PBS at 40

November 3, 2009

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Profile America — Tuesday, November 3rd. PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service, aired its first television broadcasts 40 years ago today, as a string of local educational channels united to form the network. Over the years, PBS has built a reputation for excellent programs and objectivity. Some of its well-known programs include “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer,” “Masterpiece,” “Antiques Roadshow,” “American Experience” and “Sesame Street.” For some years, it was the leading broadcaster of key tennis matches. The Public Broadcasting Service currently has more than 350 stations, which collectively own the network. Across the U.S., there are 1,754 television stations. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2009, p. 536
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 1049
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2009edition.html