Alabama Weighs Break from PBS as Governor Ivey Urges Caution
By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle
Montgomery, Ala. — Alabama Public Television’s decades-long partnership with PBS is under intense scrutiny as the Alabama Educational Television Commission (AETC) considers whether to end the affiliation — a move that would make Alabama the first state in the nation to do so. The debate, driven by concerns over cost, politics, and the loss of federal broadcasting funds, has prompted strong reactions from viewers, commissioners, and now Governor Kay Ivey.
The Commission began discussing the possibility last month and will revisit the issue at its Nov. 18 meeting. Commission Chairman Ferris W. Stephens said members want far more information before any decision is made.
“We have to figure out what our options are,” Stephens said. “Before we decide those things, I just think we need a lot more information.” He does not expect a vote at the upcoming meeting.
APT Executive Director Wayne Reid said commissioners asked him to research the consequences of leaving PBS, which would immediately end access to major programs such as Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Antiques Roadshow, and PBS NewsHour, as well as APT’s ability to distribute PBS content on streaming platforms.
“If we cut ties, all of that would be gone,” Reid said.
Reid was also asked to explore whether APT could stay with PBS but drop certain shows like PBS NewsHour — an option current contracts do not allow. PBS confirmed that no statewide network has ever withdrawn from the organization.
The proposal has sparked widespread backlash. Retired educator Jennifer Greer, helping lead a postcard campaign to keep PBS in Alabama, said the network remains vital for students and families.
“When you take one of the most effective tools in the public education toolkit and make it so only the wealthy can afford it, that’s just irresponsible,” Greer said.
Supporters worry that leaving PBS would damage APT financially. Public media depends heavily on viewer donations, and Greer warned that “contributions are going to plummet” if the affiliation ends.
Commissioners remain sharply divided. Member Les Barnett criticized PBS directly, saying, “PBS has made themselves the enemy of what I stand with.”
Another member, J. Holland, questioned whether Alabama could buy PBS programs à la carte — a model the current contract prohibits. Commissioner Pete Conroy argued to keep PBS, saying, “It’s always about the kids. These children need to be lifted up with this kind of programming.”
The debate escalated on Monday when Governor Kay Ivey issued a letter urging the Commission to slow down and gather significant public input before taking any action. While calling herself “sympathetic” to concerns about PBS, she warned against any “sweeping, immediate action” without due process.
“For the sake of our people, it is imperative that APT’s programming align with Alabama values,” Ivey wrote, while emphasizing that decisions must be orderly and guided by state law.
Ivey asked the Commission to take two steps:
• Conduct a statewide survey using a reputable research firm to gauge public opinion over time on both PBS and APT’s future.
• Draft a detailed disaffiliation plan explaining why such a move might be necessary and how APT would continue meeting its legal duties. She suggested making the plan available for public review and even testing it in focus groups.
“Whether the State should or should not operate public television is a question for our Legislature,” Ivey wrote. “Until the Legislature decides otherwise, it is our duty… to faithfully implement that law.”
With commissioners split, public pressure mounting, and the governor now directly involved, the Nov. 18 meeting is expected to draw significant attention as Alabama weighs a potentially historic break from PBS.
The Dale County Chronicle has reached out to Ivey’s office and officials with Alabama Public Television for additional comment, but as of the publication of this report, we have yet to hear back from them.
