Mister Rogers' 1969 powerful speech defending PBS resurfaces amid vote to cut public broadcaster's funding

Amidst the ongoing debate over funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), Fred Rogers' iconic speech defending PBS to the US Senate is going viral, and for all the right reasons. Well, in 1969, Rogers, the (then) host of the children's television series "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," had appeared before the Senate Committee, speaking against President Richard Nixon's proposal to cut down the federal funding from $20 million to $10 million. The video went viral in the background of the Senate voting to cancel $9 billion in funding for NPR and PBS, reported NBC.

"One of the first things that a child learns in a healthy family is trust, and I trust what you have said that you will read this," Rogers began his testimony, urging Senator John Pastore to read his written statement that he had submitted—something he referred to as a "philosophical statement." Moved by his unshakable approach, the senator then asked Rogers to go ahead with his testimony. With due permission, the American TV host proceeded and strongly expressed how reduced funding can affect educational content for kids. Rogers explained how his first children's program, 15 years ago, was produced on a budget of $30, but over the years, with all the support, they grew to a budget of $6,000. Now, while this amount might sound a little 'too much,' he said it was nothing as compared to "two minutes of flashy cartoons."

He went on to recall how they had created 100 episodes for the Eastern Educational Network, but when they ran out of money, people from Boston, Pittsburgh, and Chicago stepped forward, advocating for more funding and support to keep the show running. "And this is what — this is what I give. I give an expression of care every day to each child to help him realize that he is unique," Rogers added. Moving on, he talked about how through his show, he could help people, especially kids, comprehend their feelings in subtle but effective ways. "I think that it's much more dramatic that two men could be working out their feelings of anger, much more dramatic than showing something of gunfire," Rogers pointed out.

By now, Senator Pastore was just speechless; in fact, he confessed that it was the first time in the last two days that he had goosebumps listening to someone's testimony. To end his testimony on an uplifting note, Rogers went on to recite a song titled "What Do You Do with the Mad That You Feel?" and as he finished, Senator Pastore announced, "I think it's wonderful. I think it's wonderful. Looks like you just earned the 20 million dollars," hinting at the committee's decision on funding PBS.

Meanwhile, reacting to his speech, shared on Road Less Marveled's (@roadlessmarveled) YouTube channel, @starwars4j commented, "It's important to see that Mr. Rogers did not defeat Senator Pastore. He didn't conquer him. He didn't soothe a savage beast. He did what he did every day and with everyone. He saw the best in the Senator and helped the Senator become that best version of himself. He didn't bestow love or kindness on the senator; he brought out the senator's inner kindness and beauty. As he did with us all."

Echoing the sentiments, @troytellsit493 said, "In less than 7 minutes, Fred Rogers turned a gritty, no-BS senator into a compassionate, concerned man who was eager to hand over millions. That’s truly impressive." Another user who goes by @bbass98 wrote, "I also love how the senator’s tone even changed as Rogers spoke so calmly and lovingly. He began to speak to him more softly. Mr. Rogers working his magic, real time." @minnesotajames1 shared, "These 6 minutes changed the lives of tens of millions of kids in America. This was his moment, and the man rose to the occasion. I always knew Mr. Rogers as the nice man who cared about me as a child. Now in my 40s, I see him as who he really was. A hero."

The Senate voted to cancel previously approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS. The Senate passed the vote 51-48. The bill will now be voted on by the House before President Trump can sign it into law. PBS CEO Paula Kerger responded to the vote and said, “These cuts will significantly impact all of our stations, but will be especially devastating to smaller stations and those serving large rural areas,” reported CNN.

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