In an era where children’s content is just a click or stream away, many parents may overlook one of the longest-standing, most impactful players in children’s media: PBS (Public Broadcasting Service). For more than 50 years, PBS has delivered high-quality, educational programming to millions of American households. Shows like Sesame Street, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and Arthur have not only shaped childhoods—they’ve helped raise generations.

Despite its monumental contributions, PBS funding often comes under fire in federal budget discussions. Critics argue that it’s unnecessary in the age of streaming and YouTube. But removing or even reducing its funding would be a devastating blow to equitable, educational media in the U.S.—especially for low-income and rural families.

So let’s talk about why PBS matters, how its funding really works, and the powerful legacy it continues to build for American children.

A Brief History of PBS

The Public Broadcasting Service was founded in 1970, replacing National Educational Television (NET), and launched with the goal of providing free, accessible, educational content for all Americans—regardless of income, background, or zip code. Unlike commercial television, PBS is not driven by advertising or ratings, but by public service.

In its early days, PBS quickly became a cornerstone of children’s programming with shows that didn’t just entertain—they taught.

Some of its earliest and most influential hits include:

  • Sesame Street (1969–present): Launched before PBS even officially existed, Sesame Street revolutionized children’s TV with its research-based educational model and emphasis on literacy, diversity, and social-emotional learning.
  • Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (1968–2001): Fred Rogers brought emotional intelligence to TV, gently guiding children through complex feelings and real-world issues with kindness and compassion.
  • Reading Rainbow (1983–2006): Encouraging a love for reading, this show gave children access to stories, authors, and the idea that reading can take them anywhere.
  • Arthur (1996–2022): One of the longest-running animated shows in history, Arthur tackled topics like bullying, disabilities, divorce, and cultural identity with empathy and humor.

PBS was never just about “watching TV.” It was about learning, questioning, and growing, in a way no other network at the time—and arguably even today—can replicate.

Why PBS Still Matters in the Age of Streaming

With Disney+, Netflix, YouTube, and thousands of apps, you might wonder: why do we still need PBS?

Because PBS remains one of the only platforms designed with educational equity at its core.

Here’s what makes PBS different:

  • It’s Free: Families without cable or streaming subscriptions can access PBS over the air with a simple antenna, or for free online via PBS Kids. This matters when 1 in 5 children in the U.S. live below the poverty line.
  • It’s Commercial-Free: PBS doesn’t bombard children with ads or product placements. No “surprise toy unboxings,” no fast-food cross-promotions—just content meant to teach.
  • It’s Curriculum-Based: Shows like Peg + Cat, Dinosaur Train, Wild Kratts, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood are designed with input from educators, child psychologists, and literacy experts.
  • It’s Local: PBS is a network of more than 330 independent stations, often tailored to serve local communities with custom educational and cultural programming.

Let’s Talk About the Funding Myth

Opponents of PBS often argue that the federal government should not be in the business of funding television. However, this argument misses two crucial points:

  1. The Federal Government Contributes Only a Fraction of the Funding.
    The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is the primary distributor of federal funds to PBS and NPR. It receives approximately $465 million a year from the federal government (as of 2023)—a tiny slice of the nearly $6.3 trillion federal budget.Of that, less than 15% of PBS’ total funding comes from federal sources. The rest comes from:
    • Viewer donations (think PBS pledge drives)
    • Sponsorships (with strict guidelines)
    • Foundations and educational grants
    • State and local support
  2. This Modest Investment Delivers Outsized Results.
    According to a 2022 CPB study, public media delivers $6 of value for every $1 invested by taxpayers. That includes TV, radio, educational outreach, emergency alerts, and community services.

In short: defunding PBS doesn’t save the government meaningful money, but it does hurt communities that rely on it.

The Children Who Need PBS the Most

PBS isn’t just for kids who already have access to high-quality schools and tech-savvy households. It’s often the only free educational resource available to:

  • Rural children, who may lack broadband access
  • Urban children, where underfunded schools and limited safe spaces can leave educational gaps
  • Immigrant families, who benefit from bilingual programming and cultural inclusivity
  • Children with disabilities, who see themselves represented in shows like Arthur, Daniel Tiger, or Sesame Street‘s Julia, a character with autism

When we talk about equity in education, PBS is one of the most consistent, proven tools in the toolbox.

The Ongoing Legacy: Shows That Make a Difference

PBS continues to evolve while sticking to its roots. Here are just a few of the modern programs shaping the next generation:

  • Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A spiritual successor to Mister Rogers, this animated series helps preschoolers deal with big feelings using simple songs and routines.
  • Wild Kratts: Hosted by real-life zoologists, this action-packed series teaches kids about biology, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship.
  • Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: A history-themed show where kids meet famous figures from the past and learn how everyday heroes can change the world.
  • Alma’s Way: Created by Sonia Manzano (Maria from Sesame Street), this show features a Puerto Rican girl navigating her Bronx neighborhood while promoting self-reflection and cultural pride.

Each of these shows is deeply researched, socially conscious, and carefully written—not only to meet educational goals, but also to reflect the diversity of modern American childhoods.

Why We Must Protect Public Media

The effort to defund PBS is not new. It’s a political football that resurfaces with every federal budget cycle, despite consistent public support. In fact, a 2022 national survey showed that 76% of Americans oppose cuts to PBS and public media—across political lines.

Because at the end of the day, Family Guy isn’t going to teach your child to read. Netflix won’t help your toddler learn how to manage big feelings. And YouTube isn’t going to vet its content for accuracy, empathy, or inclusivity.

PBS does all that—and more.

Defunding PBS would mean punishing children for being born into households that can’t afford premium content. It would mean removing a key player in the national conversation about education, media, and culture. And it would send a chilling message: that learning is only for those who can pay for it.

Final Thoughts

Public television is a civic good. It is a digital library, a classroom, a community bulletin board, and a trusted friend to millions of American children. In a media landscape ruled by algorithms and ad dollars, PBS remains refreshingly committed to its mission: to educate, inspire, and serve.

Let’s not forget that Sesame Street was once considered a radical experiment. Today, it’s a global force. But none of it would have been possible without public investment.

PBS isn’t outdated—it’s essential. And it’s up to us to protect it.