As we near the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, it’s crucial to remember that the founders viewed education for the masses as essential—not a luxury—for a thriving republic.
This idea remains as critical today as it was 250 years ago.
However, at this key juncture, President Trump has put forth an executive order that risks diminishing one of America’s most vital institutions: public media.
Some lawmakers have attempted to dismiss public media as “anti-American.” Yet, it’s arguably one of the most American entities out there. Established over fifty years ago, PBS has become a cornerstone of our democratic culture. From early classics like “Sesame Street” to contemporary explorations of history, science, and the arts, public media prioritizes truth, education, and shared experiences.
This isn’t just a political issue; it’s fundamentally about democracy.
As a filmmaker with over four decades of experience, Ken has dedicated his work to capturing American narratives. Paula, as PBS’s president and CEO, has seen how local bureaus foster fact-based journalism, educational initiatives, and civic engagement. Together, we believe public media serves as one of the last spaces where Americans can unite and learn.
Eliminating federal support for public broadcasting—an entity that costs just $1.60 per citizen annually—fails to recognize the considerable benefits of that investment. This funding sustains over 330 local stations in all 50 states, many of which serve rural or underserved areas. These stations are not mere luxuries; they are vital lifelines, offering early childhood education, emergency broadcasting, lifelong learning, and trustworthy news, especially in places where commercial journalism has vanished.
Public media is already gearing up for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Both local stations and national producers are crafting programs that depict the full spectrum of American history—the triumphs, the contradictions, and the lesser-known narratives that illustrate the profound freedom articulated through the struggle for independence. This is not about reliving the past; it’s about engaging in vital civic dialogue.
At the heart of this initiative is Ken’s new series, The American Revolution. He describes it as the most significant revolution in history, highlighting the transformative shift from subjects to citizens.
This six-part documentary explores how America’s emergence as a nation flipped the world dynamic. Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic coast rebelled, gained independence, and radically reshaped global governance, laying the groundwork for democratic movements for generations.
In the time leading up to November broadcasts, filmmakers will traverse 30 various markets, collaborating with public TV stations and local organizations to draw thousands into national discussions about our founding principles.
Additionally, screenings will be held at 50 more stations, engaging students and showcasing community stories during the American Revolution. Educational and multimedia resources will be disseminated to nearly every middle and high school nationwide.
Ken’s past series on PBS, from the 1990 “Civil War” to the 2017 “Vietnam War,” attracted nearly 40 million viewers at their premieres. With the current streaming landscape, millions are also eager to view “American Revolution.”
In a climate rife with misinformation, public media remains one of the few venues dedicated to fostering truth amidst division, promoting dialogue, and offering context beyond soundbites. It’s a place where fifth graders in Alabama can learn about the Constitution, while retired steelworkers in Ohio watch documentaries on the Civil War. It’s where we don’t just consume content; we engage with American stories.
We don’t expect every American to agree with every PBS program. We simply ask for continued support of a system that reflects the nation itself.
Public media was established with a distinct sense of purpose and aspiration. Let’s not forsake it when we need it most.
