The premiere of Ken Burns’ new documentary series, “The American Revolution,” on October 1, 2023, serves as a significant reaffirmation of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) amidst recent funding challenges. This six-part series, airing over consecutive nights, comes in the wake of Donald Trump‘s successful efforts to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting. The messaging from PBS is clear: “We are still here,” according to Paula Kerger, PBS’s CEO.
The documentary, part of the preparations for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026, has been in development since December 2015. Burns remarked during an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper that the journey of creating the series has seen “a lot of water under the American bridge.” This project reflects a crucial moment for PBS, particularly as the organization faces financial uncertainty following the funding cuts imposed by Trump’s administration.
During his presidency, Trump aimed to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Although congressional Republicans managed to protect funding during his first term, the situation changed dramatically this year. In July 2023, Trump urged Republican lawmakers to rescind previously allocated funds for the CPB, which distributes taxpayer funds to local NPR and PBS stations. Consequently, federal funding ceased in October 2023, marking the end of nearly 60 years of federal support for public media.
The impact of these funding cuts varies across local stations. Larger markets typically benefit from more donors and diverse revenue streams, while smaller stations—especially those in rural areas—face heightened risks of operational challenges. Public media officials have raised concerns that some of these stations may struggle to remain on the air in the coming months.
To mitigate the immediate financial strain, PBS has secured emergency grants and loans from philanthropic organizations such as the Knight Foundation. Kerger highlighted that fundraising efforts have been successful despite the challenges, expressing optimism about restoring funding in the future. “I believe we can get some of that money back,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to advocate for PBS.
As Burns embarked on a nationwide promotional tour for “The American Revolution,” the documentary gained significant visibility. The series is touted as one of the highest-profile PBS premieres in recent years, receiving extensive publicity, including advance screenings. Kerger noted the importance of public broadcasting in showcasing such pivotal works, recounting an event in Washington where lawmakers from both sides of the aisle expressed admiration for Burns.
The production of “The American Revolution” relies on a combination of private donations and support from the CPB. Burns actively engaged with Republican lawmakers during the recent congressional discussions in an effort to preserve the funding, stating, “I couldn’t do any of the films I’ve done without them being on PBS.”
Critics have praised the series for its dedication to a collective American narrative. In a review for The New York Times, James Poniewozik remarked that the series embodies a belief in a shared story, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of history. Burns articulated the series’ aim to encourage reflection on national origins, suggesting that understanding the past can help unite a divided society.
Overall, PBS’s resolve to continue providing quality programming, exemplified by “The American Revolution,” showcases the organization’s dedication to public media even in challenging times. As the series unfolds, it will not only celebrate a pivotal moment in American history but also serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of public broadcasting.
