For more than 57 years, public broadcasting has played a vital role in the lives of people across the United States—educating, informing and inspiring generations.
Now, as political leaders again debate defunding federal support for public media, many Americans are asking a familiar but urgent question:
“What does the disappearance of public broadcasting mean for me?”
I’m Lexi Cannon, a 22-year-old senior communications major at the University of Louisiana Monroe. For me—and for many students like me in northeast Louisiana—the answer is clear:
Without public broadcasting, I might not be able to afford my rent. I’d lose access to an internship, a paycheck and real-world experience. Even worse, I’d lose a balanced, nonpartisan news source—leaving me at the mercy of social media algorithms that rarely tell the whole story.
Some future journalist, right?
A Legacy Rooted in Education and Excellence
In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act, establishing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This nonprofit organization was created to distribute federal funds to support noncommercial television and radio programming.
The act laid the foundation for the creation of National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)—institutions that have since become essential parts of the American media landscape.
President Johnson expressed the purpose of the act with vision:
“It announces to the world that our nation wants more than material wealth... we in America have an appetite for excellence, too.”In 1970, NPR made its debut with live coverage of the U.S. Senate’s deliberations on the Vietnam War, setting the tone for its in-depth, policy-driven journalism. PBS was founded in 1969 and aired its first programs in 1970, quickly earning a reputation for educational content for all ages.
Changing the Way We Learn
Few programs embody the mission of public broadcasting better than Sesame Street, created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett. The show pioneered the use of television as a tool for early childhood education—delivering foundational academic, emotional and social lessons through songs, skits and iconic characters.
Big Bird, one of the show’s most beloved figures, stands nearly 8 feet tall and has helped generations of children learn kindness, empathy and cooperation.
But even these iconic characters haven’t escaped controversy.
When Puppets Become Political
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, a manipulated image of Bert (from Bert and Ernie) was spotted on protest posters beside Osama bin Laden. The image originated from a satirical website called “Bert Is Evil,” one of the internet’s first meme-driven parody sites.
While intended as dark humor, the bizarre combination of a children’s puppet and world terrorism sparked serious conversations about digital ethics and political satire. The site later featured Bert in doctored images of historical scandals and pop culture mayhem—further cementing its odd but significant place in internet history.
Big Bird, too, was swept into political controversy during the 2012 presidential election. Candidate Mitt Romney stated during a televised debate:
“I like PBS. I like Big Bird… but I’m not going to keep on spending money on things to borrow money from China to pay for.”The comment triggered viral memes and a parody campaign ad depicting Big Bird as a villain. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, swiftly distanced itself from the satire, reaffirming its nonpartisan mission.
Despite the political scrutiny, Sesame Street continues to represent the powerful role public media can play in education and character development.
Public Broadcasting’s Economic Impact
Public media isn’t just educational—it’s an economic engine, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs nationwide. In Louisiana, public broadcasting supports about 200 jobs across eight television and radio stations.
In northeast Louisiana, local public media has been a cornerstone of civic engagement and education thanks to two key institutions:
90.3 KEDM Public Radio and Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB).
"The area would lose a trusted voice for local news and a crucial voice for nonprofits and preforming artists in the region. KEDM provides critical regional news coverage of stories that matter to people who live here."
- Jay Curtis, General Manager90.3 KEDM Public Radio
KEDM: Serving Communities and Students Alike
KEDM, a public radio station licensed to the University of Louisiana Monroe, began broadcasting on April 23, 1991. Today, it serves the Twin Cities and 11 surrounding parishes in northeast Louisiana, as well as parts of southeast Arkansas.
KEDM broadcasts a mix of NPR news, classical and jazz music, and local shows like The Boot, which highlights musical artists from Louisiana and the Delta region.
In 2009, the station became the first in its region to adopt HD Radio, a digital broadcasting technology offering improved audio and expanded programming options.
Funding for KEDM comes from listener memberships, corporate underwriting, grants, community events—and support from the CPB. The station reinvests in the community through initiatives like its “Give the Joy of Learning” campaign, which has distributed more than 10,000 books to second-grade students throughout the region.
As a student, I’ve benefited directly from KEDM’s mission. Through internships and work-study programs, students from all majors gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, storytelling, and production. For me, KEDM has shaped my education, career goals and professional confidence.
LPB: Telling Louisiana’s Stories
Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB), founded in 1975, is the state’s PBS affiliate. LPB delivers a unique blend of educational programming, cultural features and public affairs coverage with a focus on Louisiana’s people, issues and identity.
From children’s education to documentary storytelling to state government coverage, LPB ensures that Louisianans have access to content that informs, reflects and connects us.
Why Public Broadcasting Still Matters
Institutions like KEDM and LPB are more than just media outlets. They are trusted public services—delivering free, accessible, fact-based information to communities who often have limited alternatives.
They embody the vision set forth by President Johnson in 1967:
“A great instrument for enriching man’s spirit.”But their future depends on the support of people like us.
How You Can Help
If public broadcasting matters to you, here’s how you can make a difference:
- Contact your lawmakers: Let your local, state and federal representatives know how public broadcasting has impacted you personally.
- Raise awareness: Talk with your friends, family and community members. Use social media to highlight the value of programs like those offered on KEDM and LPB.
- Donate: Listener and viewer support is the backbone of public media. Even small contributions help keep stations on the air and free to access.
With your help, public broadcasting can continue to educate, connect and inspire future generations across Louisiana and the country.
To learn more or make a contribution, visit KEDM.org.
