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Facing public backlash, monitoring commission Alabama Public television voted Tuesday to keep paying its contract with PBS, at least for now — rejecting an effort to become the first state to sever ties with the broadcast giant because of politics and federal budget cuts.
The Alabama Educational Television Commission voted with no dissent to honor the contract with PBS that runs through July. The commission also voted to create a committee to explore the direction of Alabama Public Television. A motion to give the required 180-day non-renewable notice, which was the first step in severing ties with PBS, failed for lack of a second.
The decision means that PBS programming, including such programs as “Sesame Street,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Antiques Roadshow” and “PBS NewsHour,” will remain on the state channel for at least the immediate future.
Last month, two members of the commission floated the idea of severing ties with PBS, citing federal budget cuts and the president’s allegations against public broadcasting. donald trump and other stereotypes of bias in news programs. The possibility of PBS leaving prompted a reaction from Alabama public television viewers and donors.
“Save PBS” and “elmo Say, don’t be mean to the kids of Alabama,” A crowd of more than 150 gathered inside and outside Tuesday’s meeting to express support for PBS. Some wore Cookie Monster costumes or shirts with Big Bird on them. Many shared stories of what PBS means to their families.
Diana Isom, a 28-year-old substitute teacher, said PBS programs have made a difference for her autistic son, who initially had difficulty speaking and walking but is now at the kindergarten level while still in preschool. She said the children at the autism clinic her son attends watch the PBS program every day.
,Children PBS will be of great benefit, especially to autistic children… We need PBS,” he said
An audience member held a sign that read, “Elmo is not the enemy of the people,” an apparent reference to a commissioner’s comments last month that, “PBS has made itself the enemy of everything I stand for.”
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting provides approximately $2.8 million for Alabama Public Television, although the money goes to a foundation and is not used directly to purchase PBS programming. Money is being wasted due to federal budget cuts. Alabama Public Television pays approximately $2.2 million to purchase PBS programming.
Wayne Reed, executive director of Alabama Public Television, said it would cost an estimated $3.5 million annually to replace the $2.2 million program and digital support it currently receives from PBS. He said dropping PBS would also likely reduce the number of subscriptions, which provide substantial support.
“I think it’s clear from a very strong presentation from the executive director that not continuing with PBS will essentially lead to the death of APT as we know it,” audience member Michael Sznajderman told the commission.
Alabama Government. Kay Ivey On Monday the commission was urged to hold off on a decision until it studies Alabamians’ opinions on the matter.
Commission member Les Barnett made a motion to give PBS the 180-day renewal notice required by the contract. He said states will be given options if they decide to go in another direction after the study is completed. The motion failed without a second. Barnett was one of the commissioners who suggested the separation from PBS.
Tuesday’s action continues the immediate relationship with PBS, although the commission could later come back and take action to sever ties.
“Today was kind of a signal that they have no interest in going in that direction,” Commission Chairman Ferris Stephens said after the meeting.
Pete Conroy, a commission member who has been in favor of retaining PBS programming, said he believes the strong polling and personal stories help sway the commission. But he cautioned that the issue could resurface.
“It will require vigilance. It’s not settled. I think there’s some refinement,” Conroy said.