The American Archive of Public Broadcasting (AAPB) is a comprehensive collection of public broadcasting content that serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, educators, and the general public. Established in 2013, the AAPB aims to preserve and make accessible the historically significant audiovisual materials produced by local stations and national public radio and television.
The AAPB is a joint initiative of the Library of Congress and the WGBH Educational Foundation. Its primary goal is to document the history and evolution of public broadcasting in the United States by collecting and archiving a diverse range of content, including television and radio programs, documentaries, interviews, news broadcasts, music performances, and educational materials.
Through collaborative efforts with public media stations across the country, the AAPB has been able to digitize over 100,000 hours of public broadcasting recordings, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility. These recordings span several decades, covering important events, cultural milestones, and educational programming.
The AAPB provides a robust online platform where users can search, browse, and stream the digitized content. This allows researchers and enthusiasts to explore a rich and diverse collection of material pertaining to American history, culture, politics, journalism, and more. Additionally, the AAPB offers educational resources, webinars, and curated collections that facilitate learning and engagement with the content.
Overall, the AAPB is a vital repository of public broadcasting materials, offering a unique perspective on the nation's history and serving as a valuable tool for academic research, critical analysis, and public engagement.
