/ 11.03.2009 12:00AM
PBS Aired First Broadcast 40 Years Ago Today
WASHINGTON: America’s Public Broadcasting System aired its first
television broadcasts 40 years ago today, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The network formed from when a “string of local educational channels” came
together, the Bureau said.
Some of the more well-known programs on PBS include “The NewsHour with Jim
Lehrer,” “Masterpiece,” “Antiques Roadshow,” “The American Experience” and “Sesame
Street.”
PBS was also the leading broadcaster of key tennis matches for several years.
The network currently comprises 356 TV stations. More than 80 million people in
50 million households watch PBS fare during the average week, the network says.