A Brief History of Public Broadcasting — And Why It Still Matters

📡 A Brief History of Public Broadcasting — and Why It Still Matters

Public broadcasting in the United States began with a simple idea: that educational and cultural programming should be freely accessible to everyone.

🔹 The Early Roots

In the 1930s and 40s, educational radio stations sprouted from college campuses, laying the groundwork for something bigger. But it wasn’t until 1967 that public broadcasting took official form.

That year, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act, creating the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Its mission: to fund and support the development of public television and radio for the American people.

🔹 Enter NPR and PBS

• 1970: The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) was launched as a nonprofit network of member TV stations.

• 1971: National Public Radio (NPR) followed, bringing a new standard of thoughtful, long-form journalism to the airwaves.

From Sesame Street to Morning Edition, these platforms have shaped generations with programs that entertain, educate, and inform.

🔹 What Makes Public Media Different?

Public media stands apart from commercial networks because it:

• Is nonprofit and non-commercial

• Relies on viewer support and public funding, not corporate advertisers

• Prioritizes education, arts, history, and in-depth journalism

• Serves rural and underserved communities where private media may not reach

🔹 Why It Needs Our Support

While public broadcasting has always faced funding challenges, it’s increasingly vulnerable to political shifts and budget cuts. Yet its role in a healthy democracy has never been more important.

That’s why it’s crucial for everyday citizens to step in—through donations, advocacy, and simply tuning in.

💛 How We Give Back

At Hello More Co., we believe in the power of public media. That’s why our Support Public Media Collection donates a portion of proceeds to nonprofit organizations like NPR.

When you shop one of these designs, you’re helping keep fact-based journalism, independent voices, and educational programming accessible to all.

Because facts matter. Curiosity matters. And public access to media matters.

Explore the Collection: Support Public Media