In the 1960s, people across the United States saw that most television was filled with ads and programs that did not always help children learn. Many parents, teachers, and leaders wanted something better. They wanted shows that taught science, reading, history, and feelings. They wanted calm voices that people could trust. They wanted stations that cared about learning more than profit. This belief was the beginning of what would later become PBS.

The original Muppeteers and cast of Sesame Street in 1969. (Photo: Courtesy of Sesame Workshop / PBS Archives)

In 1967, Congress passed a law called the Public Broadcasting Act. This law created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, also called CPB. CPB was a private nonprofit group, and its job was to help public radio and public television grow. CPB did not own stations. Instead, it helped them with grants, planning, and other support they needed to grow. The goal was to bring strong educational programs into homes across the country.

At that time, many public stations worked alone, and there was not a strong network that linked them together. There was an older network called National Educational Television (NET), but it did not have enough stable funding.

By 1969, CPB leaders planned to create a new service that would replace NET and connect stations more effectively. This new service would be known as the Public Broadcasting Service, or PBS. On November 3, 1969, PBS became official and was incorporated as a nonprofit. The four names written as founders were John W. Macy Jr., James Day, Hartford N. Gunn Jr., and Kenneth A. Christiansen. Each one had experience in broadcasting or education, and they helped set up the structure for PBS.

The founders of PBS: John W. Macy Jr., James Day, Hartford N. Gunn Jr., and Kenneth A. Christiansen. (Photos: Courtesy of the Civil Service Journal, KQED Archives, and WGBH Archives)

Something important happened at the same time. In early 1969, the government suggested cutting public broadcasting funds. CPB was supposed to receive $20 million, and the proposed budget cut would bring it to $10 million. On May 1, 1969, Fred Rogers went to Washington, D.C., to appear before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications and spoke for six minutes. He described how children needed calm, honest programming.

Rogers also explained how his television show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" helped children understand their feelings and handle everyday challenges. The committee had doubts, but Rogers' soft voice and clear words convinced Senator John Pastore. The committee agreed to give the full $20 million after hearing Fred Rogers’ testimony. His real voice helped protect the future of public broadcasting.

Fred Rogers speaking before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications on May 1, 1969, next to Hartford N. Gunn Jr. (Photo: Robert Lerner/LOOK Magazine/Library of Congress)

On October 5, 1970, PBS began regular broadcasting. At that time, it had about 128 member stations. These stations were usually owned by states, universities, or nonprofits. They served many different communities from large cities to small towns. Over time, more stations joined, and today PBS has more than 350 member stations across the United States.

Many people know PBS most for its children’s shows. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Sesame Street, Arthur, The Magic School Bus, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Curious George all appeared on PBS stations. These shows helped children learn reading, math, science, and social skills.

Original photo of Sesame Street in 1969. (Photo: Courtesy of Sesame Workshop / PBS Archives)

PBS also works with public and private digital partners on Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms to share educational, positive, and inspirational content with more families. PBS Digital Studios collaborates with independent creators, and many of their shows do not use "PBS" in the title, even though they are produced or distributed in partnership with the network. One well-known example is Crash Course, created by YouTube educator Hank Green.

Reading Rainbow first aired in 1983 with LeVar Burton as the host. The series encouraged reading and won many major awards. It was produced by public stations including WNED in Buffalo, New York, and aired on PBS Kids until 2006. In 2025, it was rebooted with Mychal Threets as the new host.

LeVar Burton pictured in 2023. (Photo: Robyn Von Swank / National Endowment for the Humanities)

November 3, 2025, marks the 56th anniversary of PBS. This anniversary is important for several reasons. It shows the long-lasting value of public service media. PBS was created to support education and learning. Even with repeated proposals to reduce federal funding, PBS has kept its promise to provide free, educational, and public-service programming for 56 years.