MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday urged the board that oversees Alabama Public Television to delay any decision on severing ties with PBS until it has studied Alabamians’ opinions on the matter and developed a plan for what comes next.

The Republican governor sent a letter to the Alabama Educational Television Commission ahead of a Nov. 18 meeting in which commissioners were expected to discuss disaffiliation.

Some commission members had pushed the idea of dropping PBS due to federal budget cuts, President Donald Trump’s dislike of public broadcasting and accusations of bias against NPR and PBS news programs from him and other conservatives. A decision to separate from PBS would mean Alabama Public Television would no longer air PBS programs, including “Sesame Street,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Antiques Roadshow” and “PBS NewsHour.”

“While I’m sympathetic to the concerns that may be prompting this proposal, such a sweeping, immediate action, especially if taken unilaterally by the executive branch, should be undertaken only after a thorough planning process and only with a thorough understanding of public opinion,” Ivey wrote.

Ivey asked the commission to conduct an extended survey of Alabama voters “to ensure their voices are heard.” She said the commission should also develop a separation plan that “should be available for public review for a considerable length of time before any vote is taken.”

The idea of dropping PBS arose at the October commission meeting. Alabama Public Television Executive Director Wayne Reid said some commissioners asked him to research the possibility and ramifications of ending the contract with PBS.

Commissioners were divided at an Oct. 28 meeting, according to the Alabama Reflector and al.com.

“I just, I don’t want to fund it, PBS has made themselves the enemy of what I stand with, and so I do not like them, and I don’t follow the philosophy of feeding the beast,” commission member Les Barnett said during the meeting, according to the Alabama Reflector.

Alabama Public Television pays about $2.2 million yearly for PBS programming.

The governor said it is imperative that APT programming “align with Alabama values,” but said the decision should be made in “collaboration among stakeholders.”

The possibility of dropping PBS prompted a backlash from Alabama public television viewers and donors. Petitions and posts were shared across social media, urging people to “Save PBS for Alabama Children” and “Don’t let Alabama send Elmo packing.”

College football is racing towards conference championships, bowl season and the College Football Playoffs. It was a tough week for two of the top contenders: Alabama and Texas who both suffered losses and took hits in the USA Today Coaches Poll. But fans can still show their support with the latest drop from Aviator Nation at Fanatics.

Aviator Nation is a 1970’s inspired California lifestyle brand created by Paige Mycoskie. It’s a combination of your favorite college brands with California beach vibes. The latest launches include collections for none other than SEC powerhouses Alabama, Tennessee and Texas.

Here’s a look at the latest Aviator Nation collection at Fanatics:

Shop Aviator Nation at Fanatics

Shop Alabama, Tennessee + Texas gear from Aviator Nation

Rep your favorites in the SEC championship race with these latest collections from Aviator Nation:

Support the Tennessee Volunteers with this Aviator Nation collection

Get more 90s vibes with this Texas Longhorns x Aviator Nation collection

Roll Tide with this Alabama x Aviator Nation collection

More: Shop our 2025 Alabama gift guide and give the gift of Crimson Tide for the holidays