Governor Kay Ivey is asking the Alabama Educational Television Commission to slow down a proposal that would sever Alabama Public Television from PBS, calling on commissioners to measure public opinion and develop a full transition plan before taking any action.
In a November 17 letter addressed to commissioners through APT Executive Director Wayne Reid, Ivey said she understood the concerns prompting discussions about disaffiliation but warned that such a significant change should not be made quickly or unilaterally. She noted that state law requires the Commission to “survey, study and appraise” the needs of public television in Alabama and to ensure that “the benefits of educational television” are available to residents across the state.
Ivey asked the Commission to conduct a statewide survey—carried out by a reputable market research firm and supplemented with viewership data—to determine how Alabamians feel about a possible break from PBS. She said the survey must be specific to the state, run over a sustained period of time, and measure not only opinions on disaffiliation but also expectations for what APT should provide if PBS programming is removed.
“If the Commission is going to disaffiliate from PBS, it should do so in response to trends in voter opinion, not just an isolated snapshot,” she wrote.
The governor also asked commissioners to publish a written plan explaining the reasons for leaving PBS and showing how APT would continue fulfilling its statutory mission afterward. She said such a plan should be available for public review before any vote is taken.
The proposal to break with PBS has gained momentum amid complaints from some conservative lawmakers who argue that national programming conflicts with their cultural priorities. APT has not released a formal rationale for the proposed separation.
In her letter, Ivey referenced her broader political agenda, including her positions on religious liberty, DEI, critical race theory, and transgender athletes. She said APT’s programming should reflect Alabama values, but emphasized that changes of this magnitude must follow an orderly process that involves consultation and public input.
Ivey’s request indicates the timeline could extend into 2026 as commissioners gather data, evaluate public sentiment and consider how APT would operate without PBS content.
