Special programming for educational TV can be asset to any community. Educational TV programs are fun and easy to make, and they are even more fun to watch and utilize. Educational programming also makes great material for waiting rooms, as well as quality and child appropriate programming to watch in patient rooms at doctors' offices.

Children's educational programming on TV can mean favorites like Sesame Street or Barney, but educational television programs for kids can also mean exploration of your community or topics such as math and science. Adults can benefit from special television programming as well.

When considering special TV programming, ask yourself the following:

1. What role are you looking to play in regards to special TV programming? Do you want to fund it? Do you want to make it? Do you want to enjoy it? Do you want to take advantage of it educationally?

2. Watching instruction television programs is free, but do you have the funds to create your own project or bankroll someone else's project?

3. What is the subject matter that you plan to review? If you plan to create your own work, what is the best way to film or document that topic?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Create your own special TV programming

Did you know that you can create your own special TV programming? Educational television programming can be great for non-profit organizations or for-profit organizations that have a cause or philanthropic interest in a topic.

I recommend: Nut Hill Productions is a production company that combines education and entertainment. If you are considering editing your own work, check out the editing software reviews at TopTenREVIEWS, Inc. PC Magazine offers reviews and expert advice.

Find statewide educational programming on TV

Most states offer educational programming on TV as well as other learning and teaching materials available to parents, teachers and the general public. These channels are waiting room and school appropriate resources for professionals and teachers.

I recommend: Check out the educational and informational programming available through South Carolina ETV. Arkansas Educational Television Network is another state provided educational TV channel. KET: Kentucky's Statewide Public Television Network and Alabama Public Television are other statewide options.

Access general educational TV programming

Look for educational TV programming through many nationwide organizations.

I recommend: You can find free materials for teachers and students by becoming a member at Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT). Check out the public learning materials available through the Public Broadcast System (PBS). PBS broadcasts through 355 public non commercial television stations, and it reaches almost 73 million people each week through their on-air and online content.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are part of a non-for-profit organization, or are a corporation looking to use an indirect way to put your name out to the public, consider educational programming about your group or fund an educational project that will have an impact on your community and help in a positive public relations way.