“Sesame Street” débuted on PBS stations across the country on November 10, 1969, four months after Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and about six months before the U.S. invaded Cambodia. The show was underwritten by grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the U.S. Department of Education, the Ford Foundation, and the Carnegie Corporation. Within weeks, “Sesame Street” was a cultural phenomenon. The Times critic Jack Gould predicted, “When the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey, completes its analysis in the months to come, ‘Sesame Street’ may prove to be far more than an unusual television program. On a large scale, the country’s reward may be a social document of infinite value in education.” “To an astonishing degree, that turned out to be true,” the historian Jill Lepore wrote, in 2020. For kids who were under six in 1969, watching “Sesame Street” had a measurable effect on what is known as “grade for age” status: they entered school at grade level, and, in elementary school, they stayed on grade level, an effect that, the study concluded, “was particularly pronounced for boys, black, non-Hispanic children, and those living in economically disadvantaged areas.” And it cost only $5 per kid per year. In light of recent cuts to funds for public broadcasting, read about one of its most seminal success stories: https://lnkd.in/gaiQ3rqg
The best show ever.
So much better before it went woke. Burt, Ernie, and their wives are somewhere shaking their heads today.
I so passionately remember my childhood with Sesame Street. I learned the alphabet. I read my first word (exit) on a sign because of Sesame Street. I learned my first words in Spanish (abierto - cerrado) due to a cartoon skit on Sesame Street. I felt sad when Mr Hooper died and saw that others did too. I knew I wasn't the only anxious and weird being in the world (thank you Bert and Grover). Public broadcasting and effective children's programs are a lifesaver.
the very best
Ironically the puppets were cancelled by puppets! 🤣
It is a fundamental part of American culture where freedom allows people who they are. In the end there are plenty of people who care and love, and that is the true American spirit.
Public radio and television is under threat . The federal cuts could eliminate these essential programs .
I would suggest that companies can make very generous donations to pbs to continue the funding of their programs. PBS and npr doesn't have to rely solely on the US taxpayer. Maybe generous wealthy Americans can give large grants. Yale and Harvard have large endowments that can also support these two organizations. My point being is that the government doesn't have to always be c the supporters
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17hWhen I’m walkin’ down the street and someone steps upon my feet - that makes me mad - very angry, very very angry… (Oscar the Grouch of course!)