PBS Mission and Values

PBS is America’s largest classroom, the nation’s largest stage for the arts and a trusted window to the world.

America’s Largest Classroom
As America’s largest classroom, PBS is available to all of America’s children – including those who can’t attend preschool – and offers educational media that help prepare children for success in school. PBS is the No. 1 source of media content for preschool teachers and a leading place parents turn to for preschool video online, with content proven to improve critical literacy skills in young children.

America’s Largest Stage
At a time when funding for music and arts within our schools is being cut, PBS is helping to keep the arts alive today and for generations to come by ensuring the worlds of music, theater, dance and art remain available to all Americans, many of whom might never have had the opportunity to experience them otherwise. In 2011, PBS offered 500 hours of arts and cultural programming, which was watched by 121 million people.

A Trusted Window to the World
PBS offers programming for a wide range of ages, interests and genres. Each month, nearly 123 million people through television and more than 21 million people online explore the worlds of science, history, culture, great literature and public affairs through PBS’ trusted content.

Learn more about PBS.

Icon PBS Fact Sheet, July 2012 [PDF] (4.9 MB)