In Defense of Public Broadcasting
The founding principles of public broadcasting urged that programming serve as “a forum for debate and controversy” and “provide a voice for groups that may otherwise be unheard.” Ever since its inception, public broadcasting in the U.S. has been a lightning rod for political attack. The Nixon administration was the first to launch the canard that the system was biased in favor of liberals. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, CPB, partially funds public TV and radio stations. In mid-July 2025, Congress, by razor-thin margins, voted to eliminate previously approved funding for CPB. This action will negatively impact hundreds of public TV and radio stations. Staff will be laid off, programs will be discontinued, and some stations may go off the air.
Speaker
Bill Moyers
Bill Moyers was a renowned journalist, commentator and staunch defender of public broadcasting. He deplored what he called the increasing “show business” nature of much of corporate media. He was the host and producer of many of PBS’s most heralded programs. He was the winner of more than 30 Emmy Awards. He died in June 2025.
Chad f –
Odd that much of this was foretold/forewarned, by a Republican President’ (#34)
and 5 star general who decimated europe during WWII, Mr. DD “Ike” Eisenhower.
– Chad in Amherst, MA
Frank from New Mexico –
Thank you for the Bill Moyers speech “In defense of Public Broadcasting .“ It’s Mind Blowing really, especially in light of current events.
Brilliant choice; so grateful.