Introduction to PBS Wiki Content Writing
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) is an American public broadcaster and television program distributor. It is the most prominent provider of non-commercial educational television programming to public television stations in the United States, distributing series such as Sesame Street, Nova, and American Experience. Beyond television, PBS also maintains extensive online presences including websites for its member stations and various educational and outreach initiatives. The PBS wiki is one important digital platform that supports PBS’s educational mission and allows the organization to share a wide range of credible, educational content with online audiences.
Writing Content for the PBS Wiki
As a wiki platform, the PBS wiki enables collaboration between PBS staff, affiliates, experts and partners to build out an extensive online encyclopedia of educationally enriching articles. PBS relies on volunteer “wiki writers” to develop and expand content for the site, covering topics related to history, science, arts and culture. Writers should keep several guidelines in mind when crafting wiki content.
Credibility: All information published on the PBS wiki must be factual, accurate and properly cited/sourced to credible third party references. Unverified or controversial claims are avoided. Writers perform due diligence to ensure the highest possible credibility standards for the content.
Educational value: Articles aim to inform and educate readers on their chosen topic. They should provide substantive context and analysis beyond a basic overview, delving into meaningful discussions, sharing insightful perspectives and raising thought-provoking ideas. Visual elements like images and videos are encouraged when they enhance readers’ understanding.
Neutral perspective: Content takes an objective, unbiased approach and presents all reasonable viewpoints and interpretations of an issue fairly without championing any specific position. Opinions are avoided in favor of just presenting established facts.
Length and depth: To qualify for the PBS wiki, articles must be at least 1500 words in length to provide sufficient depth on their subject. Most effective articles are 2500+ words and take a comprehensive look at their topic from multiple relevant angles over several well-organized paragraphs.
Appropriate language: Writing uses formal, sophisticated language appropriate for an educational reference. Jargon, slang and colloquialisms are not employed.
Attribution and licensing: All non-original creative content (images, video clips, quotations) must be properly attributed to their original creators and comply with copyright and licensing restrictions. Public domain or Creative Commons materials are preferred.
Developing and Researching Quality PBS Wiki Content
Strong wiki articles are built upon a foundation of solid research into their topic. Writers should gather information from reputable, authoritative sources to underpin their content, avoiding informal websites, blogs or sources of questionable credibility. Some effective research techniques include:
Review scholarly books, peer-reviewed journal articles and reports from accredited organizations like universities, museums or government agencies dealing with the subject. They provide high-caliber factual information rooted in evidence and expertise.
Consult reference works like encyclopedias for contextual overviews to gain familiarity with key concepts, theories, movements, events or personalities involved.
Search credible newspaper articles or magazine features for contemporary reporting and analysis relating to current issues. Look for publications with a reputation for nuanced,factual coverage.
Skim relevant documentaries, audio/video interviews or archives that surface untold angles or human dimension aspects to enrich narratives.
Trace cited sources within other sources to build out ever-expanding webs of substantiating information from the original scholarly and investigative work done on a topic.
Interview subject matter experts willing to lend insights to elevate content above a surface-level examination of a subject. Their first-hand perspectives are invaluable.
With thorough research in hand, writers organize information into a logical flow within clear section headings. Strong introductions establish context and theses. Body paragraphs each examine a specific aspect or argument. Conclusions reiterate major takeaways. Related internal links enrich reader understanding, while companion resources like bibliographies preserve the credibility foundation.
Reviewing, Editing and Publishing Content
To ensure highest editorial standards, PBS maintains a review process after initial drafts are written. Subject experts or affiliated academic reviewers may be asked to provide feedback to catch any factual errors, unclear explanations or other issues. Writers refine based on guidance and send for final quality assurance checks by PBS staff.
Approved articles ultimately receive copy edits to maintain consistent style throughout the wiki. They are then published and tagged/categorized to optimize discoverability on the site. Post-publication, writers may monitor and address reader questions that surface. Over time, content will likely require updating to address new scholarship as fields continually advance.
With credibility and education at its core, the PBS wiki cultivates engaging, nuanced online information serving its public media mission. By investing the time to fully develop and research dynamic articles, volunteer writers play an invaluable role expanding this learning resource. Their contributions spread knowledge on countless important topics to benefit curious online audiences nationwide.
Andrew Stroud