh
Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
1980
★ 8.7
"Wasn't Cosmos on PBS? I think so. I think it was originally. — Discussed whether Cosmos originally aired on PBS, with Josh confirming it seems like a PBS-appropriate show."
— Chuck
Damn Yankees
1958
NR
1h 51m
★ 6.5
"they're like, damn Yankees. I was on a plane flight with them one time — Chuck mentions being on a plane with band members, comparing them to the group Damn Yankees and reminiscing about seeing Jack Blades, Ted Nugent, and Tommy Shaw."
— Chuck
"I sure love Downton Abbey. And oh, wait a minute, that was PBS too. — Used as an example of a popular and well-regarded show that aired on PBS."
— Josh
"Masterpiece Theater, of course. — Mentioned as a well-known PBS program in a list of notable shows."
— Josh
Monty Python's Flying Circus
1969
★ 8.3
"I saw Monty Python and Benny Hill on PBS — Mentioned as examples of shows that aired on PBS that people may not realize were on public broadcasting."
— Josh
"Sesame Street, probably the most legendary kids show of all time. — Described as probably the most legendary children's show in American television history."
— Josh
The Benny Hill Show
1969
★ 7.2
"I saw Monty Python and Benny Hill on PBS — Referenced as a show available on PBS that demonstrates the network's diverse programming."
— Josh
The Honeymooners
1955
★ 7.4
"the Honeymooners and realizing people are way more into the Honeymooners than Walter Cronkite — Referenced as an example of commercial entertainment programming that attracted more viewers than news programming in early television."
— Josh
"The Simpsons, that's special love for them. — Referenced when discussing NPR personalities who appeared on the show."
— Josh
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