PBS named Most Trusted Institution for 15th Consecutive Year

PBS and its member stations ranked No. 1 in public trust among nationally known institutions for a 15th consecutive year, according to a nationwide survey released today. PBS led other sectors of the media and government in the annual ranking, including digital platforms, commercial cable and broadcast television, courts of law, newspapers and social media.

Nearly 8 in 10 respondents (78 percent) agreed that local PBS member stations provide an excellent value to their communities. In addition, PBS and member stations rank second only to the country’s military defense in terms of value for taxpayer dollars, with 65 percent of respondents calling it a “good” or “excellent” value. The vast majority of federal funding for public media, which amounts to approximately $1.35 per citizen, goes directly to local stations and is especially critical to sustaining those in rural and underserved areas.

Parents rated PBS KIDS the No. 1 educational media brand for children, with the brand significantly outscoring cable and commercial broadcast television networks. Parents also said PBS KIDS was the top provider of content that helps prepare children for success in school and models positive social and emotional behaviors. In addition, PBS KIDS outperformed other providers as “a trusted and safe source” for children to watch television or play digital games and mobile apps, with content that is grounded in educational objectives. These findings closely follow the one-year anniversary of the launch of the 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and live stream, which is available to more than 95 percent of U.S. TV households.

“For 15 years running, research has shown that PBS and our member stations have earned the trust of the American public and are succeeding in providing children with programming and services to help them succeed in school and life,” PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said. “In a time when trust in the media has come into question, we are proud that PBS and our member stations remain unmatched in trust and value to our nation.”

The national online poll was conducted in January 2018 by Marketing & Research Resources Inc.