For more than 30 years now, public broadcasting has met that mandate, delivering more free and universally available educational content, cultural programs and public affairs information than any other single source. From the era of black and white television and vacuum tube radios to High Definition Television and web casting, public broadcasting's unwavering commitment to educational progress remains constant and clear.
Public broadcasting is the nation's largest resource for continuing education and distance learning.
It plays a major role in providing content and services to enhance skills for new careers and to build a more productive workforce. Local public radio and television stations , reaching virtually every corner of the country, work in partnership with schools, libraries, museums and other local organizations to tailor these national initiatives to meet local needs, including those for at-risk kids and migrant communities. As we enter the age of digital technology, public broadcasting is poised to build on its rich history of harnessing technology to advance education further still. Digital broadcasting will enable public television stations to vastly expand their services. With the ability to multicast many channels, even the smallest stations will be able to broadcast tailored programming and data simultaneously to target the unique needs of their audiences, whether it be job training programs, adult education classes, or literacy training.