Time's up, Big Bird — PBS must get off the DC gravy train
Share this @internewscast.com

Big Bird deserves to lose this time. 

Historically, whenever Republicans attempted to slash federal funding for public broadcasting, the iconic eight-foot-two Big Bird was showcased as a symbol of everything positive and essential about PBS, thus safeguarding its federal support.

Big Bird, the beloved character imagined by Jim Henson, might sustain his unbeaten streak in defending the channel. However, a rescissions bill backed by Trump offers the strongest opportunity in decades, if not ever, to cut funding for public broadcasting.

This bill, which aims to retract previously allocated funds, has already been approved by the House and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate, where the filibuster rules do not apply.

The measure targets $9.4 billion in federal spending, including funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The CPB gets about $500 million a year from the federal government, and parcels it out to NPR, PBS and local public radio and TV stations. 

NPR maintains that it only gets about 2% of its funding from the federal government, with more coming indirectly via member stations. PBS gets about 15% of its funding from the feds. 

If NPR and PBS programming is as compelling and vital as its defenders say, it shouldn’t be a heavy lift to get foundations, philanthropists and devoted listeners and viewers to fill any funding gap.

The organizations have already given out a lot of tote bags during fundraising drives. Surely, they can give out some more. 

Decades ago, with the rise of cable TV and a proliferation of sources of news and entertainment, it seemed absurd for the government to have to prop up a few select media sources.

How much more ridiculous it is now, in the age of YouTube, social media, satellite radio, Substack, streaming services and podcast platforms.

Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act creating the CPB in 1967, and like many other Great Society programs, public broadcasting is an anachronism that won’t go away.

Big Bird himself is approaching the age when he’ll soon begin to be eligible for senior-citizen discounts. 

Supporters of public broadcasting extol the virtues of “All Things Considered,” the “PBS NewsHour,” and “Frontline” — and yes (political bias aside), journalists do some good work for these programs.

They also (again, political bias aside) do some good work at the New York Times and CBS News, yet neither of these of these outlets depend on federal tax dollars. 

Oh, defenders also ask, how can we possibly do without the wonder of educational programming like “Sesame Street” and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”?

“Sesame Street” is, indeed, an American institution. But even if PBS collapsed tomorrow, the show would certainly go on.

For about a decade now, new episodes have been featured on HBO or Netflix, demonstrating how a venerable 50-year-old project can adapt to the times.

It’s simply not true, by the way, that we depend on PBS for good shows for kids.

There’s been educational programming developed by Nickelodeon (“Blue’s Clues & You!”), Scholastic Entertainment (“The Magic School Bus”), and Netflix (“Ask the StoryBots” and “Ada Twist, Scientist”).

And somehow such iconic children’s programming as “Dora the Explorer,” “Peppa Pig” and “Bluey” were created without the involvement of PBS.

Then, there’s the argument that a cut-off of federal funding will be devastating to local public-radio stations in rural communities.

It’s true that small stations could go out of business, but as anyone who has been paying attention has noticed, we live in an era of great media churn. Private media entities are going out of business — and being created — all the time.

The government shouldn’t extend its favor to a few select outlets. 

Especially not when these outlets are so blatantly and pervasively biased.

NPR and PBS provide left-of-center content for left-of-center audiences under the guise of objectivity.

As many legacy media organizations have long demonstrated, there is a business model there, but it’s not one that deserves or needs taxpayer support.

Big Bird should, finally, make his own way in the world.

Twitter: @RichLowry

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'I am not done': Kamala Harris hints at another White House bid

Kamala Harris Teases 2024 White House Run: ‘I Am Not Done’ Signals Potential Presidential Campaign

In a recent interview with the BBC, former Vice President Kamala Harris…
Progressive Zohran Mamdani taking his case directly to Fox News’ conservative viewers

Progressive Powerhouse Zohran Mamdani Faces Fox News: A Bold Move to Connect with Conservative Viewers

Zohran Mamdani, a leading Democratic mayoral candidate known for his democratic socialist…
US deploys Ford carrier strike group to combat narco-terror in Western Hemisphere

US Deploys Ford Carrier Strike Group to Tackle Narco-Terrorism in Western Hemisphere

The Trump administration has issued orders for the Gerald R. Ford Carrier…
Historic libraries bring modern comfort to book lovers and history buffs in New England

New England’s Historic Libraries Blend Timeless Charm with Modern Comfort for Book Lovers and History Enthusiasts

In the heart of Boston, David Arsenault experiences a sense of reverence…
Serbian foreign minister proposes hosting Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations amid ongoing conflict

Serbia Offers Neutral Ground for Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks: A Diplomatic Step Towards Resolution

EXCLUSIVE: Marko Djuric, the Foreign Minister of Serbia, revealed to Fox News…
Independent NJ candidate’s martial arts theatrics shakes up township meeting

Martial Arts Moves by Independent NJ Candidate Stir Excitement at Township Meeting

It felt less like a conventional town hall meeting and more akin…
The Louvre detective? Mystery dapper 'detective' in AP photo after the Louvre heist creates social media buzz

Mystery Man in Dapper Attire Sparks Online Frenzy After Louvre Heist

PARIS — In the aftermath of the audacious theft of the crown…
Jackson Chance Foundation to raise money for NICU families at 11th annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago in River North

Join the 11th Annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago to Support NICU Families with Jackson Chance Foundation

CHICAGO — The Jackson Chance Foundation is gearing up for its 11th…
Chicago Halloween events: Pet costumes on display at 38th Annual Streeterville Dog Halloween Party at Museum of Contemporary Art

Unleash the Spooky Fun: 38th Annual Streeterville Dog Halloween Party at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art

CHICAGO (WLS) — This past weekend, Chicago was the stage for a…
Company recalls 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky that may contain metal wire

Urgent Recall: 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Over Metal Wire Contamination Concerns

A South Dakota-based company has issued a recall for over 2.2 million…
FBI Director Kash Patel plans travel to China in fentanyl crackdown effort

FBI Director Kash Patel to Visit China in Strategic Move to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to travel to China next month,…
One hospitalized after suspected shooting at Austin public library prompting massive police response

Suspected Shooting at Austin Library Triggers Major Police Response, One Person Hospitalized

A serious incident unfolded at the Austin Central Library in Texas on…