PBS programs on tape delay pre-1978

[johnnya2k6]

In the old days, PBS (and its predecessor NET) followed the lead of the commercial networks by transmitting their programs via coaxial lines. That all changed in 1978 when they switched to satellites.

But in some areas (including Alaska and Hawaii) prior to the transition, episodes of Masterpiece Theatre, Sesame Street, Electric Company, Mister Rogers, etc. were seen on a one- to two-week delay, while there was a one-day delay for "The MacNeil/Lehrer Report." As for "Washington Week in Review" and "Wall Street Week?" I'm certain they were shown on the weekends instead of the usual Friday night.

What were the delays in PBS programming in your area before '78?

Jonathan Allen

 

[Julius Leonard Marx]

In the old days, PBS (and its predecessor NET) followed the lead of the commercial networks by transmitting their programs via coaxial lines. That all changed in 1978 when they switched to satellites.

But in some areas (including Alaska and Hawaii) prior to the transition, episodes of Masterpiece Theatre, Sesame Street, Electric Company, Mister Rogers, etc. were seen on a one- to two-week delay, while there was a one-day delay for "The MacNeil/Lehrer Report." As for "Washington Week in Review" and "Wall Street Week?" I'm certain they were shown on the weekends instead of the usual Friday night.

What were the delays in PBS programming in your area before '78?

Jonathan Allen

NET was not inter-connected. They "bicycled" programs around to stations on film and/or tape.