Which description distinguishes public service broadcasting from commercial broadcasting in purpose and funding?

• A. PSB relies on advertising revenue; commercial is funded by licensing.
• B. Public service broadcasting aims at civic education/information with universal service; funded by licensing, government support; commercial relies on ads and revenue.
• C. PSB is entertainment only; commercial is news.
• D. PSB funds come from private donors; commercial is funded by licensing.

Answer: (B)

Public service broadcasting is designed to serve the public interest by informing, educating, and providing content that everyone can access, not just what attracts advertising. Its funding model supports independence and universal reach, typically through licensing fees or government/public funds, with only limited reliance on advertising. This setup aims to ensure a broad, balanced range of programming that serves civic life, education, and legitimate needs of diverse audiences.

In contrast, commercial broadcasting centers on attracting audiences to maximize profits, especially through advertising revenue. Programming choices are often influenced by what will draw viewers and listeners and generate sales or ratings, rather than primarily serving broad public needs.

The other descriptions mix up these ideas: one suggests public service relies on advertising and commercial on licensing, which reverses the actual funding dynamics; another reduces public service to entertainment; and another claims funding from private donors for public service, which is not the typical arrangement.