After receiving his master's degree in broadcast journalism at Pennsylvania State University in 1966, Furman embarked on a career that would become his true calling in television, the newly founded Public Broadcasting Service. His first job with PBS was as a producer/director at WBGU, Channel 70 at Bowling Green State University. While there, he also served as production manager, operations manager, program manager and acting general manager.
In 1972, a colleague told Furman he was moving to Grand Rapids to help start a PBS station, and he wanted Furman to join him. Furman made the move and worked to develop the initial operation components for WGVU, becoming the station's first program manager. Eight years later, Furman became assistant general manager in charge of Community Relations, a position he held until his retirement. Furman said he considers being a part of the introduction of PBS to television viewers and the community at large to be one of his greatest accomplishments in the television industry.
In 2004, Furman was inducted into the Silver Circle of the Michigan Chapter of The National Academy of Arts and Sciences.
