Alabama Public Television weighs future of its PBS partnership

Alabama has supported the Public Broadcasting Service through Alabama Public Television since 1969. Now, APT is considering breaking away from PBS and would be the first educational broadcast network to do so.

The discussion, which unexpectedly arose at a recent commission meeting, has raised concerns among staff and viewers who see PBS programming as essential to APT’s mission. Nearly 90 percent of APT’s current content originates from PBS, including children’s shows that promote early learning.

Supporters of the split cite political and financial concerns, while opponents warn that ending the relationship could lead to significant losses in programming, funding, and viewership.

Almost 90 percent of APT’s current schedule is from PBS.

APT officials have said that replacing that amount