Public broadcasting is relevant to young people who are increasingly confronted by violent images in a variety of media. Public broadcasting is not only a safe haven from violent programming, it promotes safe havens in a literal sense. Public broadcasters are helping organize and promote the events. Public broadcasting is relevant to individuals who cannot access the many available cable or satellite channels, either for financial reasons, due to remote location, or because not all channels or services are available to them. More than 30 million homes, or an estimated 90 million people, do not receive cable, either by choice or because they cannot afford it Essentially all Americans have access to public broadcasting, delivered for free over the air.
Public broadcasting is also relevant to high school dropouts.
More than 2 million Americans have earned their high school diplomas through GED programs offered by public television stations. It is relevant to American teachers. In a survey conducted by Cable in the Classroom last summer, PBS materials topped the field of classroom choices, with 70 percent of teachers reporting they use video materials from PBS in the classroom. We are expanding this service to include teacher training in English, History and Literature. Finally, public broadcasting continues to be very relevant to the youngest among us.