PBS is closing its diversity, equity, and inclusion office to comply with a Trump administration executive order, a move that has sparked debate about the future of public broadcasting.
PBS is shutting down its office of diversity, equity and inclusion ( DEI ) to comply with President Donald Trump's executive order, leading to the termination of the two executives who spearheaded the initiative. The move comes as public television and radio brace for potential battles over federal funding . Despite eliminating the DEI office, PBS CEO Paula Kerger emphasized their ongoing commitment to telling the stories of all Americans.
She explained that the decision stemmed from PBS's receipt of federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation for its children's programming, necessitating compliance with Trump's order.PBS receives approximately $535 million in general support from the government, representing 16% of its budget. While this funding is channeled through the private Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), it remains unclear whether this would necessitate compliance with the executive order. Notably, some of PBS's 330 member stations have their own DEI initiatives and receive CPB funding, leaving them to determine their own course of action. Kerger stated that PBS is encouraging these stations to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances. While initially considering reassignment to other roles within the system, Loving and Leow's positions were ultimately eliminated. The DEI office's scope extended beyond racial equity, encompassing efforts to ensure accessibility for children with hearing impairments. This decision follows a 2019 instance where PBS faced pressure from filmmakers who criticized its relationship with Ken Burns, alleging a lack of diversity in programming. With the current administration's push to reduce federal spending, Kerger anticipates heightened scrutiny on public broadcasting. Senator Mike Lee's call to defund PBS and NPR reflects this sentiment. While past attempts to defund PBS have largely been unsuccessful due to pressure exerted on individual legislators by the numerous stations nationwide, the current climate presents a more challenging landscape. Kerger and NPR officials are scheduled to appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee next month to address these concerns. Kerger remains optimistic but acknowledges the need for extensive dialogue to ensure continued funding for public broadcasting
PBS DEI Diversity Equity Inclusion Federal Funding Trump Administration Public Broadcasting
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