Alabama Public Television Commission will use ‘rainy day’ funds for controversial survey

After laying off employees and debating whether to sever ties with PBS amid serious funding constraints, the Alabama Public Television commission has voted to use rainy day funds – for a survey.

Commissioner Ferris Stephens, who introduced the controversial idea of disaffiliating from PBS last year, handpicked the McLaughlin Group to conduct the survey. The firm is largely known for their prominent role in Donald Trump’s campaigns and long list of Republican clientele. Supporters of Alabama Public Television and PBS say they are not happy about the chosen pollster and that the survey would be a poor use of funding.