FACT: Oregon Public Broadcasting was originally called OEPBS.

The other four letters are obvious, but what does the E stand for? We'll get to that in a moment, but first we want to take the time to remind you about the rich diversity of programming For Portlanders Only gives you. From videos to narratives to bizarre British sitcoms, no website brings more sophistication to the computer screen.

I think we should also point out that For Portlanders Only is VIEWER supported. We don't get paid through advertising, except for the sponsors that run messages here in exchange for a fee. If we don't get enough of you, well hmm, we might just HAVE to run advertising! Would you like that? COULD YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELF???

Or we might just have to cut something. Should we cut the news hour? Or maybe we should cut the wildlife specials! ...Before you ask, we definitely can't cut all those creepy-looking preschool shows we put on, because the merchandise makes us millions. BUT IT'S NOT ENOUGH!

Our persistent telethonners, Jack McGowan and Rebecca Webb, are waiting to take more of your calls as we speak. Don't make them hate you!

And it's not like membership doesn't have its bonuses. If you call in the next ten minutes, you'll get.... the prestige and respect that a FPO supporter gets. Plus, a free one-pound bag of bean curd!
For a bigger donation, like say $150, we'll send you a free elegant set of Big Bird silverware. We'll actually give that to you free, for no charge! All it takes is $150!

We NEED your money NOW! Don't delay one moment! Of course, we fully understand if you're in a bad financial situation, and you can't afford to make contributions.

....No, actually, we don't. Give us your money NOW. Give us your money, or we'll make a cheesy Arthur costume, stick a guy in it and have him visit your children in school, where they're the most vulnerable.

We did it before, WE'LL DO IT AGAIN!

GOT IT? GOOD. Now, on to the reason behind "OEPBS." Our PBS affiliate didn't have its own name until 1971, when it and several PBS-funded radio stations in the area were blanketed under the name OEPBS, for "Oregon Educational and Public Broadcasting Service." This lasted ten years, until the radio and television versions split apart and the TV station was given an acronym less ugly.

Now you can experience OEPBS for yourself. Click on either screenshot to download a special video of between-program OEPBS nattering. Things were so low-tech back then, most of the pictures go out of focus as they're first flashed onscreen.
And as a special bonus, you will ALSO receive....THE ORIGINAL PBS STATION IDENTIFICATION!! WITH THE ORIGINAL MUSIC!! WHOOOAAAAA!!

Wait....is there more? There can't be more, yet there IS! You'll even get OEPBS' sign-off screen. Back then it couldn't afford to be on 24 hours a day, so here is what was shown as it turned itself off for the night.

With generosity like this, only a total crumb wouldn't throw all their money at us. Take the hint.