Rattlers, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Remember those PBS shows we all grew up watching— “Arthur,” “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and “Reading Rainbow?” Without figures like Mr. Rogers, the soft-spoken man in the iconic cardigan, many of those beloved PBS shows might never have existed. Beyond singing about emotions, Mr. Rogers was actively fighting to protect public media—and to ensure its educational impact reached students like us.
In 1969, President Nixon wanted to cut the budget for public broadcasting, putting PBS at risk—the home of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Imagine a world without “Arthur” to teach problem-solving, no “Sesame Street” to teach the alphabet and no “Cyberchase” to spark our curiosity in technology. It was a huge threat.
To fight this, Mr. Rogers, with quiet strength, walked into a Senate subcommittee meeting. There were no written speeches—just genuine, heartfelt sincerity. He sat down and spoke directly from the heart, sharing how television helped children understand their emotions and navigate the world with kindness. Then, he sang a song called “What Do You Do with the Mad That You Feel?”—a simple song about feeling angry. At that moment, Senator John Pastore, who was unsure at first, was moved, and the funding for PBS was saved.
But why does this matter to FAMU? Because Mr. Rogers’ story deeply resonates with the role public broadcasting plays in our own community. Here in Tallahassee, WFSU, our local PBS and NPR affiliate serves as a vital resource for families in Leon County, offering educational programming that extends beyond the screen.
Through my own experience working with WFSU as a FAMU student, I’ve seen firsthand how they connect students to the world of public media. They foster a passion for lifelong learning within families and communities and actively cultivate professional opportunities for students from both FAMU and FSU. We can access educational resources and gain experience through internships and career opportunities in broadcasting and media. WFSU is a bridge that helps us connect education with real-world skills.
However, in 2025, public media faces new threats. It’s not just about money anymore; it’s about the future of public broadcasting. There are hearings questioning whether PBS and NPR still serve the public fairly, and the FCC is looking into whether PBS has gone too commercial. These issues could affect not only PBS’s funding but also its mission to provide educational, unbiased content.
PBS Kids is an important resource for many families, offering educational shows that might not be available elsewhere. Just like FAMU provides a quality education, PBS provides valuable
information. PBS also highlights diverse voices and stories, like documentaries about Black history and shows that reflect our culture in a world where representation matters; PBS is essential.
It’s important to pay attention to these issues and understand how they could affect public broadcasting. Get involved with WFSU’s programs—volunteer, donate, or spread the word. Remember the power of standing up for what’s important. Use your voice to make a difference.
This fight is more than just about TV—it’s about access to education, representation and keeping a valuable resource alive. Just like Mr. Rogers stood up for PBS, we, as Rattlers, should stand up for what matters to us—our community and future generations.