Although technologies will inevitably change, our commitment to offer excellent and diverse educational and informational content remains. Expanding telecommunications services will only serve to enhance the value of the content we distribute. Public broadcasting's record of technological innovation in the spirit of public service is long and distinguished. As we begin a new century, we will continue to be a leader in putting technology to work for the benefit of all Americans. There has been much excitement over the prospect that, eventually, consumers will be able to interact with television rather than just passively watch it.
Public broadcasters are excited about the educational possibilities digital television creates.
In addition, the effect of new technology on special needs populations will be dramatic. Last year, CPB funded a digitally enhanced prototype of the children's show Arthur. By simply clicking a button, a viewer can hear the entire program in Spanish. The program is also designed to accommodate individuals who have visual impairments. It provides aural prompts and instructions to assist in navigating through the program.