History Channel vs PBS?

Question

Do you think they present historical programming fairly in most, if not all cases, or are they agenda driven? If not fiar, in which way are they biased?

Pardon grammar.

Answer 1

Though both channels are interesting and informative, I agree that PBS is deeper, more thorough, and more thought provoking. It is obviously aiming at a better educated and better informed audience. What really bothers me about the History Channel is their use of re-enactments and especially stock footage. They are usually pretty good at letting you know if something is re-enacted, or it is very obvious. But sometimes they cross the line. On the other hand, they often use stock footage without informing you. For instance, they might have a show about a particular sea battle in World War II. To illustrate what happened, they will show plane bombing or crashing into naval vessels. But I know I've seen the same scenes repeatedly to illustrate the same concept on different shows. And I know I have repeatedly seen a very few scenes of air fighters blowing to bits another plane, regardless of the air battle being discussed.

Another more subtle difference: I often sense that PBS is packing as much knowledge as possible into the allotted time slot. With the History Channel, I often feel like a relative small subject is being stretched to fill its time slot. For instance, you often hear many witnesses say basically the same thing over and over . . . or what they have to say didn't need to be said in the first place.

Answer 2

Yes, I think both of these channels present programs that are fair in a historical sense. The History Channel seems a lot more commercial and profit-motivated, and sells history in small, easy-to-consume packages. PBS seems highly credible, deeper, and usually presents its sources for one to investigate on their own.
If biased, and I will take the Vietnam War as an example, it is because their sources from the Vietnamese side of the conflict seem so limited. In any case, I am glad to be able to watch their programs when I get the chance.

Answer 3

I happen to like the history channel. I think it is unfair to label anything as biased, because everything/everyone is biased in someway. I have recently adopted the term "interpretive framework" insted of bias. It is my belief that the History Channel has it's fact straight -- and I usually like their programs. I think PBS has more facts, but there programming is dry, and to me sometimes boring.