(This is my twenty-seventh post in a series of entries I’m using to participate in Blaugust for 2026.)
As I type this, I’m watching a well-made documentary about the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. It’s not on Netflix, Hulu, or even YouTube. Well, maybe it is, but that’s not where I’m watching it.
PBS has been building a rather impressive website, complete with streaming video. It has closed captions, different resolution options, and even playback speed controls.
It also has an option to go to the PBS site for my local station. When I first visited, it defaulted to WETA PBS, which is based out of Virginia. The first choice screen gave me WETA, Maryland Public Television, and Howard University Television (which is based out of D.C.).
Wanting to see what else was there I picked the “More Stations” button, and was prompted to enter a state or zip code. On a whim, I thought I’d check the PBS station I remember watching when I was younger.
Making the selection still gives you access to tons of shows, including documentaries and dramas, but also lets you select from their local shows (Scholastic Scrimmage, local interests, and more).
There’s more than one spot where I’m prompted to donate or sign in to watch additional content, and considering their current changes in funding I don’t fault PBS for this, but the thing is I didn’t know any of this was here.
I mean, I knew PBS was online, but I thought they mostly put selected shows on YouTube or the various paid streaming services.
I’m glad this is here. I need to come back to it more often.