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Top Ten Reasons Pennsylvania's Public Stations Deserve Support
- Public television is free, including to the 15% of Americans who can't or don't subscribe to cable.
- Our public media organizations are non-commercial. They offer (a) family-friendly commercial-free television programs and (b) original programs and services that include documentaries, news, educational projects, and fact-based, fair treatment of issues.
- Our public media stations are local—most are the only community-owned media organizations in their regions. Service to the region and state (not distant stockholders) is their first consideration.
- Every week, 3.3 million people watch public television in Pennsylvania.
- Every week, 571,000 children watch safe, educational public television programs. Every year, public stations air 9,724 hours of children's programs in Pennsylvania.
- Last year, 17,681 Pennsylvania teachers received additional training from public stations benefiting more than 192,761 students. Every week, Pennsylvania's public stations offer more than 15,266 hours of continuing education credits for teachers.
- Cable look-alike channels aren't the same. Public television profiles American presidents in multiple-hour programs uninterrupted by commercials. The Biography Channel profiles ABBA and Sylvester Stallone in hours interrupted by 20 minutes of commercials.
- More than 175,000 residents contribute annually to Pennsylvania's public stations. These donors represent a broad base of voluntary and vocal support for high-quality programming.
- Pennsylvania's public stations employ more than 600 people and generate $99 million in revenues. The Commonwealth's $7.9 million investment leverages more than $91 million additional dollars.
- As a state-wide network, Pennsylvania's public stations are the backup system for emergency alert and Amber alert notifications.
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