4 ms·
It probably could fund itself and make a profit. But the whole point is that the country is choosing to invest in providing quality media content in the form of
by knz 10y ago
It probably could fund itself and make a profit. But the whole point is that the country is choosing to invest in providing quality media content in the form of high quality detailed reporting and educational content because it's critical for the success of our nation.
I think even the most partisan American would have a hard time looking at commercial media and declaring it a resounding success - educational channels like Discovery/History Channel are more of a meme than source of quality media these days and "news" is now a mix of entertainment and partisan opinion pieces between a deluge of advertising.
- jhbadger 10y agoI remember how twenty years ago, the argument was made that the high quality of educational programming on the Discovery and History Channels made PBS redundant. I didn't agree even then, but at the time there really were some pretty good stuff on those commercial channels. But it turns out that shows about science and history don't make as much money as nonsense about ancient aliens and so the commercial stations stopped being that educational. It really shows how the commercial model doesn't really work for education.
- Taniwha 10y agoThat only works if you have a Hitler fetish (History) or and Alaska fetish (Discovery)
- FullMtlAlcoholc 10y agoPlus, their shows are made for a 3rd grade level of understanding. None of their science shows have even a hint of math
- clarkmoody 10y ago> country is choosing to invest Lawmakers are spending other people's money > critical for the success of our nation That's a stretch
- Uhhrrr 10y agoCertainly as far as dramas and comedies go, commercial channels like HBO/Netflix/etc have left PBS in the dust. PBS Kids has really good stuff, but then they're probably already profitable.
- cvwright 10y agoFor the "edgy, morally-compromised anti-hero" genre, sure HBO/FX/AMC/Netflix have been nailing it for years. However, in other areas it's PBS that's leaving them in the dust. For example: I watch a lot of British cop shows. Nothing from the US can touch the stuff that WBGH brings over from BBC/ITV. Except maybe "Lie to Me", and it's been off the air for years. PBS also rules whatever you'd call the "Downton Abbey genre". The last time they had competition there was from A&E in the mid 90s.