PBS SoCal Telethon to Air In Wake of Trump’s Public Broadcasting Cuts

We ❤ Public Television Telethon: A Celebration of Public Broadcasting

In response to the recent defunding of public broadcasting by the Trump administration, local stations PBS SoCal (KOCE and KCET) are gearing up for a special telethon at the PBS outfit’s Burbank Studios home. Titled “We ❤ Public Television!”, this live, three-hour event aims to honor 55 years of public television, highlighting America’s trusted, free public media service that reaches every corner of the nation. The program will showcase the cultural richness that public media and local PBS stations provide to all Americans.

Scheduled to air on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. PT, the telethon will be led by music director Rickey Minor. The star-studded lineup of guests includes Josh Groban, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ken Burns, Ziggy Marley, Lily Tomlin, and many more renowned personalities from the entertainment industry.

Among the performances featured in the telethon are acts from Nashville PBS, with Kathy Mattea, Sierra Hull, Molly Tuttle, and Ketch Secor taking the stage.

Following its initial broadcast on PBS SoCal, “We ❤ Public Television” will air on PBS stations nationwide on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 27, and will be available on the PBS app from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24. PBS SoCal will also rebroadcast the event on Thanksgiving night at 7 p.m. PT.

Executive producer Maura Daly Phinney expresses excitement for the telethon, describing it as a “giant lovefest celebrating public television.” Contributions made during the event will support local public television stations, helping to offset the impact of federal funding cuts.

In addition to live music and celebrity appearances, “We ❤ Public Television!” will feature viewer testimonials and archival footage from beloved PBS shows such as “Masterpiece,” “Austin City Limits,” “Great Performances,” and “Sesame Street.”