Historical Changes Of The American Public Broadcasting Service

Public Broadcasting Service,as an important institutional form, plays an irreplaceable part in political, economy and social life of most countries. Originated in Europe, Public Broadcasting Service follows the principle of public interest, carries social,cultural and democratic functions and porvides radio and television services to the public in the form of welfare. In American history, because of the lofty goals and beliefs, Public Broadcasting Service is always highly praised and concerned. Communications Act of 1934 stipulated that radio stations had to broadcast non-commercial educational programs. Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 institutionalized the Public Broadcasting Service. Telecommunications Act of 1996 permitted government's action of media deregulation. Since then, Public Broadcasting Service is facing fierce competition in the market. The development of Public Broadcasting Service is heavily influenced by the social ideology, the level of media industry and technical progress.Based on the interpretation of Communications Act of 1934, Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 and Telecommunications Act of 1996, this article tries to analysis the development of the American Publica Broadcasting Service and the profound impact from the historical changes of the media policy.