Exclusive: PBS CEO optimistic on government funding
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PBS CEO Paula Kerger speaks at Media Trends Live. Photo: Vita Phoenix/Edin Studios on behalf of Axios
PBS CEO Paula Kerger told Axios Media Trends Live on Thursday she is optimistic about government funding after being included in a continuing resolution proposal.
Why it matters: PBS has been looking for ways to fill a funding gap after Congress earlier this year voted to strip $1.1 billion that had been allocated for public broadcasting.
What they're saying: Kerger said that there were efforts to save public broadcasting funding at that time that never made it through.
- But she added: "It's a version of that, that's now been put into the CR, so I think up until now no one has actually talked about us at all, and the fact that we're now back in the consideration that I think is important."
- On Wednesday, Democrats released a proposal to avoid a government shutdown, which included restoring roughly $491 million to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Zoom out: Kerger told Axios' Sara Fischer that she is hearing from those who are "upset about what is happening, some on the Hill, but a lot of people around the country who are very upset."
- "I think as the dust starts to settle out and people realize we've had a couple stations already indicate that they may have to go out of business. It's all becoming real and so that gives me a little bit of hope," she said.
Catch up quick: PBS slashed 15% of its staff earlier this month in response to federal funding cuts for public broadcasters.
- Kerger said Thursday the organization is trying to map out its future and figure out how to secure bridge funding for local stations.
- "What has always made public broadcasting strong [is] literally millions of people with tote bags and mugs. You know, I mean, it's what makes us very American and it's also what keeps us anchored to communities," she said.
- But it's still hard to fill the gap, she said, given the amount of federal funding that was lost.
- Go deeper: What's at stake when public media funds are cut
Editor's note: This story was updated with details throughout.
