While both provide a range of entertainment and educational programming, public television and commercial television have a distinct difference--the profit margin.
Commercial Television
Commercial television is profit based and generates its earnings by airing commercials for various products. Advertisers, ranging from auto makers to food and beverage companies, pay thousands of dollars--sometimes millions, particularly during programs with a very large audience such as the Superbowl--for 30 seconds of airtime.
Public Television
Public television stations do not air commercials, so therefore the programming is for the most part uninterrupted. As a non-profit entity, public television stations are funded by membership, donations and the government. According to PBS, more than 61 million people tune in to public television during an average week.
Networks
The largest networks in the United States--known as the "big three" are ABC, CBS and NBC. All major networks can be accessed by television regardless of whether or not you have cable.
Public Television
The most well-known public television network is PBS, which distributes programming to 356 member stations nationwide.
History
Both commercial and public television came about in the United States during the 1940s and subsequently grew in viewership. The most popular early shows included the "Howdy Doody Show," the "Perry Como Show" and "Texaco Star Theater."
Fun Fact
"Howdy Doody" was the first children's program aired on commercial television. It was also the first sbe aired in color, a milestone that occurred in 1955.
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