TLT Explains

PBS Parent Company Sent Tax Dollars To Cushy Lobbying Firm

By The Liberty Tribune Staff

Published: 9/15/2025 · Updated: 9/15/2025 · 5 min read

When DOGE investigated the financial operations of USAID, it uncovered concerning instances of overspending.

What's happening

PBS Parent Company Sent Tax Dollars To Cushy Lobbying Firm — A new six-part miniseries titled "The American Revolution," directed by Ken Burns, will premiere on PBS this Sunday, November 16. The series aims to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the founding of the United States as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary next summer. Explainer Trump Designates Antifa as Domestic Terrorist Organization Amid Protests in Oregon Burns' documentary will explore the Revolutionary War, which he describes as a civil war among the American colonists. "The Revolutionary War was in many ways a civil war, with only part of the American colonists desiring a split from Great Britain," he noted. This nuanced portrayal is expected to resonate with audiences across the political spectrum. The miniseries over six consecutive nights, concluding on November 22. It will also be available on the PBS app, allowing for broader access to the historical content. Historically, Burns' documentaries have sparked renewed interest in various subjects. His 1990 series "The Civil War" is credited with revitalizing public engagement with that period of American history. "After watching Burns’ series Country Music six years ago, I found myself fascinated by the history of a musical genre I had previously largely ignored," said Chris Jacobs, founder and CEO of Juniper Research Group. In recent years, the media landscape has faced significant scrutiny, with criticisms regarding corruption and bias becoming increasingly prevalent.

What's at stake

The docudrama 'Brian and Maggie,' which aired on ITV in the UK and was later imported to the U.S. by PBS, explores the complex relationship between the press and politicians through the lens of Margaret Thatcher's final television interview as prime minister. Explainer As A Former DC Cop, The Federal Takeover Was The Right Move The interview, conducted by broadcaster Brian Walden, took place shortly after the resignation of Thatcher's chancellor of the Exchequer, Nigel Lawson. This pivotal moment raised questions about Thatcher's leadership and economic policies, particularly their ongoing conflict over exchange rates. Lawson's departure highlighted the internal tensions within Thatcher's government, as well as the challenges she faced from critics within her own party. Walden, who had previously served as a Labour MP before transitioning to journalism, was regarded by Thatcher as her favorite interviewer. This relationship adds a layer of complexity to the interview, as Walden had previously written speeches for Thatcher, raising ethical questions about his impartiality as a journalist. The docudrama covers a wide range of topics, including Thatcher's rise to power and the of the 1970s and 1980s. However, it primarily focuses on the interview itself, which is depicted in the second episode.

Over the course of five days following the emergence of a controversy, major CBS, ABC, and PBS broadcast shows did not discuss Democrat Jay Jones’ violent text messages in which he fantasized about assassinating a political opponent, according to a new analysis. Explainer Virginia AG Candidate Jay Jones Faces Scrutiny Over Violent Texts The Media Research Center's study revealed that NBC alone dedicated a mere 63 seconds to the Virginia candidate's texts. The analysis encompassed segments from ABC World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS Mornings, CBS Saturday Morning, CBS Sunday Morning, NBC Today, NBC Sunday Today, ABC’s This Week, NBC’s Meet the Press, CBS’s Face the Nation, and PBS’s NewsHour. Even a pundit on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, which was not included in the MRC’s analysis, acknowledged that Jones’ remarks were “wildly inappropriate,” ( ) stating that “this guy should do everyone a favor and step out of the race.” The pundit emphasized that such a move would be both “the right thing” and would minimize potential “political splashback.” Despite the severity of the comments, outlets like the Associated Press have been criticized for focusing on the Republican response rather than Jones’ violent remarks. The and Politico also reported on the upheaval in Virginia elections without fully addressing the implications of Jones' comments. Republicans at various levels, including in Virginia, Congress, and the White House, have called for Jones to withdraw from the race. The programs were analyzed from Friday, the day the National Review broke the story about Jones’ messages, through Tuesday morning. National Review reported that Jones sent messages in 2022 to a former colleague, stating, “Put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.” ( ) The hypothetical scenario proposed by Jones likened Gilbert to historical figures such as Hitler and Pol Pot. In a phone call with the recipient of the texts, Jones reportedly suggested that he wished Gilbert’s wife could witness her own child die in her arms, a comment described as deeply troubling by a source cited by National Review. What to watch next is whether new filings, agency actions, votes, or court decisions change the timeline—and how officials respond in the weeks ahead.

Why it matters

The coverage highlights: Ken Burns' 'The American Revolution' Miniseries Set to Premiere on PBS. The coverage highlights: 'Brian And Maggie' Shows What Media Corruption Stole From Us. The coverage highlights: Report: Major CBS, ABC, PBS Shows Silent on Jay Jones Scandal. The coverage highlights: PBS Parent Company Sent Tax Dollars To Cushy Lobbying Firm.

Key facts & context

2025-11-14: Ken Burns' 'The American Revolution' Miniseries Set to Premiere on PBS. 2025-10-10: 'Brian And Maggie' Shows What Media Corruption Stole From Us. 2025-10-08: Report: Major CBS, ABC, PBS Shows Silent on Jay Jones Scandal. 2025-08-12: PBS Parent Company Sent Tax Dollars To Cushy Lobbying Firm.

Timeline & key developments

Primary sources

Www.fcc — fcc.gov