Late April 29th, President Donald J Trump signed an executive order cutting funding to programs such as PBS and NPR, endangering many beloved shows such as Arthur, Daniel Tiger, and Sesame Street.

This has sparked an uproar across social media and news sources alike. However, the Trump administration claims that there is “bias” amongst the broadcasters’ reporting, which is the basis of the order. However, PBS CEO and president, Paula Kerger, debated that the education and resources PBS requires are only possible due to congressional support, “this public-private partnership allows us to help prepare millions of children for success in school and in life and also supports enriching and inspiring programs of the highest quality,” she explained. 

Kerger is not the only one to hold such an opinion on PBS: ” We’re seeing a move in education being taken away…PBS was made for people who couldn’t afford education for their kids…This is a class thing, honestly. They want to take it away so that it’s only accessible to the rich,” junior Aliyah Chandra Lazar exclaimed. PBS has remained a stepping stone in many children’s development. PBS Kids taught me so many lessons and so many morals. I know how to be good, I know how to share. Dinosaur Train did teach me how to share,” stated senior Brody Hansen. Fellow senior Fabian Cesena shares this thought: “It made me learn how to read,” he remarked. 

As of today, PBS is still fighting for funding against the Trump administration, and it is unclear what the end result will be. However, one thing is clear: PBS has been a fundamental part of many generations and has provided support and education for those who did not have it. From viewers like us, thank you, PBS.