In July 2025, following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump, Congress narrowly passed a measure to rescind US$1.1 billion previously approved for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This action will eliminate all federal funding for PBS and its affiliate television stations for the next two fiscal years.
For nearly 60 years, the public media network has been a crucial producer of educational programming, particularly for children. While federal funds have recently constituted about 15% of the national PBS budget, many local affiliate stations are far more dependent on this support, leading to widespread announcements of anticipated program cuts.
Even today, classic shows like “Sesame Street” are produced alongside newer programs such as “Wild Kratts” and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” Beyond its broadcast content, PBS KIDS offers a website and multiple apps with educational games and activities. Local PBS stations further extend this mission by providing resources for schools, families, and their communities.
As a child development researcher studying how children learn from digital media, I investigated the landscape of content they consume. In a study published in the June 2025 issue of the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, my colleagues and I surveyed the caregivers of 346 first-graders to identify the TV shows, videos, and games their children used most.
Our analysis revealed that only 12% of the content children engage with most could be classified as educational. This exposure varied significantly among children, with some consuming primarily educational media and others none at all. Importantly, our research found no differences in educational media use based on parents’ education levels, suggesting this content is equally accessed by children from all backgrounds.
In light of the recent funding cuts, I re-examined our data to determine the primary sources of this educational content. The results were striking: PBS accounted for 45% of the educational television and videos that parents reported their children watch most often, making it the dominant provider by a wide margin. The next closest sources were Nickelodeon/Nick Jr. at 14% and YouTube at 9%.
The value of PBS programming stems from its rigorous development process. Independent producers collaborating with PBS consult with child development experts and conduct research with children throughout production. This commitment to creating thoughtfully crafted media, which requires significant time and financial investment, ensures the final product is both engaging and effective for learning.
While the full consequences of eliminating federal funding are not yet clear, the loss of support for the nation’s primary source of research-informed, freely accessible children’s content is undeniable. It is likely that all children will have fewer high-quality media options in the coming years, even as the volume of flashy, commercially driven content with little educational value continues to grow.
