PBS has marked its presence in the public broadcasting landscape with the premiere of Ken Burns’ new series, The American Revolution, on October 1, 2023. This six-part documentary serves as a powerful statement of resilience following the federal funding cuts initiated by former President Donald Trump. Paula Kerger, the CEO of PBS, emphasized that despite the challenges posed by these funding cuts, the organization remains committed to providing compelling content.
The documentary is a significant production, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Ken Burns remarked that the project has been in development since December 2015, during the final months of Barack Obama‘s presidency. He noted, “There’s been a lot of water under the American bridge during this time,” highlighting the changing landscape of funding for public media.
During Trump’s presidency, attempts to eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) were met with resistance from congressional Republicans who recognized the importance of local stations in their districts. However, in 2023, Trump intensified efforts to cut funding, leading to the rescission of already allocated federal funds for the CPB. This decision resulted in the cessation of nearly 60 years of federal support for public media, effective from October 2023.
The impact of these cuts varies across local stations. Larger markets have more financial resources, while smaller stations, particularly in rural areas, face significant challenges in sustaining operations. Public media officials have warned that stations in less accessible regions are at heightened risk of closure. Despite these obstacles, emergency grants and loans from organizations like the Knight Foundation are currently helping to mitigate the losses.
At the Texas Tribune Festival, Kerger expressed optimism about PBS’s fundraising efforts. “Fundraising has actually gone pretty well,” she stated, underscoring the organization’s commitment to restoring funding in the future. “I believe we can get some of that money back, and I’m going to certainly fight like crazy for it.”
The timing of the funding cuts coincided with Burns’ nationwide tour for The American Revolution. The series, which spans twelve hours and is the highest-profile PBS premiere in recent years, has received extensive media coverage and public interest. Kerger recounted a recent screening in Washington, where bipartisan attendees, including conservative lawmakers, engaged with Burns, recognizing the importance of his work despite past voting decisions against public broadcasting.
Burns has actively advocated for funding restoration, personally reaching out to lawmakers during congressional debates. He emphasized the necessity of public broadcasting to his work, stating, “I couldn’t do any of the films I’ve done without them being on PBS.”
Critics and supporters alike have noted the importance of such projects in fostering a shared understanding of history. James Poniewozik, writing for The New York Times, highlighted the series’ dedication to the belief that there is a common story to share, encompassing both triumphs and failures. Burns articulated the value of reflecting on historical roots, suggesting that revisiting the past can provide insight and healing in a divided present.
As PBS navigates the challenges of funding cuts, the launch of The American Revolution signals a commitment to remaining a vital source of educational programming. The organization is poised to continue its mission of delivering high-quality content, reinforcing its presence in the realm of public broadcasting despite recent adversities.
