PBS’ Future on Alabama Public Television Is Still Clouded
Concern has been raised about the firm that has been selected to conduct a survey judging the public's level of support of a proposal for Alabama Public Television (APT) to end affiliation with the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). Critics claim McLaughlin & Associates is too closely tied to President Trump and other Republicans who are anti-public broadcasting.
The conflict over APT's relationship with the PBS began in early 2024, when several APT commissioners started questioning whether the network should continue its long‑standing PBS affiliation. It escalated through that year as conservatives painted the network as too liberal and politically biased. Their viewpoint was backed up when President Trump began attacking the network and Congress cut federal funding for PBS and National Public Radio (NPR).
After considerable public pushback capped off by a packed house at the commission meeting, APT commissioners voted to keep the PBS affiliation through July of next year, That vote came at the urging of Gov. Ivey, a former teacher, to delay voting on giving PBS a 180-day notice of disaffiliation.
Despite the vote, internal disagreements continue, including debates over a proposed $50,000 survey suggested by the governor to evaluate viewer preferences. Money from APT’s emergency fund would pay for the survey.
The future of PBS on APT is in still in limbo considering the view of the favorite to win November's gubernatorial election - Tommy Tuberville. The current senator backed Trump's funding cuts to public broadcasting and has repeatedly stated that PBS is too liberal. Appearing on The Ingraham Angle last July, The Republican nominee called public broadcasting a “left‑wing propaganda network.” He claims both PBS and National Public Radio are politically biased and unnecessary.
The battle over APT's affiliation with PBS is likely to become an issue as campaigning picks up over the next three-plus months. However, for now Big Bird, Elmo, Antiques Road Show, and PBS News Hour are safe.
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