Annual survey also ranks PBS KIDS as the #1 children’s educational media brand.
Bethlehem, Pa. — March 20, 2017 — For the 14th consecutive year, a nationwide study recently confirmed that PBS and its member stations are rated #1 in public trust among nationally known institutions. In addition, the same survey found that parents rank PBS KIDS as the #1 educational media brand for children, significantly outscoring cable and commercial broadcast television networks.
The national poll was created by the research team at PBS and was conducted by telephone in January 2017 by Marketing & Research Resources Inc. (M&RR). Each year, PBS commissions research to measure its performance and value as judged by its most important stakeholder – the American people.
“The public’s high trust in PBS and local stations is of paramount importance to our ability to carry out our mission,” said PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger. “We were founded on the premise that every person, regardless of who they are or where they live, should have access to educational programming and resources that help them lead full and enriched lives. Our service begins with our nation’s youngest citizens, ensuring that children have the skills needed to succeed in life and in school, and we are especially proud that the American people continue to place a high value on our children’s programming.”
Local Implications
The public’s level of trust in PBS is reflected at the local level in eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, where PBS39 reaches 2.7 million homes and more than 6.7 million people. The Greater Lehigh Valley’s public television station promotes civic engagement and fulfills the regional needs of the Greater Lehigh Valley through its dynamic communication platforms and resources.
“As school district budgets shrink; as funding for arts and culture is challenged; as our nation’s civic discourse is increasingly polarized; now more than ever, we need quality, educational public media,” said Tim Fallon, PBS39 CEO. “PBS39 is proud to bring our region in-depth news and excellent, trusted PBS programs like Nightly Business Report, Antiques Roadshow, American Experience and NOVA.”
Trust & Value
PBS ranks #1 in public trust – significantly outscoring commercial cable television and courts of law.
Nearly 8 in 10 people trust PBS (76% “trust a great deal” or “trust somewhat”). The 2017 study marks the 14th time in a row that PBS was named the nation’s most-trusted institution among a consideration set that includes courts of law, commercial cable and broadcast television, newspapers, digital platforms, and others. The study found that respondents had a significantly higher level of trust in PBS (42% “trust a great deal”) over the nearest institutions, including commercial cable television (24% “trust a great deal”) and courts of law (22% “trust a great deal”).
PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS ranked #1 children’s educational media brand compared to a range of other broadcast and cable networks.
Sixty-two percent (62%) of respondents with kids age 18 and under named PBS KIDS the “most educational media” brand, significantly outscoring the second most highly rated kids brand, Sprout, which was considered most educational by 11%. Disney and Disney Jr. were called most educational by 8% and 2% of respondents, respectively. Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. were called most educational by 2% and 1% of participants, respectively. Cartoon Network was named most educational by 0% of those surveyed; 15% of survey respondents indicated, “I don’t know.”
PBS is America’s largest classroom, biggest stage for the arts, and a trusted window to the world.
To learn more about how PBS and local member stations are trusted, valued and essential to communities across the country, visit ValuePBS.org.
Survey Methodology
This survey was developed by PBS and conducted by phone, including landlines and cell phone-only homes within the United States, by Marketing & Research Resources Inc. (M&RR) on behalf of PBS from January 3-10, 2017, among 1,002 adults ages 18 and older. The sample included 484 men and 518 women. Survey results are weighted to be nationally representative of the U.S. adult population.
About PBS39
PBS39 is a community-owned public television station licensed to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, Pa., serving eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. PBS39 is owned and operated by the Lehigh Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation. PBS39 acts as the catalyst to promote civic engagement, and to fulfill the regional needs of the Greater Lehigh Valley through its dynamic communication platforms and resources. For more information, visit wlvt.org.
About PBS
PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a new 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook, or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
About Marketing & Research Resources Inc. (M&RR)
Since 1989, M&RR has served businesses nationwide with comprehensive market research – vital to decision-making. Renowned within their industry, M&RR serves America’s major consumer product manufacturers, service companies and advertising agencies with research strategy and design, data collection, analysis and reporting. Each year, M&RR fields hundreds of telephone, mail and internet-based studies involving more than 1,000,000 respondents.
Information Provided By:
DaWayne Cleckley
VP, Marketing – PBS39
