PBS Statement Regarding Mister Rogers

Alexandria, VA, February 27, 2003 -- "All of us at PBS are deeply saddened by the death of Fred Rogers," said Pat Mitchell, CEO and President of PBS. "For more than thirty years, Mister Rogers has offered children a place where they feel accepted and understood. He spoke directly to children, and they listened. He nurtured creativity, self-esteem, curiosity, and self-discipline, and his profound contributions will live on, as will the spirit of the man who created them.

"When Fred Rogers was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame, exactly four years ago on this day, he said to the television professionals gathered, 'we can either choose to use the powerful tool of television to demean human life or we can use it to enrich it.'

"Fred Rogers enriched our lives for three decades on PBS, and we are grateful that, through Mister Rogers' Neighborhood programs, he will continue to do so.

"Fred Rogers is a man who truly made the world a better place."