Alabama Public Television Board Votes to Maintain PBS Affiliation Through June 2026 Amid Public Outcry

November 18, 2025 - BIRMINGHAM - In a pivotal decision that underscores the enduring value of public broadcasting, the Alabama Educational Television Commission (AETC) voted on November 18, 2025, to continue Alabama Public Television's (APT) affiliation with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) through June 2026. The vote followed weeks of public debate, political pressure, and concerns over federal funding cuts, ultimately culminating in a 5-1 decision to uphold the existing contract.

A Vote Shaped by Public Sentiment

The commission's meeting in Birmingham drew a crowd of more than 50 attendees, many of whom voiced passionate support for maintaining the PBS partnership. Viewers shared personal stories about the impact of PBS programming-ranging from educational shows like Sesame Street to science documentaries like Nova-on their families and communities. The emotional testimonies appeared to sway several commissioners, who had previously expressed openness to severing ties with PBS due to financial and political pressures.

APT Commissioner Bebe Williams of Huntsville introduced the motion to continue the PBS contract, which was met with thunderous applause. Her proposal not only preserved the affiliation but also delayed any further reconsideration until at least June 2026. A competing motion to issue a 180-day nonrenewal notice-effectively beginning the process of disaffiliation-failed for lack of a second.

Political and Financial Backdrop

The debate over APT's future with PBS was sparked by a proposal from Executive Director Wayne Reid, who suggested exploring alternatives to PBS following a dramatic $1.1 billion cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) approved by Congress in July. APT, which received $2.4 million from CPB in 2023, faced uncertainty about future funding, prompting some commissioners to question the sustainability of the PBS relationship.

Adding to the tension, some conservative commissioners cited perceived political bias in PBS and NPR programming as a reason to consider disaffiliation. These concerns echoed sentiments expressed by President Donald Trump and other national figures critical of public media's editorial stance.

Governor Kay Ivey intervened the day before the vote, urging the commission to delay any decision until a thorough review of public opinion and long-term planning could be conducted. In a letter to the board, she emphasized the importance of transparency and public trust, stating that "such a sweeping, immediate action... should be undertaken only after a thorough planning process".

A National Precedent Averted

Had the commission voted to end its PBS affiliation, Alabama would have become the first state in the nation to do so. The move would have set a controversial precedent and potentially isolated APT from the broader public broadcasting ecosystem. Instead, the board's decision reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality, educational, and culturally enriching programming to Alabamians statewide.

Looking Ahead

While the vote secures PBS programming for now, the future of APT's affiliation remains uncertain. The commission plans to form a committee to explore long-term options, including potential cost-saving measures and alternative content partnerships. For the time being, however, beloved programs like PBS NewsHour, Masterpiece, and Nature will continue to air uninterrupted across Alabama.

The decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about the role of public media, government funding, and editorial independence. For many Alabamians, it's also a reminder of the power of civic engagement and the enduring relevance of public broadcasting in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.