This was eloquently written and voiced. I also met LeVar! Many years ago! At the Phoenix airport! It was surreal and I had no idea what to say and was very awkward, but it was magic. I still brag about the encounter.
I had wonderful teachers and parents, as well, but was still raised by Mr. Rogers, Reading Rainbow, Sesame Street, Square One.
I have contacted my representative. Thank you for your incredible, consistent work.
Erica, thank you. So happy to know LeVar got to meet another of his Reading Rainbow heads out in the world! Sort of like meeting Santa, isn't it? I'd like to also thank you for recognizing Square One! Math has never come easy to me yet that show made it compelling and possible. Thanks for being here and for being you!
In addition, I love seeing my own kids experience PBS in a different way. I have fans of "Daniel Tiger," "Molly of Denali", "Wild Kratts," and the super-fun "Odd Squad." We are very stringent with screens at our household, but I feel safe when they do have a screen and are watching PBS Kids.
Thank you for your beautiful words, Brad. I’m a PBS Kid too—one who’s been fortunate enough to produce PBS KIDS shows for the past 25 years. I got my start in the mailroom—Arthur’s mailroom, that is! (My second job out of college was answering Arthur’s fan mail—my first was working on the set of Sesame Street.)
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on many beloved PBS KIDS shows, and I can personally attest to the immense love, care, dedication, rigor, and research that go into each one. And I can say from the front lines: this is not a drill. In a landscape where funding these shows is already incredibly challenging, this moment is truly perilous.
PBS has always been about meeting kids where they are—helping them feel seen, valued, and understood. I’ve heard SO many incredible stories from kids and parents over the years about the impact these shows have had on them. The loss of PBS KIDS would truly be a loss for all of America’s children. Thanks so much for shining a light.
Thank you, dear Brad. Working at PBS for 10+ years was a gift. Reading your words, I found my head nodding up and down, my heart exploding, again, for the treasure that is PBS.
Jeannine, thank YOU for the many ways you've lived this out! I'm forever better for having had the chance to work with and learn from you. Grateful for your heart and hustle!
Now with my own kids (4, 2, and newborn) I have thought back to Reading Rainbow and Between the Lions and Zoom — shows I loved loved loved as a kid and deeply impacted me as a reader. I wish these ones specifically were still available to watch somewhere besides YouTube compilations.
Hi Allison! Yes! Many of the older shows have become increasingly tough to track down. Someone messaged me today about wanting to show their kids Wishbone, but having trouble finding it. I know with you around, though, your kiddos will have plenty of good stuff to furnish their imaginations!
In the sea of awful internet content and "brainrot", PBS has been the shining light protecting that.
And not to mention, that this does not only benefit children - PBS Great Performances is doing an amazing job of preserving Broadway shows and performances by great musicians. It is just anti-art to remove such an essential aspect of America.
Thank you for bringing up the benefits beyond children's programming! Yes. Didn't think I could speak as well to that side of things, but that's an entirely different way in which the work is adding value to society. Another reader emailed me about how much NPR has meant to their daily life in very local ways with their community as well as the wider world. These are vital parts of our cultural fabric and I'm grateful you're here to hold that truth up. We can't afford to toss what quietly pulls us closer together.
Brad, I love everything you shared. It was emotional listening to Mr. Rogers. When I first saw the news about PBS I contacted my representatives in Congress. I hope others are inspired to do the same. Thank you very much.
Linda, thank you for sharing these kind words. Isn't that clip powerful? He speaks with such clarity and confidence, but also such compassion. It disarms the senator and overtakes the whole room. Beautiful. A reminder I needed to revisit and so happy it has meant something to you also.
Hi Linda! I was crying this morning as I listened as well. Mr. Rogers has been and will always be a national treasure. I want you to know there are others out here who did the same and called our representatives as well. I am so grateful to be connecting with like-minded people! Thanks for sharing your message of hope!
A tiny update from me. Received a discouraging form-response from my Senator. He just told me that the American people already gave the President an overwhelming mandate. I wrote him back a thoughtful, heartfelt, but direct response of where I stood. I also called, left message. Feeling very.... small. Seeking other ways to reach out and I welcome any advice. Thanks everyone.
I am so befuddled. From a numbers standpoint, every $1 from federal funding returns $7 and PBS costs each taxpayer $1.60 per year. Since it might have to come down to “viewers like you,” I signed up for $5/month supporting Nashville PBS, which on an annual basis covers 7.5x my family of 5.
Thank you for the link of how to do something! And for the reminder that the work is too important to let despondency shock us into submission and acceptance. PBS is VITAL to the health and wellbeing of our children and therefore the health and wellbeing of our country. And Fred Rogers’ revolution of kindness and loving resistance lives on in all of us who have been lucky enough to have been raised by him🙌❤️
Thank you! I watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and still carry those songs, kind words, genuine care, and lessons with me into my life today. My life's work is working with children in the classroom and the school library. I hold deep respect for children and their inner lives. ♥️
Fascinating! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
Those that become bully's or want to subjugate others or take over the world, believe that might is right. Those are the ones who never had the influence of this type of important programing and their parents perhaps never had as well.
We are determined to continue to make movies that matter and if the masses demand it, it will influence TV, Cinema and all means of artistic expression. It will become a movement, a movement for positive change.
This was eloquently written and voiced. I also met LeVar! Many years ago! At the Phoenix airport! It was surreal and I had no idea what to say and was very awkward, but it was magic. I still brag about the encounter.
I had wonderful teachers and parents, as well, but was still raised by Mr. Rogers, Reading Rainbow, Sesame Street, Square One.
I have contacted my representative. Thank you for your incredible, consistent work.
Erica, thank you. So happy to know LeVar got to meet another of his Reading Rainbow heads out in the world! Sort of like meeting Santa, isn't it? I'd like to also thank you for recognizing Square One! Math has never come easy to me yet that show made it compelling and possible. Thanks for being here and for being you!
In addition, I love seeing my own kids experience PBS in a different way. I have fans of "Daniel Tiger," "Molly of Denali", "Wild Kratts," and the super-fun "Odd Squad." We are very stringent with screens at our household, but I feel safe when they do have a screen and are watching PBS Kids.
Thank you for your beautiful words, Brad. I’m a PBS Kid too—one who’s been fortunate enough to produce PBS KIDS shows for the past 25 years. I got my start in the mailroom—Arthur’s mailroom, that is! (My second job out of college was answering Arthur’s fan mail—my first was working on the set of Sesame Street.)
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on many beloved PBS KIDS shows, and I can personally attest to the immense love, care, dedication, rigor, and research that go into each one. And I can say from the front lines: this is not a drill. In a landscape where funding these shows is already incredibly challenging, this moment is truly perilous.
PBS has always been about meeting kids where they are—helping them feel seen, valued, and understood. I’ve heard SO many incredible stories from kids and parents over the years about the impact these shows have had on them. The loss of PBS KIDS would truly be a loss for all of America’s children. Thanks so much for shining a light.
Thank you, dear Brad. Working at PBS for 10+ years was a gift. Reading your words, I found my head nodding up and down, my heart exploding, again, for the treasure that is PBS.
Jeannine, thank YOU for the many ways you've lived this out! I'm forever better for having had the chance to work with and learn from you. Grateful for your heart and hustle!
Thank you. It is in the ordinary. If I am being honest, I still watch Reading Rainbow from time to time...and I am 49 years old. ❤️😊
No shame in that! PBS KIDS unite!
Count me in! I'll call up my old neighborhood pals today! Together, we've got this!
Now with my own kids (4, 2, and newborn) I have thought back to Reading Rainbow and Between the Lions and Zoom — shows I loved loved loved as a kid and deeply impacted me as a reader. I wish these ones specifically were still available to watch somewhere besides YouTube compilations.
Hi Allison! Yes! Many of the older shows have become increasingly tough to track down. Someone messaged me today about wanting to show their kids Wishbone, but having trouble finding it. I know with you around, though, your kiddos will have plenty of good stuff to furnish their imaginations!
Amazing story. I’m huge fans PBS kids and pbs change my life
There's so much this world would be missing without what PBS has sparked! Thanks for being here.
In the sea of awful internet content and "brainrot", PBS has been the shining light protecting that.
And not to mention, that this does not only benefit children - PBS Great Performances is doing an amazing job of preserving Broadway shows and performances by great musicians. It is just anti-art to remove such an essential aspect of America.
Thank you for bringing up the benefits beyond children's programming! Yes. Didn't think I could speak as well to that side of things, but that's an entirely different way in which the work is adding value to society. Another reader emailed me about how much NPR has meant to their daily life in very local ways with their community as well as the wider world. These are vital parts of our cultural fabric and I'm grateful you're here to hold that truth up. We can't afford to toss what quietly pulls us closer together.
Brad, I love everything you shared. It was emotional listening to Mr. Rogers. When I first saw the news about PBS I contacted my representatives in Congress. I hope others are inspired to do the same. Thank you very much.
Linda, thank you for sharing these kind words. Isn't that clip powerful? He speaks with such clarity and confidence, but also such compassion. It disarms the senator and overtakes the whole room. Beautiful. A reminder I needed to revisit and so happy it has meant something to you also.
Hi Linda! I was crying this morning as I listened as well. Mr. Rogers has been and will always be a national treasure. I want you to know there are others out here who did the same and called our representatives as well. I am so grateful to be connecting with like-minded people! Thanks for sharing your message of hope!
Brad, I look forward to this every Tuesday morning. Today was especially amazing. I have sent a message.
So grateful for YOU and your voice, Jason!
A tiny update from me. Received a discouraging form-response from my Senator. He just told me that the American people already gave the President an overwhelming mandate. I wrote him back a thoughtful, heartfelt, but direct response of where I stood. I also called, left message. Feeling very.... small. Seeking other ways to reach out and I welcome any advice. Thanks everyone.
I am so befuddled. From a numbers standpoint, every $1 from federal funding returns $7 and PBS costs each taxpayer $1.60 per year. Since it might have to come down to “viewers like you,” I signed up for $5/month supporting Nashville PBS, which on an annual basis covers 7.5x my family of 5.
It all just feels like an attack on empathy.
YES!!! "Childhood might not last long, but what finds us there can last a lifetime."
Thank you for the link of how to do something! And for the reminder that the work is too important to let despondency shock us into submission and acceptance. PBS is VITAL to the health and wellbeing of our children and therefore the health and wellbeing of our country. And Fred Rogers’ revolution of kindness and loving resistance lives on in all of us who have been lucky enough to have been raised by him🙌❤️
Thank you! I watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and still carry those songs, kind words, genuine care, and lessons with me into my life today. My life's work is working with children in the classroom and the school library. I hold deep respect for children and their inner lives. ♥️
Fascinating! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com
Those that become bully's or want to subjugate others or take over the world, believe that might is right. Those are the ones who never had the influence of this type of important programing and their parents perhaps never had as well.
We are determined to continue to make movies that matter and if the masses demand it, it will influence TV, Cinema and all means of artistic expression. It will become a movement, a movement for positive change.