ARLINGTON, VA – February 15, 2011 – Public broadcasting received a vote of confidence yesterday. The President’s fiscal year 2012 budget to Congress included a $451 million advance appropriation for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in FY 2014.
“Our country is confronting difficult decisions, so we’re very thankful that the Obama Administration recognizes the critical value of public broadcasting and the public service it provides to American teachers, parents and children. PBS and nearly 360 local member stations deliver content and services that educate, inform and inspire. PBS’ content for children is proven to teach key educational skills, cultivating and challenging the critical thinkers and innovators of tomorrow,” said Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO.
“Unfortunately, the President’s budget does not set-aside funding for Ready to Learn (RTL), a Department of Education initiative that uses the power of public broadcasting's children's programming to help children learn to read.” Ms. Kerger added, “The Department of Education, PBS, local member stations and CPB have developed multimedia content and training for teachers that support their students’ learning with measurable results. The loss of RTL would fail to capitalize on America’s investment in this effective, efficient program.”
About PBS
PBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans — from every walk of life — the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches 117 million people through television and 20 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to takefront row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom and by following PBSPressroom on Twitter.
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Contact: Anne Bentley PBS 703-739-5021 awbentley@pbs.org
