Public Internet Broadcasting Service (PIBS)

With major corporations like Google and Roku dominating online video content—and public broadcasting losing federal support—America needs a new public media system built for the digital age. The Public Internet Broadcasting Service (PIBS) would serve as a 21st-century evolution of PBS, providing educational, trustworthy, and ad-free programming for children and communities alike. Key Principles

A Digital Public Broadcasting Platform:

• A modern alternative to corporate platforms like YouTube, Roku, and Netflix.
• Focused on education, community engagement, and cultural enrichment—not profit or ad revenue.

Accessible Technology for All:

• Develop an affordable, American-made device similar to a Roku stick—offered at low or no cost.
• Create PIBS apps for smartphones, computers, and smart TVs to ensure universal access.

Publicly Owned Infrastructure:

• Host content on government-owned servers rather than outsourcing to Big Tech.
• Invests directly in American tech jobs and industry instead of corporate monopolies.

Educational and Family-Friendly Content:

• Children’s programming must meet educational standards similar to PBS.
• Adult content limited to PG-rated material, preserving community standards.
• Invite local TV stations to stream their public programming on PIBS, maintaining local news and culture. Protect Democracy and Culture:
• Counter the growing corporate manipulation of information and culture.
• Reinforce trust in media through publicly accountable programming.

Corporate platforms are driven by algorithms that prioritize profit over truth, flooding screens with “AI slop” and misinformation. PIBS would restore public control over educational and cultural content, ensuring every American—especially children—has access to quality programming rooted in knowledge, not manipulation.

It’s time to rebuild public broadcasting for the digital age—by the people, for the people.