Public media is the nation’s largest classroom, providing free, high-quality educational programming that helps millions of children develop literacy and STEM skills. Shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood are scientifically designed to prepare children for school — particularly those in low-income households who lack access to preschool. More than 50 percent of children lack access to formal pre-K education, making public media’s free, research-backed programming essential for school readiness (National Institute for Early Educational Research).

CET and Think^TV tell the stories of our region through a diverse slate of locally produced programs. From in-depth documentaries to weekly arts-focused series, our content reflects the voices, challenges, and triumphs of the communities we serve. We produce solutions-focused journalism through multi-platform initiatives like Brick by Brick, explore innovation in education and inspiration in the arts through podcasts, and highlight local artists and cultural institutions. By elevating local perspectives and connecting audiences to meaningful stories, we foster greater understanding, civic engagement, and pride in our region.

Our stations serve as backbones of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) during natural disasters, public health crises, and national emergencies. When commercial networks fail, public media remains operational, ensuring communities receive life-saving information. This critical service is a direct reflection of public media’s dedication to Public Safety and the welfare of the community during crises.

We provide fact-based, situational coverage of timely topics impacting Americans, and tell stories that are community-driven regardless of background, party affiliation or beliefs. As locally operated-and-controlled media, CET and Think^TV are embedded in the communities we serve and constantly seek to represent and reflect the full spectrum of viewpoints, experiences and backgrounds of our community in the content we create and share.

PBS stations offer free access to the arts, bringing performances and cultural experiences to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity. From local productions to national broadcasts of opera, dance, visual art and music, CET and Think^TV help democratize the arts and inspire creativity across all ages. Research shows that arts access supports academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and civic engagement, particularly for students in under-resourced communities. By making the arts widely available, PBS stations help foster cultural appreciation, spark new interests, and strengthen community well-being.

PBS stations support local educators by providing free, standards-aligned curriculum resources and professional development opportunities that enhance classroom instruction. Through partnerships with schools and educational organizations, we offer workshops, webinars, and custom training sessions that help teachers effectively integrate media and digital tools into their lessons. These services are especially valuable in underserved communities, where access to high-quality instructional materials and training may be limited. By collaborating closely with educators, CET and Think^TV ensure that content is relevant, accessible, and impactful for both teachers and students.