Sesame Street Creator Honored at PBS National Conference

AUSTIN: Joan Ganz Cooney, the creator of the long-running kids’ series Sesame Street, was honored by PBS and its member stations for her work in using media to educate children.

Cooney was presented with the PBS Be More Award, which recognizes individuals whose contributions to society help expand horizons, open up possibilities and explore new ideas. The award was presented to Cooney by Paula Kerger, the president of PBS. Kerger commented: “Joan Ganz Cooney revolutionized media to help all children reach their highest potential,” Kerger continued: “She was ahead of her time in using the power of television to reach and educate children—especially those who might not otherwise have those opportunities. Thanks to Joan’s unique vision, Sesame Street is one of the single greatest educators of young children in the world.”

Cooney co-founded the Children’s Television Workshop, now called Sesame Workshop, in 1968. The company’s flagship program, Sesame Street, debuted the next year. The show began its 40th season on PBS last fall. Sesame Workshop also produces The Electric Company, which airs on PBS member stations. Cooney also co-founded the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, which focuses on the challenges that children face and how emerging media technologies can help them learn.