Concerns have been raised about the firm selected to conduct a survey on the public’s support for Alabama Public Television (APT) ending its affiliation with the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). Critics claim McLaughlin & Associates is too closely tied to President Trump and other Republicans who are anti-public broadcasting.

Background

The conflict over APT’s relationship with PBS began in early 2024, when several APT commissioners started questioning whether the network should continue its long-standing PBS affiliation. This was fueled by conservatives who view the network as too liberal and politically biased. President Trump’s attacks on the network and Congress’s cuts to federal funding for PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) further escalated the issue.

After significant public pushback, APT commissioners voted to keep the PBS affiliation through July of next year. This decision was made at the urging of Gov. Ivey, who suggested delaying the vote on giving PBS a 180-day notice of disaffiliation. Despite this vote, internal disagreements continue, including debates over a proposed $50,000 survey to evaluate viewer preferences.

The future of PBS on APT remains uncertain, especially considering the views of Tommy Tuberville, the favorite to win November’s gubernatorial election. Tuberville has backed Trump’s funding cuts to public broadcasting and has stated that PBS is too liberal, calling it a “left-wing propaganda network.”

For now, popular PBS shows like Big Bird, Elmo, Antiques Road Show, and PBS News Hour are safe. However, the battle over APT’s affiliation with PBS is likely to become an issue as campaigning picks up over the next few months.

Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.