Alabama Public Television Considers Cutting PBS Partnership

Alabama Public Television (APT) is contemplating a significant change that could sever its longstanding partnership with PBS, potentially eliminating access to popular educational programs such as Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. This decision could mark APT as the first educational network in the United States to completely disaffiliate from PBS, which currently supplies around 90% of its programming.

During a public meeting on October 10, 2023, APT board members discussed the financial and political implications of maintaining or ending its relationship with PBS. The debate has intensified following funding cuts by the federal government, notably a reduction of $1.1 billion in support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, announced by former President Donald Trump in July.

APT Board Member Johnny Curry expressed caution regarding the potential severance, highlighting the challenge of replacing the 90% of programming that PBS provides, which is integral to APT’s mission of delivering educational content to children. “If you sever it, you’ve got to come up with new content for all of the educational programming the children watch during the day,” Curry stated.

Although the partnership’s potential termination was not officially on the meeting agenda, several board members came prepared to discuss it. Commissioner Les Barnett presented a detailed plan for disaffiliation, arguing that remaining affiliated with PBS could adversely affect APT’s funding prospects from conservative politicians in Alabama, including Governor Kay Ivey and the Republican-controlled legislature.

“PBS’s negative impact on Alabama Public Television needs to be considered as it relates to our ability to secure funding,” said Commissioner William Green. His remarks reflect a growing concern among board members regarding the political climate surrounding public funding for education and media.

The meeting revealed a divide among board members, with some unprepared for the discussion and others advocating for immediate action. “Discussions like this need to take place with proper notice,” one member remarked, indicating the need for thorough consideration before any decision is made.

A survey conducted earlier this year indicated that approximately 53% of U.S. voters oppose the complete elimination of federal funding for public media, suggesting a public appetite for maintaining support for educational programming.

The loss of PBS would have direct consequences for APT’s audience. Without access to shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and PBS News Hour, many children, including those in a religious school in Hoover, Alabama, may miss out on essential educational content. “It’s become a tradition and a pattern,” said APT Executive Director Conroy regarding the impact of these programs on local children.

Board Member Bebe Williams suggested exploring whether APT could selectively choose PBS programming to retain some content while reassessing the partnership.

The next APT board meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2023, where further discussions are expected. Conroy emphasized the importance of public and legislative feedback before any irreversible decisions are made. “I would like to think that we would have time to deliberate and really get everyone’s opinions before we make decisions that can’t be undone,” he stated.

As APT navigates these complex considerations, the future of educational programming in Alabama hangs in the balance, with significant implications for children and families who rely on these vital resources.