Alabama Public Television's Future with PBS in Jeopardy Amid Political and Financial Tensions

November 17, 2025 - BIRMINGHAM - Alabama Public Television (APT), a fixture in the state's educational and cultural landscape for over six decades, is facing a pivotal decision that could reshape its programming and public perception. The Alabama Educational Television Commission is actively considering whether to sever ties with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), a move that would make Alabama the first state network to drop the national broadcaster. The proposal has sparked intense debate among commissioners, viewers, educators, and elected officials.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) urged the Alabama Educational Television Commission to delay any decision to sever ties with PBS until a thorough public survey is conducted and a detailed separation plan is developed and made public.

Gov. Ivey stated that the commission should survey Alabama voters using a reputable market research firm to gauge public opinion not only on the idea of disaffiliation but also on what should follow if PBS is dropped.

Ivey insisted that any separation plan must be written, detailed, and available for public review well before any vote is taken.

"Such a sweeping, immediate action... should be undertaken only after a thorough planning process and only with a thorough understanding of public opinion," she wrote.

Ivey acknowledged the ideological concerns raised by some commissioners, saying,

"For the sake of our people, it is imperative that APT's programming align with Alabama values."

Ivey reminded the commission of its legal responsibility to "survey, study and appraise" the need for public television in Alabama, urging them to act in accordance with that mandate.

The controversy began in October 2025 when commissioners Les Barnett and Ferris Stephens raised concerns about PBS's content and cost. Citing federal budget cuts and accusations of political bias-particularly in PBS news programming-some members argued that PBS no longer aligns with what they describe as "Alabama values." The Trump administration's July decision to withdraw funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports PBS and NPR, intensified the pressure on state networks to reassess their affiliations.

APT Executive Director Wayne Reid confirmed that he was asked to research the implications of ending the PBS contract, which currently costs the state about $2.2 million annually. Reid noted that PBS provides roughly 90% of APT's programming, including beloved shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Antiques Roadshow, and PBS NewsHour. Losing access to PBS would also mean forfeiting streaming rights and digital infrastructure tied to the network.

"If we cut ties, all of that would be gone," Reid said. "We're doing a ton of research. Everybody here is working on what it would take to replace the things that are affected by PBS."

Public reaction has been swift and passionate. Viewers and donors launched petitions and social media campaigns with slogans like "Save PBS for Alabama Children" and "Don't Let Alabama Send Elmo Packing." Educators and parents voiced concern over the potential loss of free, high-quality children's programming, especially in rural areas where APT serves as a primary educational resource.

Jennifer Greer, a retired educator helping organize a postcard campaign, warned that disaffiliation could trigger a financial spiral. "If we separate from PBS, our contributions are going to plummet, and that could jeopardize the stability of the whole operation," she said.

The conservative Alabama Policy Institute is urging the commission to jettison PBS saying that its program does not align with Alabama's values.

"Alabamians should not be forced to subsidize programming that undermines their deeply held beliefs," said Alabama Policy Institute President Stephanie Holden Smith. "It's time to reimagine public broadcasting in a way that reflects the values of the people it serves."

As of mid-November, no vote has been scheduled, and the commission remains divided ahead of Tuesday's meeting.

Gov. Ivey has recently appointed campaign consultant Logan Glass of Chandler Mountain to a ten-year term on the board replacing longtime Etowah County conservative talk radio host Jay Holland. Glass could play a pivotal role in how APT move forward.

The outcome could redefine public broadcasting in Alabama and set a precedent for other states grappling with similar pressures. If Alabama leaves PBS other red states could follow. PBS could absorb a loss of $2.2 million annually from the state of Alabama; but not if that is combined with the exodus of more states, That combined with federal budget cuts would doom the network.

For now, the future of PBS in Alabama hangs in the balance.

(Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.)