PBS Fights for Survival Against Political Defunding Efforts
Related Episodes
PBS CEO Discusses Funding Cuts and Future Media Landscape
PBS and NPR lost $1 billion in funding, forcing stations to find new revenue streams and potentially leading to shuttered operations or reduced content.
View Episode Notes →
Embrace AI Disruption with Agile Planning, Human Connection, and Values-Driven Decisions
Navigate AI disruption with weekly roadmap reassessments and prioritize human connection as your competitive advantage. Embrace brave, values-driven decisions to transform uncertainty into innovation and sustained success.
View Episode Notes →
Andy Richter's Tradesman Mentality Fuels Adaptable Media Career
Navigate industry shifts with a "tradesman" mentality, embracing diverse opportunities from late-night TV to podcasting to maintain a resilient, multi-hyphenate career.
View Episode Notes →
Documentaries Prove Long Attention Spans Aren't Lost
## Episode Synopsis Documentarian Ken Burns joins the podcast to discuss his new series on the American Revolution, drawing profound parallels...
View Episode Notes →
GQ's Niche Strategy: Global Flagship of Men's Fashion
## Episode Synopsis The core thesis of this episode explores the evolving landscape of men's media through the lens of GQ's Editor-in-Chief, Will...
View Episode Notes →
Algorithmic Addiction Harms Children--Regulation Needed
Social media algorithms, designed for addiction, harm relationships and well-being, necessitating regulation similar to tobacco and drunk driving. AI further erodes literacy and critical thinking.
View Episode Notes →Resources
Resources & Recommendations
Books
- "Contract with America" by Newt Gingrich - A political platform introduced by Republicans in 1994, which included a plan for a "three-year glide path" to zero funding for public broadcasting, contrasting with the current administration's much shorter timeline.
Videos & Documentaries
- "The American Revolution" by Ken Burns - A new series that Ken Burns has been working on for 10 years, which was recently rolled out and for which he has been a vocal spokesperson for public media.
- "The Last 500 Meters" by Michael Pack - A documentary that was aired by PBS around Veteran's Day after being "shelved" for some time due to concerns about its content.
People Mentioned
- Brendan Carr (Chair of the FCC) - Sent a letter to PBS questioning their advertising practices and later a formal letter of inquiry regarding their information.
- Marjorie Taylor Greene (Congresswoman) - Invited Paula Kerger to testify at a DOJ hearing titled "Un-American Airwaves: Holding the CEOs of PBS and NPR to Account." She is also mentioned as the public editor for the podcast.
- Newt Gingrich - His "Contract with America" was referenced in comparison to the current administration's approach to defunding public broadcasting.
- Barry Goldwater - A historical figure mentioned as someone who supported public broadcasting, highlighting its past bipartisan support.
- William F. Buckley Jr. - His show "Firing Line" was mentioned as having its home on public broadcasting.
- Richard Nixon - An administration that previously attempted to defund public broadcasting.
- Fred Rogers (Creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood) - Mentioned for his famous testimony defending public broadcasting and for inspiring "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood."
- Josh Spanier (Google's VP of Marketing) - Discussed AI transformation in marketing and common questions from CMOs.
- Torrence Spoon (Google Vice President) - Authored "The CMO's Playbook for AI Transformation."
- Donald Trump (Former President) - His administration's efforts to claw back funding from PBS and NPR were a central topic of discussion. His potential grudge against PBS due to the "Ronald Grump" character on Sesame Street was also mentioned.
- Ronald Grump - A character on Sesame Street from the 1980s to early 2000s, who was a parody of Donald Trump.
- Michael Pack (Director) - Director of "The Last 500 Meters," whose work was aired by PBS.
- Gina Pack (Michael Pack's wife, runs his production company) - Collaborated with Michael Pack on "The Last 500 Meters."
- Raney Aronson-Rath (Executive Producer of Frontline) - Spends a lot of time ensuring Frontline's programming is fair and is involved in transparency initiatives.
Organizations & Institutions
- Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) - The organization responsible for administering federal funding to public television and radio stations, which the Trump administration sought to restrict funding for.
- Department of Education - A grant program from this department, called "Ready to Learn," provided funding for PBS kids' content until it was immediately cut.
- British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) - Referenced for its funding structure, its current challenges, and as a potential partner for PBS.
- Frontline - A PBS program known for its investigative journalism, whose executive producer focuses on fairness and transparency.
Courses & Educational Resources
- "The CMO's Playbook for AI Transformation" by Torrence Spoon - A guide for CMOs on AI transformation, available on Think with Google.
Websites & Online Resources
- Think with Google (thinkwithgoogle.com) - A resource for marketers to find insights, practical guides, and emerging strategies, particularly regarding AI in marketing.
- YouTube - Mentioned as a platform where many children consume content, with concerns raised about the quality and safety of some of that content.
- YouTube TV - A streaming service that carries PBS local stations, which is viewed as a significant partnership for PBS.
- Amazon - PBS's principal streaming partner, which helped producers make a living as the DVD business declined.
- NPR - Mentioned as a public media organization that also receives funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and has faced similar funding challenges.
Other Resources
- Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - A children's show based on Fred Rogers' work, focused on helping children deal with their emotions and providing basic skills.