April 7

Public Television Day

Get ready to tune in and support Public Television Day - a day dedicated to the educational, informative, and entertaining programs that enrich our lives.

Yearly Date
April 7
Type
Day

Introduction

Mark your calendars for April 7 because it's time to celebrate Public Television Day! This day is all about recognizing and appreciating the impact of public television on our lives. Did you know that the first public television station was established in 1953 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Since then, this form of broadcasting has brought educational and informative programming to households across the country. From beloved children's shows to thought-provoking documentaries, public television has enriched our culture and entertained us for decades. So let's take a moment to honor this important medium and tune in to some of our favorite programs on this special day!

Public Television Day Timeline

1953
First Public TV Station
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania established the first public television station, WQED, marking the beginning of public broadcasting in the United States.
1967
Public Broadcasting Act
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act into law, creating the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and later, PBS and NPR.
1969
Introduction of Sesame Street
PBS launches Sesame Street, an educational children's series that would become a staple of public television.
1971
Masterpiece Theatre Debut
PBS began airing Masterpiece Theatre, an anthology series showcasing adaptations of classic literature and critically acclaimed dramas.
1973
Launch of Nova
Nova, an award-winning science documentary series, debuted on PBS, providing educational programming in the field of science.
2007
First HD Public Television
PBS launched its first high-definition television channel, further expanding its services and enriching the viewing experience for people nationwide.

How to Celebrate Public Television Day

1

Host a PBS-themed party

Invite friends and family over to celebrate Public Television Day with a PBS-themed party. Decorate with your favorite PBS show characters, serve snacks inspired by PBS programs, and watch classic episodes together.

2

Donate to your local PBS station

Show your support for public television by making a donation to your local PBS station. Your contribution will help fund quality programming and educational resources for your community.

3

Binge-watch your favorite PBS shows

Spend the day celebrating Public Television Day by binge-watching your favorite PBS shows. Whether it's historical dramas, science documentaries, or cooking shows, there's something for everyone on PBS.

4

Share your love for public television on social media

Spread the word about Public Television Day by sharing your favorite PBS programs, memories, and experiences on social media. Use the hashtag #PublicTelevisionDay to join the conversation and connect with other public television fans.

5

Attend a local PBS event

Check your local PBS station for any events happening on Public Television Day. This could be a screening of a new documentary, a meet-and-greet with PBS personalities, or a special event honoring public television in your community.

Why Public Television Day is Important

A

It provides educational and informative content for all ages

Public television offers a wide range of programming that is not only entertaining, but also educational. From children's shows to documentaries and news programs, it has something for everyone and helps promote lifelong learning.

B

It promotes diversity and representation

Public television celebrates diversity and showcases stories from marginalized communities that may not be represented in mainstream media. This helps foster understanding and empathy among viewers.

C

It relies on public donations instead of commercial funding

Unlike commercial television, which depends on advertising revenue, public television relies on donations from its viewers. This allows the network to focus on producing quality content without catering to advertisers' interests.

Public Television Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 6
Thursday
2024
Apr 6
Saturday
2025
Apr 6
Sunday
2026
Apr 6
Monday
2027
Apr 6
Tuesday