PBS and Federal Funding: Why Are We Still Paying for Bias?

For decades, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has operated under a fundamental premise: to be a publicly funded media outlet that delivers “educational, unbiased, and public-interest programming.” But in 2025, that mask of neutrality can no longer hold.

According to a new study by NewsBusters, between January 1 and May 19 of this year, PBS featured 173 liberal-leaning guests on its programs, compared to just 41 conservative or Republican-leaning voices. This imbalance isn’t just a statistical curiosity—it’s a blatant indicator of institutional bias being peddled at the expense of taxpayers.

And yet, PBS has the audacity to come to Washington with its hand out, demanding more money. “We’re not biased, give us federal funding,” seems to be the network’s tired mantra. All the while, it continues to push narratives that resonate with one half of the country, while marginalizing the other.

The Study That Exposes the Myth
The NewsBusters report is not an opinion piece. It’s a quantitative analysis that confirms what many viewers have long suspected. The supposed balance and plurality that PBS claims in its charter are nowhere to be found in its programming, guests, or editorial decisions.

173 liberal voices versus 41 conservative ones is not a minor discrepancy. It’s a reflection of a media machine that has long stopped pretending to be neutral—and instead uses taxpayer dollars to push progressive talking points under the guise of “educational” content.

Even when conservative voices are included, they are carefully selected, often moderate or politically vague, and nearly always placed at a rhetorical disadvantage. Meanwhile, Democratic politicians, left-wing activists, and promoters of socialist policies are given constant and unchallenged access.

Pressure from the Previous Administration? Maybe—But What About Now?
In a discussion about these findings, one commentator noted with a touch of sarcasm: “I’ll give them a little grace. Was there some pressure from the last administration? Yes.” That’s a direct reference to the Biden years—a period when federal agencies were repeatedly exposed for meddling in media and suppressing dissent.

But here’s the real problem: even now, with a new administration in charge under President Trump, PBS continues to operate like an ideological outpost of the progressive elite. There has been no editorial reform, no transparency, no apology. But there has been, once again, a request for more taxpayer funding.

What game are they playing? And who do they think they’re fooling?

Journalism or Government-Funded Propaganda?
PBS defenders often argue that the network is essential for providing “educational” and “culturally rich” content. No one’s disputing the value of culture or education. But what PBS is delivering in 2025 is neither: it’s ideology, plain and simple.

Programs promoting gender ideology, critical race theory, historical revisionism, radical environmentalism, and an obsession with identity politics over merit are all packaged and delivered as “fact.” There’s no debate. No plurality. No accountability.

Journalist Emily put it best in a recent on-air debate: “You have a choice—either do fair journalism and programming, whatever it is you’re doing over there… or don’t ask for our funding. And Americans don’t need to watch it either.”

That’s the crux of the matter. If PBS wants to engage in activism, it’s free to do so—but not with our money.

The Solution Is Simple: Cut the Funding
Under President Trump’s leadership, a common-sense principle has been reinstated: The federal government should not fund ideological content. If PBS wants to continue operating, it should do so like any other media outlet—through private donations, sponsorships, or subscriptions. What it cannot do is demand public money while silencing half the public.

Republican senators are now pushing initiatives to gradually reduce federal funding for media outlets that fail to meet standards of fairness and ideological diversity, including PBS and NPR.

“This isn’t censorship,” said Senator Josh Hawley. “It’s accountability. If a media outlet wants public money, it must represent the public. And in this case, they clearly don’t.”

A New Era for American Media
The days of unaccountable public media are over. The Trump administration has made it clear that taxpayer dollars will not be used to fund elitist ideologies. This is a historic opportunity to redefine what “public service” means in the 21st century.

This is not just about trimming budgets—it’s about protecting Americans from being forced to subsidize their own marginalization. Every dollar sent to PBS is a dollar that could fund schools, veterans, infrastructure, or border security. It makes no sense to keep sustaining a propaganda machine that openly disrespects conservative values.

Enough is Enough
The numbers don’t lie. PBS has chosen a side. And if it chooses to be a political actor, it must play by the same market rules as everyone else—not with federal handouts.

In the words of millions of Americans: If PBS wants to keep broadcasting, do it with your own money—not ours.

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