Fred Rogers didn’t like television, which is why he decided to dedicate his life to it. “In fact,” he said, “I went into television because I hated it, and I thought there was some way of using this fabulous instrument to nurture those who would watch and listen.” That was when he began to work for a local television station in Pittsburgh on a show called The Children’s Corner. On that show, he did the voices for several puppets. After working there, he developed a shorter version of the show Mr Rogers' Neighborhood. A longer version eventually aired on PBS in 1968, and stayed there for 33 seasons.
Mr Rogers used his program to do good. The messages he taught on the show were a reflection of his real-life beliefs. Mr Rogers' Neighborhood had a lot of valuable lessons for absorbent minds. He taught children to believe in themselves, gave them self-confidence and told them they were special. Every afternoon, Mr Rogers invited children and adults alike into his living room. He took off his coat, and put on a sweater. He removed his dress shoes and put on casual, blue boat shoes. He made himself comfortable. And by doing this simple act, he let people into his life, and made an impact on them at the same time. While changing clothes, he would say, “Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?” And after 33 seasons, he helped raise a generation of Americans.