Public Broadcasting Act of 1967

Definition

The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 established the framework for public broadcasting in the United States, creating the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to fund and support non-commercial educational television and radio. This act aimed to provide a diverse range of programming that serves the educational and informational needs of the public, ultimately promoting a more informed citizenry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his 'Great Society' initiative, aiming to enhance public access to educational content.
2. The act led to the establishment of PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) in 1969, which became the primary network for public television programming in the U.S.
3. Funding from the CPB supports local public broadcasting stations, allowing them to produce and air programs that reflect their community's interests and needs.
4. The act emphasized the importance of non-commercial broadcasting, ensuring that public broadcasters would not be driven by profit motives or commercial pressures.
5. Since its inception, the Public Broadcasting Act has undergone various amendments to adapt to changing media landscapes and audience needs, but its core mission remains focused on educational content.

Review Questions

• How did the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 change the landscape of educational television in the United States?
  • The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 significantly transformed educational television by providing federal funding and establishing a structured support system through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This funding enabled local stations to create diverse educational content that catered to community interests. The act also led to the formation of PBS, which became a central hub for quality educational programming, ensuring that such content was accessible to all citizens regardless of socioeconomic status.
• Evaluate the impact of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting on local communities after the passage of the Public Broadcasting Act.
  • The Corporation for Public Broadcasting had a profound impact on local communities by distributing funds that allowed public television and radio stations to develop programming tailored to regional needs. This financial support empowered local broadcasters to cover important local issues, offer educational programming, and showcase cultural events. As a result, communities became more informed and engaged in civic life, fostering a greater sense of connection through shared knowledge and resources.
• Analyze how the goals of the Public Broadcasting Act have evolved over time in response to changes in technology and viewer behavior.
  • Over time, the goals of the Public Broadcasting Act have evolved to address shifts in technology and viewer behavior, particularly with the rise of digital media and streaming services. Initially focused on traditional television and radio formats, public broadcasting has expanded its mission to include online platforms and multimedia content delivery. As audiences increasingly seek diverse forms of engagement, public broadcasters have adapted by creating interactive online resources, podcasts, and mobile applications, all while striving to maintain their foundational commitment to education and public service.

Related terms

Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): A private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress to distribute federal funding for public broadcasting, supporting both television and radio stations that serve local communities.

National Public Radio (NPR): An American non-profit media organization that produces and distributes news and cultural programming for public radio stations, established in part due to the funding and support from the CPB.

Educational Television: Television programming designed primarily to educate viewers, often produced by public broadcasters to fulfill the mission of informing and enlightening audiences.