What do funding cuts mean for PBS KIDS? For nearly 60 years, the media brand has been pioneering educational content that is trusted by families, grounded in research, and always free. From “Sesame Street” to “Wild Kratts” to award-winning games and apps, PBS KIDS has helped generations learn and grow, says Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President & General Manager, PBS KIDS and Education. But with the rescinding of already-allocated funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which disburses taxpayer funds to local PBS stations across the country, PBS is at risk. DeWitt describes the negative ripple effects that are already being seen, and warns of the dangers ahead. With the loss of all federal funding sources, including both federally appropriated dollars and the elimination of the Ready To Learn grant from the U.S. Department of Education, we’re now looking at a significant funding gap.
While content is currently being rolled out at a regular pace thanks to robust production in the last two years, viewers will begin to feel an impact if that funding gap isn’t filled. We will have to reduce the number of new titles, episodes, and games we greenlight each year, which is a critical way that we meet the evolving needs of kids today. Unfortunately, we have had to make an over 30% reduction in staff. We’ve already been forced to remove games and apps across platforms because of the resources required to maintain them. Additionally, downloadable games, which are key for those who have limited or no access to broadband, are no longer available due to staff and infrastructure capacity constraints.
How else is PBS Kids feeling the impact?
PBS KIDS has decades of research that helps us understand what and how kids learn from media. Research studies, both internal and external, about the effects of learning from PBS KIDS content, have been terminated or put on hold, leaving a gap in the public’s understanding of the possibilities of educational impact from media. This also gives us less information to share, not only with parents and families, but with producers and the industry as a whole.
Another area that has been impacted is our tech innovation. PBS KIDS has been an innovation leader in the early childhood space, testing new technologies and media approaches in a responsible way. Resources like the PBS KIDS learning analytics platform, current AI research, and additional accessibility offerings, have been put on pause. This means there are now fewer non-commercial approaches to technology in children’s media that not only benefit kids, but can help inform the field as we navigate a difficult, ever-changing, and potentially unsafe media environment, especially for our youngest learners.
How is PBS Kids adapting to the change?
We’ve had to shift priorities and develop new strategies to adapt to this new landscape. We’re also seeking new sources of funding so we’re able to continue making new content, supporting discoverability and accessibility, and expanding our award-winning library of games.
There’s been such an outpouring of support from families across the country; we received so many messages about the impact PBS KIDS content has had in their lives, and we even have some kids sending us their allowance to help! What’s clear is that we are delivering shows and games that parents and kids really love, and that are different than everything else that is out there. PBS KIDS is still here – and our mission to provide accessible, high-quality, educational media to kids across the country won’t change. You can find us on your local PBS station, pbskids.org, and the PBS KIDS Video and Games apps!
What is the biggest danger ahead for children?
The delivery of free, high-quality educational content to children, families, and educators nationwide is at risk. Right now we have an audience of nearly 15 million users on digital platforms every month, with PBS KIDS channels available to 98% of US TV households. Children could lose access to our trusted, research-proven content at a time when the social landscape is filled with distrust, and the media landscape is flooded with content crafted to feed an algorithm and generate revenue rather than support the needs of kids. Inequities in educational opportunities are deeper than ever, but we know from research that content from PBS KIDS can help narrow those gaps, making non-commercial media especially critical in today’s landscape. Families deserve safe, educational options.
