The premiere of Ken Burns’ highly anticipated documentary series, “The American Revolution,” marks a significant moment for PBS, occurring just months after former President Donald Trump successfully eliminated federal funding for public broadcasting. The series, which began airing on October 1, 2023, is a response to the narrative that public media is no longer viable in the United States, with PBS declaring, “We are still here.”
Paula Kerger, CEO of PBS, emphasized the importance of the series as a statement of resilience. “This is a really big moment for PBS,” she said, acknowledging the confusion surrounding funding cuts as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) winds down operations. Kerger noted that the perception that PBS was disappearing was unfounded, as evidenced by the extensive marketing campaign supporting “The American Revolution.”
The documentary, which has been in development for a decade, is timed to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. “We began this in December of 2015 when Barack Obama had 13 months to go in his presidency,” Burns explained in an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper. The series, which spans six parts over twelve hours, showcases the complexities of the American narrative and aims to unite viewers around a common history.
The funding cuts initiated by Trump during his presidency have had varied impacts on local PBS stations. Larger stations typically have more alternative revenue sources, while smaller stations, particularly in rural areas, face greater challenges. These cuts ended nearly sixty years of federal support for public media, raising concerns about the future of broadcasting in less populated regions.
Despite these obstacles, PBS has received emergency grants and loans from organizations like the Knight Foundation, which are helping to mitigate the financial fallout. Kerger noted that fundraising efforts have been relatively successful and expressed optimism about potentially restoring federal funding in the future. “I believe we can get some of that money back,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for public media.
As Burns launched his nationwide promotional tour for “The American Revolution,” he encountered mixed reactions from lawmakers who previously voted against funding support. During a recent event at the Texas Tribune Festival, Kerger recounted moments where conservative and progressive lawmakers alike expressed admiration for Burns’ work, highlighting the documentary’s bipartisan appeal.
The production of “The American Revolution” involved numerous private donors and the dwindling support of the CPB. In an effort to safeguard funding, Burns personally reached out to Republican lawmakers during the congressional debates over the summer. “I couldn’t do any of the films I’ve done without them being on PBS,” he remarked in a previous interview.
Critics have lauded the series for its ambitious scope and for fostering a sense of shared history. James Poniewozik of The New York Times noted that the documentary is dedicated to the belief that a common story can unite viewers, even when it includes difficult truths. Reflecting on the series, Burns emphasized the importance of understanding one’s origins, particularly during times of division.
“When you feel like we’re challenged, as we do now, that we’re divided, you go back… and ask, ‘Where’d you come from?’” Burns stated. He believes that revisiting historical narratives can serve to revitalize and repair the societal fabric, dispelling myths while celebrating the extraordinary people who shaped American history.
PBS’s bold release of a high-profile documentary like “The American Revolution” signals its intent to remain a vital part of the public media landscape, despite the challenges posed by funding cuts. As the series unfolds over the coming nights, it invites viewers to reflect on America’s past and consider its implications for the future.
