The Alabama Educational Television Commission voted Tuesday to continue its affiliation with PBS, approving payment of the network’s current programming dues through June as Alabama Public Television navigates a $1.4 million shortfall created by budget cuts from the federal government.

Commissioners approved the motion during a meeting after receiving a detailed financial and operational analysis from APT’s executive leadership.

According to the presentation, APT lost approximately $2.8 million in federal support and has already laid off 11 employees to help offset the deficit.

Executive Director Wayne Reid reported that PBS dues for the current fiscal year total $2.2 million and that the state’s existing budget allocation fully covers those payments.

The Commission’s vote helps APT av

See Full Page