PBS expressed its disappointment through a statement released in October 4, 2012 after being one of the topics covered during part one of the presidential #debates last October 3, 2012.
Governor Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) particularly cited that he wished to reduce funding allocated for the TV station.
Romney said: "I want to lower spending and encourage economic growth at the same time. What things would I cut from spending? Well first of all, I will eliminate all programs by this test ? if they don?t pass it: is the program so critical it?s worth borrowing money from China to pay for it? I?ll get rid of it."
He added: "I?m sorry, Jim (referring to Jim Lehrer, moderator of the debates and co-founder of PBS), I?m going to stop this subsidy to PBS, and I?m going to stop other things. I like PBS, I like Big Bird. I actually like you too, but I?m not going to keep spending money on things to borrow money from China to pay for it."
In response, PBS said in a release: "Governor Romney does not understand the value the American people place on public broadcasting and the outstanding return on investment the system delivers to our nation. We think it is important to set the record straight and let the fact speak for themselves."
PBS added: "91% of all U.S. television households tune in to their local PBS station. In fact, our service is watched by 81% of all children between the ages of 2-8."
Romney?s comment trended on Twitter.
Sesame Workshop, the group behind the show Sesame Street, also responded to the statement and said:
