The Institution of PBS and Sesame Street
Credit to dnorton
As I began to think about my topic for project 4 ‘Institutions’ I decided I would start by simply reading some current news articles that focus on institutions and the challenges some may be facing.
I came across ‘There Goes The Neighborhood: The Story Behind The New ‘Sesame Street‘ And Its Journey To HBO’. I had read a few articles about Sesames Street’s move from PBS to HBO since it was announced last year. This was by far the most in-depth one I have come across as to why this event has taken place and what it means for all actors (Sesame street, HBO, PBS) involved.
For those who are unaware Sesame Street is a BIG DEAL all over the world but especially in States. Sesame Street was created with the low-income family in mind, it has aired on PBS (public broadcasting) since the beginning of its creation, and a heavy amount of its budget is put towards research on child development alone.
When I think Sesame Street I PBS
When I think PBS I think Sesame Street
These two institutions have been so interlinked with each other to the American public it is very difficult for one to consider Sesame Street no longer being a part of PBS.
This deal doesn’t stop PBS from airing Sesame Street. HBO is allowing Sesame Street to air reruns on PBS for free as I would assume even a private company such as HBO understands the affordances that PBS brings (it’s in many more homes – specifically lower income homes) than HBO. HBO is essentially saving Sesame Street due to the financial pressures the company has had on it due to changes in how children consume media (mostly on tablets or through streaming services), competition (there use to only be 2 big children’s programs sesame street and Mr.Rogers and now there is over 90), and less sales of Tickle – Me -Elmo’s and other Sesame Street themed goods.
I would highly recommend everyone read the article it explores the values we place on certain institutions, the relationships between different institutions, and the economic, political and cultural entanglements they find themselves in.
