Alabama Gov. Ivey Weighs In on APT's PBS Dilemma!

Governor Kay Ivey is jumping into the fray surrounding Alabama Public Television's potential split from PBS! In a newly released letter, she's urging the folks in charge to pump the brakes, follow the rules, and, most importantly, listen to Alabamians before making any drastic moves.

A Balancing Act

Ivey's message to the Alabama Educational Television Commission is clear: she gets the conservative concerns about PBS but believes a rushed, unilateral break is a bad idea without a solid plan and the support of the voters.

Upholding Alabama Values

"It is imperative that APT’s programming align with Alabama values," Ivey stated in her letter, while also emphasizing the need for "deliberation and collaboration among stakeholders."

What's at Stake?

The commission is currently debating whether Alabama should ditch its PBS partnership. This move could mean saying goodbye to beloved shows like Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, NOVA, and PBS NewsHour on both the airwaves and streaming platforms.

Ivey's Plan of Action

So, what does Ivey suggest?

• Survey Says! She wants a thorough survey of Alabama voters to gauge their opinions. She wants to know not just the policy reasons for disaffiliation but also on likely next steps for APT should disaffiliation occur.
• Show Us the Plan! Before any vote, Ivey wants the commission to develop a written plan identifying the reasons for such a move and specific ways to ensure that the Commission will continue fulfilling its legal duty.
• Public Review: Any disaffiliation plan should be available for public review “for a considerable length of time” and said the panel could even take the proposal to focus groups around the state.

A Question for the Legislature?

Ivey acknowledges the argument that public television might not be a core function of government. However, she believes that until the legislature changes the law, the commission must fulfill its current duties responsibly.

Funding Fallout

Some commissioners have pointed to past cuts in federal funding stemming from the well-established liberal bias in national NPR and PBS news programming.

What's Next?

If APT cuts ties with PBS, it'll need to replace a whopping 90% of its programming! The Commission’s next meeting is being held tomorrow in Birmingham. Stay tuned!