PBS Programming Remains Safe In Alabama – For Now
Big Bird and Elmo are safe for a while longer on Alabama Public Television. The Alabama Education Television Commission (AETC) has approved adopting Governor Ivey's recommendation to continue the relationship between Alabama Public Television and the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). Funding will be provided at least through June of 2026.
PBS programming is free to television viewers, but programs aired on the national network are not free and must be purchased by state and local public broadcasters.
The decision to continue PBS programs on APT came during a meeting in Montgomery this morning of the board that oversees the nation's first statewide educational television network. In October, some members of the board had suggested dropping PBS programming because they consider it too liberal and because the Trump Administration slashed millions from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS. that help state and local broadcasters pay for programming.
After learning of the possibility of AETC ordering APT to severe ties with the national public broadcaster, the governor issued a letter to the commission, “While I’m sympathetic to the concerns that may be prompting this proposal, such a sweeping, immediate action, especially if taken unilaterally by the executive branch, should be undertaken only after a thorough planning process and only with a thorough understanding of public opinion,” Ivey wrote.
Today's commission decision ensures PBS programs such as “Sesame Street,” “PBS NewsHour,” “Antiques Roadshow,” "Masterpiece Theater", and more will continue to air in Alabama.
The Alabama Educational Television Commission is the licensee for the nine Alabama Public Television stations. It was established by the Alabama Legislature in 1953.
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