Overview
- The Alabama Educational Television Commission meets Nov. 18 to discuss a possible break with PBS, with no oral public comment scheduled and a vote still uncertain.
- Ivey's letter asks commissioners to gauge Alabama voters' views over time and to publish a detailed plan explaining how APT would meet its legal mission without PBS.
- APT lost nearly $3 million in CPB support after federal cuts this year, has trimmed local productions and staff, and pays about $2.2 million annually for PBS programming.
- PBS shows make up roughly 90% of APT’s schedule, and officials warn that severing ties could cost millions in donor revenue and significant audience share.
- Commissioners are split, with some citing costs and perceived news bias and others noting a $4 million rainy-day fund and strong viewer support to keep PBS; advocates say a split would be the first by a U.S. public TV network.