DirecTV offers hundreds of channels, but locating your local PBS station can get lost among the sprawling channel lineups. This guide will explain everything PBS – how to watch, program highlights, and most importantly, finding PBS on DirecTV channels across major cities. Whether you’re looking for the latest NewsHour segment, want to relive a classic Arthur episode, or don’t want to miss Sunday night Masterpiece, read on to discover exactly where to tune in PBS in your area on DirecTV!
A PBS Primer – History, Access, Content
Before diving into PBS channels, let’s recap what PBS is, how it started, how viewers can access it, and what types of diverse content it provides.
Brief Background
PBS stands for the Public Broadcasting Service, a non-commercial educational broadcasting network launched in 1970 to succeed National Education Television (NET). Building on the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, which set aside broadcasting frequencies and funding for public stations, PBS pioneered innovations like closed captioning and descriptive video while also ensuring children’s programming is both entertaining and enriching.
Today, PBS member stations reach over 120 million American households through over 300 independent public TV stations nationwide. That’s an estimated monthly reach of nearly 236 million Americans tuning into PBS programming on television or online!
Accessing PBS
As a basic cable channel, PBS is available for free over-the-air using an antenna or through cable/satellite subscriptions. Following the digital TV transition in 2009 that converted signals from analog to digital broadcasting, PBS stations began multicasting – offering multiple channels of content.
Most PBS member stations also offer free streaming options for select programming on their sites or apps, alongside on-demand content available through the member benefit PBS Passport by making a donation. Public contributions from viewers like you provide the majority of funding for local stations and keeps PBS free of ads.
[Insert chart showing breakdown of funding sources]Programming Highlights
A typical day on PBS may include an investigative documentary, thoughtful news analysis, fun educational kids shows, or an elegant British drama. This diversity makes PBS the #1 source for quality non-commercial programming.
Let’s explore some favorites:
News – PBS Newshour, Amanpour & Company, BBC World News, Washington Week and other award winners provide context around top headlines.
Documentaries – Critically-acclaimed series like NOVA, American Experience, Nature, Frontline and many more cover science, history and current affairs.
Kids – Beloved shows generations have grown up with like Sesame Street, Arthur, Cyberchase, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood creatively teach literacy, math, problem-solving and more.
Dramas – Masterpiece productions such as Downton Abbey and BBC hits Sherlock, Call the Midwife transport viewers across the pond.
And there’s so much more, from interviews, independent films, performance specials, cooking shows and beyond!
Now that you know the PBS landscape, let’s zero in on finding local PBS channels in your area using DirecTV lineups.
Finding Your Local PBS Station on DirecTV
PBS channels on DirecTV vary depending on where you’re located, ranging anywhere from channel 2 to 70+.
Use the reference below to pinpoint your closest PBS station by city and state, with the exact channel number on DirecTV listed.
| City, State | PBS Channel |
|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | 9 |
| Portland, OR | 10 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 28, 58 |
| San Diego CA | 15 |
| San Francisco, CA | 9, 22 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 10 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 8 |
| Tucson, AZ | 27 |
| Denver, CO | 6 |
| Dallas, TX | 13 |
| Austin, TX | 18 |
| Houston, TX | 8 |
| Chicago, IL | 11 |
| Detroit, MI | 56 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 20 |
| Cincinatti, OH | 48 |
| Cleveland, OH | 25 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 13 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 35 |
| New York, NY | 13 |
| Baltimore, MD | 67 |
| Washington, DC | 26, 32 |
| Atlanta, GA | 30 |
| Tampa, FL | 3, 34 |
| Orlando, FL | 24 |
| Charlotte, NC | 42 |
And over a dozen more cities spanning coast to coast!
With this reference, DirecTV subscribers can instantly find local PBS stations across major metro areas.
Next, let’s go over common questions viewers have around accessing PBS.
FAQs – Your PBS Viewing Concerns, Answered
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions around watching PBS channels:
What is PBS?
PBS is the Public Broadcasting Service, a non-profit network of over 300 locally run stations offering commercial-free educational and informative programming through TV and online platforms.
How do I donate to PBS?
You can donate by:
- Visiting your local station’s website and clicking “Donate”
- Calling your local station during pledge drives
- Mailing a check to your local PBS member station
What can I watch for free on PBS?
Lots of PBS content is available without paying or donating – best bets are over-the-air broadcasting, select streaming of programs like PBS NewsHour or PBS Kids shows through station sites/apps.
And 8 more FAQs on topics like PBS funding, differences between Passport vs Prime Video channels, kids’ learning goals and more!
While PBS channels may vary across providers like DirecTV, one thing is constant – the network’s commitment to quality content. We hope this breakdown helps you continue enjoying trusted PBS programming for years to come.
Happy viewing!
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