📌 Key Highlights:
- PBS stations across the U.S. have expanded high school sports coverage, especially state championships, to grow local viewership.
- In states without major professional teams, high school sports have become a leading attraction on public TV.
- President Donald Trump signed an executive order to cut federal funding to PBS and NPR, which could deeply impact sports programming.
- PBS executives warn that losing federal funds could force them to drop high school sports broadcasts.
📺 High School Sports – A Local Favorite on PBS
Public television stations in states like South Dakota, Arkansas, and Nebraska have invested heavily in airing local high school sports, particularly championship games. These broadcasts have helped PBS grow its audience by showcasing local athletes and community pride, especially in areas without NFL or NBA teams.
“Friday night football is just as big as the NFL for many viewers in the South,” said Bert Wesley Huffman, CEO of Georgia Public Broadcasting. The station airs select regular-season football games and championships, many of which feature athletes who later turn pro.
⚠️ Executive Order Sparks Concern
Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order to reduce funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which oversees federal support for PBS and NPR. He cited concerns over “biased news coverage.”
PBS officials are considering legal action to stop the funding cuts. NPR has already filed a lawsuit, saying the order violates First Amendment rights.
A White House spokesperson stated the move aims to ensure efficient use of taxpayer money.
💡 Local Programming Makes PBS Unique
While national shows like Sesame Street and PBS NewsHour get attention, most PBS content is locally produced, especially in smaller states. According to PBS President Paula Kerger, “Less than 10% of our programming is news. Local stations are run by people who know and care about their communities.”
🎥 Sports That Made an Impact
PBS stations have helped spotlight athletes before they were famous. For example, WNBA star Caitlin Clark was first featured on Iowa PBS in 2020 during her state championship run. Today, she draws record ratings nationwide.
Iowa PBS began airing girls’ high school sports over a decade ago to fill a gap in coverage. “We saw an underserved audience,” said Andrew Batt, General Manager of Iowa PBS. But he warns that if federal or state funds are cut, it will be difficult to maintain such programming.
🏀 State-by-State Impact
In Arkansas, about 40% of PBS funding comes from state support; the rest is covered by federal subsidies and private donations. CEO Courtney Pledger said, “Losing CPB funding would be a disaster. We’d likely have to cut sports completely.”
Nebraska Public Media gets about 16% of its budget from the federal government. It’s known for its volleyball coverage and owns high-tech production equipment.
Kerger noted, “Some stations rely on federal funding more than others. For those depending on 40% or more, these cuts would be devastating.”
💬 Budget Battles Are Nothing New
Julie Overgaard, Executive Director of South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB), said funding challenges aren’t new: “I’ve faced many budget fights in my 36-year career.” Recently, SDPB survived a proposed $3.6 million cut thanks to public pushback.
South Dakota state Rep. Liz May defended funding, saying, “I need to watch basketball.”
SDPB receives $2.2 million in federal funds and $5.6 million from the state. Federal funds support local content creation, while state funds cover infrastructure.
📶 Sports Coverage Boosts Viewership
PBS stations report a huge increase in viewership during sports seasons. Many also stream games online, helping families outside the state watch live. Despite the digital shift, TV still matters in rural areas with weak internet access.
“Sometimes, public TV is the only channel playing in South Dakota bars,” Overgaard said with a laugh.
🚨 What’s at Stake
If federal funding disappears:
- Local PBS stations could cut high school sports coverage
- Staff layoffs and loss of local content may follow
- Communities would lose a vital platform for showcasing student-athletes
PBS leaders are calling on viewers and policymakers to recognize the importance of local sports programming and the impact it has on their communities.
