What are the general dollar amounts needed to keep television and radio programming free on PBS and NPR? A lot.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A TV PROGRAM?
A: Each program varies, depending on length, resources, talent and other variables. Each local program costs anywhere from $10,000 to about $60,000. A national program like Masterpiece Theatre can cost more than $1 million per show.
Q: How much does it cost to make a Radio program?
A: Each program varies, depending on length, resources, talent and other variables. For example, “House Calls”, SDPB Radios weekly health program, costs about $70,000 a year, or about $1,700 per episode.
Source: South Dakota Public Broadcasting, part of the PBS syndicate.
Rachel said
I never knew the expenses for public broadcasting, especially PBS. I think it is important to know the numbers, and to realize why public radio is constantly asking for donations.
-Rachel S.
Angela said
Thanks for providing those numbers. I guess I never realized that they needed so many donations