Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Definition

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a nonprofit corporation created by the United States Congress in 1967 to promote and facilitate public broadcasting. It serves as a vital source of funding for public media entities, ensuring that diverse programming is accessible to audiences across the nation, regardless of their economic status. The CPB plays a crucial role in supporting educational and informational content while maintaining independence from commercial pressures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CPB provides approximately 15% of the funding for public broadcasting, helping to sustain local stations and production companies.
2. It was established to promote educational programming and ensure that all Americans have access to non-commercial content.
3. CPB funding supports a wide range of content, including children's programming, news, documentaries, and cultural shows.
4. The CPB aims to maintain the independence of public broadcasting by avoiding direct control over programming choices made by local stations.
5. Public broadcasting helps bridge the gap between commercial broadcasting and educational content, serving communities with quality programming that might not be profitable.

Review Questions

• How does the Corporation for Public Broadcasting support public media entities in providing diverse programming?
  • The Corporation for Public Broadcasting supports public media entities by providing essential funding that helps cover operational costs and production expenses. This financial backing allows stations to produce and air diverse programming that serves various communities, including educational shows, news broadcasts, and cultural content. By ensuring access to these resources, the CPB enables public broadcasters to focus on quality content without the pressure of generating profits.
• In what ways does the CPB ensure independence in public broadcasting while still providing funding?
  • The CPB maintains independence in public broadcasting by establishing guidelines that prohibit interference with the editorial choices of individual stations. While it provides critical funding, it does not dictate what programs should be aired or how local stations should operate. This structure allows public broadcasters to deliver content that reflects their community's needs and interests without succumbing to commercial pressures or outside influences.
• Evaluate the impact of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting on American society and its role in promoting democratic discourse.
  • The Corporation for Public Broadcasting plays a significant role in American society by promoting democratic discourse through its support of independent media. By funding public broadcasting services like PBS and NPR, it ensures that diverse viewpoints are represented and that citizens have access to high-quality information. This accessibility contributes to an informed public, fostering civic engagement and dialogue on important social issues. The CPB's emphasis on educational content helps cultivate critical thinking skills among audiences, ultimately reinforcing democratic values in the community.

Related terms

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS): PBS is a nonprofit public broadcasting television service in the United States that provides educational and cultural programming funded primarily by viewer donations, government grants, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

National Public Radio (NPR): NPR is a nonprofit media organization that produces and distributes news and cultural programming, primarily through its network of member radio stations, funded significantly by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Community Media: Community media refers to various forms of media that are created and operated by local communities, often focusing on local issues and providing a platform for underrepresented voices.