Kids Deserve PBS Kids
The Trump Administration has a mission: to cut back federal spending. $163 billion, to be exact. These dramatic cuts, which have already begun to be carried out in full force, seek to impact health, housing, education, and climate programs. One of the latest victims of this withdrawal of federal funds is PBS KIDS through the termination of the federal grant program, “Ready To Learn.” As a result, they are set to lose $23 million dollars that supports their programming. According to the PBS KIDS website, the network is:
“...Committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children through curriculum-based entertainment with positive role models and content designed to nurture a child’s total well-being…PBS KIDS encourages children to interact as respectful citizens in a diverse society.”
Of course, it only makes sense that the President would seek to target PBS KIDS and its myriad of content, all of which is, indeed, meant to teach children valuable life lessons in a fun, educational way. Of course, its purpose is to spew out “woke propaganda,” according to a Department of Education spokesperson. And of course, this isn’t true. Ever since 1968, with the introduction of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood into the cultural zeitgeist, PBS has been programming shows that aim to teach young people about the world they live in, and have always acknowledged the complexities of this world. Differences are respected, and at the end of the day, they want their audience to recognize that everyone is human, and we should all be treated as such. It has never been “woke,” and at the same time, it has always been “woke.”
On a personal note, I grew up with PBS KIDS. It was a constant presence in my childhood––I would spend countless hours watching Sesame Street (I was the ultimate Elmo girly), Sid the Science Kid, Martha Speaks, and the list goes on. I’d also spend much of my technology time playing games on their website. I have such fond memories involving PBS KIDS, and I’m not alone––today, over 53 million people interact with their shows, videos, and content every month. The idea that the government could effectively limit a network full of history and positive impact, one which fosters empathy and kindness, is deeply upsetting and troubling. And it could only be the beginning in a series of cuts against anything that appears to remotely threaten the Administration’s extreme far-right agenda.
PBS KIDS is not the mainstream media’s way of indoctrinating the nation’s youth. It is simply a channel that, for over half a century, has made space to demonstrate how easy it is to display basic moral values, as well as learn science, math, history, etc. Often, the two are combined. Now, the network is by no means perfect––is any major corporation, really? There are always issues to be addressed, no matter what one is talking about. However, I can’t find adequate justification for cutting $23 million from the network––a proportionally minuscule amount to the federal government––while raising Homeland Security spending by 65%. And it is important to add that PBS is not the only entity affected by these cuts––non-profit organizations such as NPR are also being threatened.
What do these cuts mean for children? PBS KIDS isn’t shutting down––for now. However, there will likely be fewer educational programs, and current shows will inevitably be cancelled, whether they are in the creation or distributing process. However, there are ways to voice your opinion on the current situation and support PBS and what they stand for. You can go to Protect My Public Media and find ways to support the cause, whether through signing petitions or calling your elected officials. You can also directly donate to PBS and/or your local PBS station.
As citizens of the United States, we have more power than many in the government want us to believe. Share your personal stories. Voice your opinions. Contribute monetarily, if you can. Everything helps. Together, we can fight to ensure that children can be exposed to the type of media that will help them become better people.
