Alabama Board Votes to Keep PBS, Rejects Push to Cut Sesame Street Funding

Alabama’s public television network will continue airing PBS programming. The state’s Public Television Board voted on Tuesday to renew its contract. The decision followed weeks of public debate and political pressure. It ensures shows like Sesame Street and PBS NewsHour remain on air.

This preserves a decades-long partnership for Alabama viewers. The board’s vote provides funding stability through June 2026.

Contract Renewal Follows Heated Debate and Federal Cuts

The vote was not guaranteed. According to the Alabama Reflector, the idea to drop PBS was floated last October. Two commissioners had argued the network carried a “negative connotation.”

They cited perceived political bias against Republicans. The federal funding landscape also pressured the decision. Congress recently withdrew $1.1 billion from public broadcasting.

This created budget shortfalls for hundreds of stations nationwide. Alabama Public Television pays about $2.2 million yearly for its PBS programming. That is already a discounted rate following the federal cuts.

Public Outcry and Political Intervention Swayed the Decision

A significant public campaign helped sway the board. Residents sent postcards and wrote letters pleading to save PBS. Social media groups with names like “Save PBS for Alabama Children” mobilized support.

Governor Kay Ivey also intervened before the vote. She sent a letter asking the board to delay any drastic action. Ivey emphasized the need for public input and a thorough plan.

The board listened. Their final vote rejected the proposal to sever ties. Had it passed, Alabama would have been the first state to drop PBS.

The network will now continue its current programming model. About 90 percent of Alabama Public Television’s content comes from PBS. The decision avoids a major disruption for families and educators across the state.

The renewal of the PBS contract marks a significant win for public media advocates in Alabama. It underscores the continued value placed on educational broadcasting despite political headwinds. The future of such funding, however, remains a national conversation.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why was Alabama’s PBS contract at risk?

Two state commissioners argued PBS had a liberal bias. They also questioned the cost during federal budget cuts. This led to a formal proposal to end the contract.

Q2: How much does Alabama pay for PBS programming?

The annual cost is approximately $2.2 million. This is a discounted rate following recent federal funding reductions. The contract now runs through mid-2026.

Q3: What role did the public play in the decision?

There was a substantial grassroots campaign. Residents wrote letters, sent postcards, and formed social media groups. This public pressure was noted by board members before the vote.

Q4: Did Governor Kay Ivey support keeping PBS?

Yes. Governor Ivey asked the board to delay any cancellation. She requested a public survey and a detailed continuity plan before any final decision was made.

Q5: What happens to other PBS stations with funding cuts?

Other stations face significant challenges. PBS has reduced national staff by 15%. Some local stations, like NJ PBS, will cease operations by 2026 due to financial gaps.