Fred Rogers Testifies Before Congress for Federal Funding for PBS on May 1, 1969
On May 1, 1969, Mr. Fred Rogers, then the
host of the children's television series
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,
testifies before the Senate Subcommittee
on Communications in an attempt to secure
$20 million in federal funding for PBS
(Public Broadcasting Service). The
chairman of the subcommittee, Senator John
Pastore (D-RI), is not familiar with the
children's show
Mr. Rogers'
Neighborhood and is at first abrasive
toward Rogers. During the six minutes of
testimony, Rogers gradually wins over
Pastore, who is in awe and visibly moved
by what he is hearing.
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