BY SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Amid growing public outrage, the Alabama Educational Television Commission voted Tuesday to continue its contract with PBS, halting—at least temporarily—a proposal that could have made Alabama the first state in the country to break ties with the public broadcasting network over politics and federal budget cuts.
The commission voted unanimously to honor its current contract with PBS through July. Members also approved the creation of a committee to study the future direction of Alabama Public Television (APT). A separate motion to issue a 180-day nonrenewal notice—widely viewed as the first step toward ending PBS programming in the state—failed for lack of a second.
The vote means PBS staples such as “Sesame Street,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Antiques Roadshow,” and “PBS NewsHour” will remain on Alabama Public Television for the foreseeable future.
A Loud and Colorful Public Response
The proposal to drop PBS ignited a strong backlash. More than 150 supporters packed the meeting room and the area around it, many holding signs reading “Save PBS” and “Elmo Says Don’t Be Mean To Alabama Children.” Some wore Cookie Monster outfits or Big Bird T-shirts as parents, educators, and donors shared emotional testimony about what PBS programs mean to their families.
Diana Isom, a 28-year-old substitute teacher, said PBS programming played a crucial role in helping her autistic son develop speech and mobility skills. “Kids benefit so much, especially autistic kids, from PBS,” she said. “We need PBS.”
Another attendee held a sign declaring, “Elmo is not the enemy of the people,” echoing criticism of a commissioner who had previously suggested PBS opposed his values.
Money, Politics, and the Future of APT
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting provides APT with $2.8 million, though those funds do not pay for PBS programming. APT spends $2.2 million annually on PBS content. Executive Director Wayne Reid warned commissioners that replacing PBS would cost an estimated $3.5 million and likely trigger a decline in memberships.
Audience member Michael Sznajderman said ending PBS could cause “the death spiral of APT as we know it.”
Gov. Kay Ivey urged the commission to delay any decision until it gathered more public input.
Commission Chair Ferris Stephens said Tuesday’s vote shows members are not currently pursuing a break from PBS, but Commissioner Pete Conroy cautioned supporters to stay alert.
“It will require vigilance,” Conroy said. “It’s not settled.”