In 1993, the creator of the beloved children’s book series “Arthur,” Marc Brown, received a call from a producer at WGBH expressing interest in creating an animated TV show based on his books. Fast forward nearly 30 years, “Arthur” remains a cherished and long-running animated program on PBS, known for its educational and inspiring content for children.

PBS Kids programming is highly trusted by parents, with 90% considering it a safe and reliable source for their children. Despite its popularity and impact, public media faces challenges, such as the recent executive order threatening federal funding for PBS and NPR, putting educational programming like “Arthur” at risk.

Public media, including PBS Kids shows like “Arthur,” plays a crucial role in providing a safe and enriching environment for children, especially considering the unregulated digital landscape. These shows are created with input from child psychologists and education experts to ensure they benefit all children.

The potential loss of federal funding for public media could have devastating consequences, affecting millions of Americans and jeopardizing the existence of programs like “Arthur.” Without this support, local public television stations, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities, would struggle to maintain their services, impacting public safety, education, and community connections.

Marc Brown, the visionary behind “Arthur,” emphasizes the profound impact of public media on children’s lives, highlighting how the show has helped viewers navigate real-life challenges and fostered important discussions. The potential loss of public media funding threatens not just the future of “Arthur” but also the accessibility and value of public media for all communities across the country.