FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is The Global Learning Series...?

The Global Learning Series... is a program that is about education, information and knowledge created by GTS Education, Inc. It adheres to all guidelines for Public Television's Standards and Practices. The purpose of this series is to educate our viewer ship by delivering unique and rare documentaries and diverse educational content on the latest topics and technology. Each story is a stand-alone interstitial program, so they are short, concise and packed with relevant information.

2. What is an interstitial program?

Each interstitial program is two-five minutes in length and is produced in broadcast quality. The interstitial programming is produced in a news-oriented style that documents the issues that impact professionals and consumers alike (much like a video version of what you would find in a trade journal or magazine). Since Public Television is a non-commercial network (where one does not see Coke or Pepsi ads, infomercials, etc.) they do not run commercials and they utilize short-form educational segments to use as interstitial programming. For example, a program like Pavarotti might air Tuesday at 7:00pm and would run approximately 52-53 minutes. Public TV is left with a block of time in which they have to schedule with non-commercial, educational programming. These short editorials covering various business, medical, and environmental topics, air as small segments in between (interstitially) these major programs.

3. Is The Global Learning Series... affiliated with any network?

No. GTS Education Inc. (the creators of The Global Learning Series...) is an independent production company not affiliated with any particular network.

4. What is Public TV?

Public TV is made up of 349 stations across the country that deliver family-safe TV. Public TV is driven by a sense of urgency to fulfill the mission to "educate, entertain and enlighten the people of the United States -- and beyond-- through creative programs and services of the highest quality." That mission stands out like a beacon, especially today in a world of commercially centered programming. Public Television continually provides mind-expanding, nonviolent, family centered, horizon-broadening television. They provide true
universal access, bringing the best of the world into every living room. Any home, any person with access to a TV can be in the front row center of some of the best productions in the world, regardless of "household income" or "target audience."

5. Is PBS the same as Public TV?

Public Broadcasting System, or PBS, is the volunteer association with members from individual public TV stations. (Much like the National Football League is the association of independent football teams). PBS is not the same as individual Public TV stations, but is a voluntary agency that is set over the individual stations as a whole. The Public Broadcasting Service is a nonprofit membership corporation whose members are licensees of noncommercial educational (or "public") television stations and is governed by a board comprised largely of representatives of its member stations. PBS operates in the public interest by serving the needs of its member stations. As a licensee of the Federal Communications Commission, each public television licensee bears a non-delegable duty to assure that its broadcast program services fulfill its statutory obligations as a broadcaster.

Although PBS strives to provide balanced program services, member stations often choose not to carry the Program Content offered by PBS in its entirety, and each station makes different decisions about how best to supplement PBS's programs. Therefore, each station is ultimately responsible for assuring an appropriate balance of subjects and viewpoints across its broadcast schedule and for complying with all applicable federal statutes and regulations.

Other similar organizations are NETA (National Education Telecommunications Association) and APT (American Public Television).

6. Is The Global Learning Series... the same as Public TV?

No. The Global Learning Series... is an independent interstitial program that is distributed to Public Television in all 50 states, but is not Public Television itself.

"The Global Learning Series" program is not affiliated with PBS.