Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey urges delay on PBS decision by public TV board
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday urged the board that oversees Alabama Public Television to delay any decision on cutting ties with PBS until it has studied Alabamians’ opinions on the issue and developed a plan moving forward.
The Republican governor sent a letter to the Alabama Educational Television Commission ahead of a Nov. 18 meeting at which commissioners were expected to discuss disaffiliation.
Some commission members had pushed the idea of abandoning PBS because of federal budget cuts, President Donald Trump’s dislike of public broadcasting and accusations of bias against NPR and PBS news programs from him and other conservatives. A decision to split from PBS would mean that Alabama Public Television would no longer carry PBS programs, including “Sesame Street,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Antiques Roadshow” and “PBS NewsHour.”
“While I understand the concerns that might motivate this proposal, such drastic and immediate action, especially if taken unilaterally by the executive branch, should be undertaken only after a thorough planning process and only with a thorough understanding of public opinion,” Ivey wrote.
Ivey asked the commission to conduct a thorough survey of Alabama voters “to ensure their voices are heard.” She said the commission should also develop a separation plan that “should be available for public review for a considerable period of time before any vote.”
The idea of abandoning PBS was raised at the commission’s October meeting. Alabama Public Television Executive Director Wayne Reid said some commissioners have asked him to study the possibility and consequences of ending the contract with PBS.
Commissioners were divided at an Oct. 28 meeting, according to the Alabama Reflector et al.com.
“I just don’t want to fund it, PBS has made itself the enemy of what I stand for, and so I don’t like them, and I don’t follow the philosophy of feeding the beast,” commission member Les Barnett said at the meeting, according to the Alabama Reflector.
Alabama Public Television pays about $2.2 million a year for PBS programming.
The governor said it was imperative that APT programs “align with Alabama values,” but said the decision should be made in “collaboration among stakeholders.”
The possibility of dropping PBS provoked a backlash from viewers and donors to Alabama Public Television. Petitions and posts were shared on social media, urging people to “save PBS for Alabama’s children” and “don’t let Alabama send Elmo packing.”
