During this period of rapid evolution in media, politics, culture, and technology, the value that the public sees in PBS and WQPT PBS remains unique and unrivaled.

Trust is the most important measure of our success in fulfilling our essential public service mission. We treat our audience as citizens, not consumers. No other media entity provides the same array of community benefits, including free children’s educational content and services, in-depth news And public affairs programming, series that spark lifelong learning, and vital emergency communications. These are just some of the reasons why PBS and WQPT continue to engender trust and loyalty despite an explosion of channels, platforms, and devices that have presented Americans with more choices at their fingertips than ever before.

According to a nationwide survey, PBS (and it's nationwide affiliates) were named the most trusted media organization for the 19th year in a row. PBS continues to outscore government institutions and media sources—such as broadcast, cable, streaming and social media—in both value and trust, respectively. 80% of respondents believe that the taxpayer dollars provided to PBS are a good investment. Furthermore, 86% agree that PBS member stations provide excellent value to the communities they serve. PBS also remains the most trusted source for news and public affairs programming, outranking ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and NBC.

Not only do viewers trust PBS, but they also see themselves reflected in PBS’s content offerings. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed agree that PBS content features a diverse range of people and 74% agree that PBS content appeals to people from diverse backgrounds.

“The trust that PBS and our member stations hold with the American public is an important measure of our success,” PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. “As we prepare for the future, public television will continue to serve as a source of education, entertainment and inspiration for the American public.”

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why not just prohibit kids from streaming or watching programs?

Generally speaking, children are going to watch something no matter what. Whether sitting in front of a television or streaming on a mobile device, children today have greater access to television programs. The only question is whether or not they will have the skills to choose well and view actively. Kids who don't watch miss out on outstanding educational programming.

As you know, WQPT PBS and PBS provide programs you can trust and know that children learn while having fun. There are a lot of places that only television and video can take us to, like other planets, to expose us to new ideas and people or exceptional performances.

 

Kids watch too much TV or streaming programs already. Should they watch more in school or child care?

Some children do stream or watch too much television, and extensive viewing isn't good for them. But the same children who are viewing too much at home are also the least likely to be learning critical viewing skills at home. Using television actively in the classroom or childcare setting can model a different—and more productive—way of viewing. Thus, viewing in a controlled or structured educational environment can support and expand learning.

 

Does television programming keep children from reading books?

Studies are mixed on this. Some researchers have found that television viewing can replace other "quiet time" activities, including reading. This is especially true for heavy viewers. Other studies have found no effect, especially in light or moderate viewers. However, we do know that television can be successfully used to reinforce reading.

Age-appropriate television viewed actively can also help children develop pre-reading skills, including vocabulary development, sequencing, letter and word recognition, and understanding character, setting, and passage of time.