I’ve become obsessed with the PBS video archive, which I’ve had running in the background for a couple of days now. I’ve been sticking with the history and science stuff that I’m used to watching (Nova, Frontline, American Experience) but there’s so much there that I’m planning to delve into when I have the time.

I’m finding the whole idea of an online repository like this really interesting because of it’s non-commercial status. I think the fact that it can function as an actual educational repository is really fascinating. But beyond that, PBS’ position in terms of government funding has been so contentious throughout its life that I wonder if the ability to narrowcast will affect it at all. And I want to know about the copyright implications for classroom use, but that’s a whole other issue.

I also wonder how the PBS bigwigs are conceiving of this website: is it a library or is it streaming Netflix? Is there really a difference any more? Does the ability to “shop” for the videos in much the same way that one does on commercial streaming sites moves the material to more of an entertainment realm? Maybe I’m the only one who likes documentaries on the history of lobotomy or safe working conditions in obscure Georgia factories, but I think it could be interesting if PBS promoted the site as an entertainment site, especially with the impending Hulu subscription move.

The videos have been available on the websites of each of the shows for a while now, but putting everything together in a Hulu-like format encourages an interaction with the material that I hadn’t been expecting. If PBS can position itself like a for-profit network (interstitial ads, wide variety of programs) it may be easier for an audience to engage with it in the same way they do with those networks. Even with the added pleas for donations.