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PBS has been on the air for 47 years, but now President Trump is trying to get a publicly funded station removed. Why?

PBS gave you the shows like Sesame Street, Barney, and Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. Now PBS has shows like Daniel Tiger, Odd Squad, and Sid the Science Kid.  These shows taught about numbers, letters, and how to respect one another. These are just the shows for kids, PBS also has shows for older generations as well including Nova, Martha Bakes, and even Downton Abbey.

Junior Brett Davis says that PBS, “gives an outlook to people that they might not be able to get anywhere else.”

Lots of people look to PBS as their news source like PBS Newshour and Frontline. Kids love their shows, and adults like the art and cooking shows with Bob Ross or Martha Stewart. English teacher Steve Wissinger says he personally likes the Shakespeare reenactments.

Wissinger says if this cut happens it will mainly affect families who don’t have cable because they can only get their news from a free station.

“It’s good to have an informational TV station that isn’t covered in ads so you can consume the information without being interrupted,” says Wissinger.

The government only gives around 71 million to PBS which is just around 7% of their income. The rest is paid by the public.

English teacher Melissa Gebhard also agrees that publicly funded TV is important.

“People need free access to quality programming. Not everyone has Netflix or other programs that you have to pay for,” said Gebhard.

There are lots of teachers who have young children who rely on PBS to entertain their kids when they are not able to.

FACS teacher Evalyn Petty says, “It’s not TV’s job to raise children. It’s my job, but it is important for TV to educate them and entertain them.”
Sophomore Jenna Hamilton also agrees that it is important for kids to grow up with those good role models on tv and in real life.

“The only way to learn is to have someone to look up to,” said Hamilton.

It is also important for parents to not have to worry about what their kid is watching.

“There’s a lot of garbage on tv that is so easily accessible,” said Wissinger.

Petty and Gebhard agree.

“I’m never worried about PBS. I wouldn’t leave my kids to watch any other channel without me,” said Petty.

Lots of people view PBS as a good channel and a great source to get your news if you can’t get it anywhere else. So, why is this station being cut out if most views are uplifting and positive?

Wissinger thinks the government will save a tiny percent of money to decrease the national debt if PBS is cut. Gebhard says the government has conflicting opinions that differ from each new president.

“Our government has different views than past governments. Republicans have different views than Democrats,” said Gebhard.

Although Trump potentially wants to use the money to expand the military force, Petty says that’s not the only reason.

Petty said, “People don’t have any sense. They like profanity and nudity. They don’t like shows that actually make you think. They want the newest naked killing machine.”