The impact of federal funding cuts on public broadcasting

By the Tuesday Morning Wake Up Call crew

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has officially been active since 1969, after taking over what was once known as the National Education Television Network (NET). This past Summer, President Donald Trump signed a recession bill, ending around $1.1 billion in federal funding from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, forcing many stations to scramble for finances in order to remain operational.

Their mission is simple: “Serve the American public with programming and services of the highest quality, using media to educate, inspire, entertain and express a diversity of perspectives.” With various types of programming, the vast majority of which are educational, some argue that the possibility of these stations shutting down forever will be detrimental to the development of people of all ages.

PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger has stated that there are a few plans set in place to raise money for the most essential programs. She also explained how the station would be “relying heavily” on repeat programming, while budget cuts will be experienced all around, including from programs and staff.

Kristin Cosover Kanzer, a coordination producer at Sesame Workshop and an adjunct professor at Hofstra University, joined the Tuesday Morning Wake Up Call crew to discuss the real impacts of these federal funding cuts.