The Alabama Educational Television Commission voted Tuesday to continue its affiliation with PBS, approving payment of the network’s current programming dues through June as Alabama Public Television navigates a $1.4 million shortfall created by budget cuts from the federal government.
Commissioners approved the motion during a meeting after receiving a detailed financial and operational analysis from APT’s executive leadership.
According to the presentation, APT lost approximately $2.8 million in federal support and has already laid off 11 employees to help offset the deficit.
Executive Director Wayne Reid reported that PBS dues for the current fiscal year total $2.2 million and that the state’s existing budget allocation fully covers those payments.
The Commission’s vote helps APT avoids the steep costs and operational disruptions outlined in the meeting, including the near-impossible task of replacing PBS programming, digital services, music licensing coverage, and educational resources that APT relies on to deliver statewide content, commissioners reported on Tuesday.
The analysis showed that replacing PBS content would require at least $2.5 million annually, plus nearly $1 million in music licensing fees that PBS currently negotiates on behalf of stations nationwide.
Membership revenue would also be jeopardized. The commission was told that other stations that attempted to sever ties with PBS suffered losses of 80-90% of their donor support, equivalent to several million dollars annually.
In Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Ferris Stephens made the motion to “pay our current bill,” with the understanding that the next major installment is due November 30, followed by additional payments in April. The motion passed by roll-call vote.
On Monday, Governor Kay Ivey urged the commission to slow down and follow state law before taking any step toward disaffiliation.
In a separate action Tuesday, commissioners also voted to formally enter Ivey’s letter into the meeting record and directed APT Executive Director Wayne Reid to develop a proposed study committee to examine the issues she raised.
The committee is expected to include public, legislative, financial, legal and broadcasting input and to outline options and requirements related to any future consideration of disaffiliating from PBS. Reid will bring a recommended committee structure back to the commission for consideration at its next meeting.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
