Channel with On-Air Pledge Drives: A Crossword Clue You Should Know

If you are a crossword enthusiast, you may have encountered the clue “Channel with on-air pledge drives” in some puzzles. This clue is a common one in the New York Times Mini Crossword, a bite-sized version of the famous NYT Crossword that can be played online or on a mobile app. The answer to this clue is a three-letter word that refers to a public broadcasting service in the United States. Do you know what it is?

The Answer: PBS

The answer to the clue “Channel with on-air pledge drives” is PBS, which stands for Public Broadcasting Service. PBS is a non-profit organization that operates over 300 television stations across the United States, offering educational, cultural, and news programming to millions of viewers. PBS is funded by a combination of member station dues, federal funds, corporate sponsorships, and donations from viewers like you.

One of the ways that PBS raises funds from its viewers is through on-air pledge drives, which are special programs that interrupt the regular schedule to solicit donations from the audience. During these pledge drives, PBS hosts and celebrities appeal to the viewers to support the service and its programs, often offering gifts and incentives in return for different levels of contribution. Pledge drives usually occur several times a year, typically in March, August, and December.

Pledge drives are a controversial topic among PBS viewers, as some appreciate the opportunity to support their favorite programs, while others find them annoying and disruptive. Some critics argue that pledge drives are outdated and ineffective, and that PBS should find alternative ways to fund its operations. However, PBS maintains that pledge drives are still a vital source of revenue, and that they help to create a sense of community and engagement among its viewers.

Whether you love them or hate them, pledge drives are a distinctive feature of PBS, and a clue that you should know if you want to solve the NYT Mini Crossword. The next time you see the clue “Channel with on-air pledge drives”, you can confidently write PBS as the answer, and move on to the next challenge. Happy puzzling!