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Ken Burns on ''The American Revolution,'' and ''incredibly misguided'' cuts to public media funding

Ken Burns Reflects on the American Revolution and Warns Against Cuts to Public Media

Renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has long been a master storyteller of American history, weaving narratives that challenge simplistic views and illuminate the complexities of the nation's past. In a recent interview, Burns delved into his upcoming PBS series, "The American Revolution," set to premiere in 2025, while also sounding the alarm on what he describes as "incredibly misguided" efforts to slash funding for public media. As the country grapples with political divisions and threats to democratic institutions, Burns sees his latest project not just as a historical recounting but as a timely reminder of the fragility of freedom and the essential role of truthful storytelling in preserving it.

Burns, whose acclaimed works include "The Civil War," "Baseball," and "The Vietnam War," has spent years immersed in the era of America's founding. "The American Revolution" promises to be a comprehensive nine-part series, exploring the events from 1765 to 1791 with Burns' signature blend of archival footage, expert interviews, and dramatic reenactments. But unlike the mythic tales often taught in schools—focusing on heroic figures like George Washington crossing the Delaware or Paul Revere's midnight ride—Burns aims to present a more nuanced portrait. "We tend to sanitize our history," Burns explained. "The Revolution wasn't just a tidy march toward liberty; it was messy, fraught with contradictions, and involved profound human costs."

Central to the series is the idea that the Revolution was not inevitable nor universally supported. Burns highlights the diverse perspectives of the time: Loyalists who remained faithful to the British Crown, enslaved Africans who fought on both sides in hopes of gaining freedom, and Native American tribes caught in the crossfire of colonial expansion. He points out that figures like Thomas Jefferson, who penned the Declaration of Independence's soaring words about equality, were themselves slaveholders, embodying the era's deep hypocrisies. "This was a revolution built on ideals that were aspirational, not fully realized," Burns said. "We're still working toward that 'more perfect union' today."

The documentary doesn't shy away from the violence and moral ambiguities. Episodes will cover pivotal battles like Saratoga and Yorktown, but also the internal strife, such as the economic hardships faced by ordinary colonists and the brutal treatment of those deemed traitors. Burns draws parallels to contemporary America, noting how the Revolution's debates over taxation, representation, and federal power echo today's political battles. "In 1776, there were those who wanted to overthrow the system and those who feared chaos," he observed. "Sound familiar? Our democracy has always been under threat, from within and without."

This historical lens is particularly poignant amid current events. Burns referenced the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol as a modern echo of revolutionary-era insurrections, like Shays' Rebellion in 1786, which exposed the young nation's vulnerabilities. "The Revolution teaches us that democracy isn't a given; it's something we have to fight for every day," he emphasized. By humanizing the founders—not as infallible demigods but as flawed individuals—Burns hopes viewers will see their own role in safeguarding democratic principles. "These were people like us, making decisions in uncertain times. We can learn from their successes and failures."

Yet, even as Burns prepares to share this vital history through public broadcasting, he is deeply concerned about the future of the platform that has been his creative home for decades. PBS, funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), faces existential threats from proposed budget cuts, particularly from conservative lawmakers who view public media as biased or unnecessary. President-elect Donald Trump's administration has signaled intentions to eliminate federal funding for the CPB, which provides about 15% of PBS's budget, arguing it's a waste of taxpayer money in an era of streaming services.

Burns calls these efforts "incredibly misguided" and a direct assault on informed citizenship. "Public media is one of the last bastions of non-commercial, educational content in this country," he argued. "It's not about left or right; it's about truth, facts, and shared understanding." He pointed out that PBS reaches millions of Americans, especially in rural and underserved areas, with programming that includes not just documentaries but children's shows like "Sesame Street," news analysis, and cultural specials. Without federal support, many local stations could shutter, leaving a void filled by profit-driven media that prioritizes sensationalism over substance.

Drawing from his own experiences, Burns recounted how public funding enabled him to produce in-depth series that commercial networks might deem too risky or unprofitable. "The Civil War" aired in 1990 and drew 40 million viewers, sparking a national conversation about race and reconciliation. Similarly, "The American Revolution" has been in development for over a decade, involving meticulous research and collaboration with historians. "This isn't entertainment for entertainment's sake," Burns said. "It's education that fosters empathy and critical thinking—skills we desperately need right now."

Burns isn't alone in his concerns. Advocates for public media, including the leadership of PBS and NPR, have mobilized to defend the funding, highlighting its modest cost—about $1.40 per American per year—compared to its outsized impact. In rural Oregon, for instance, stations like Oregon Public Broadcasting provide essential local news, emergency alerts, and educational resources to communities far from urban centers. Cuts could exacerbate information deserts, where misinformation thrives unchecked.

The filmmaker also tied the funding battle to broader cultural wars. "There's a deliberate effort to undermine institutions that promote objective truth," he warned, referencing attacks on journalism, education, and science. In the context of the Revolution, Burns noted how propaganda and false narratives fueled divisions then, much as they do now on social media. "Public media counters that by grounding us in facts. Defunding it is like burning the history books."

Looking ahead, Burns remains optimistic about the power of storytelling to bridge divides. He envisions "The American Revolution" as a catalyst for dialogue, encouraging viewers to reflect on what it means to be American in 2025. "This series isn't about glorifying the past; it's about understanding it so we can navigate the present," he said. Episodes will feature voices from descendants of revolutionaries, modern scholars, and even international perspectives on how the American experiment influenced global democracy.

Burns also touched on the personal toll of his work. At 71, he continues to pour his energy into projects that demand years of commitment, driven by a passion for uncovering hidden stories. "History is alive," he mused. "It's not dead; it's us." For the Revolution series, he collaborated with co-director Lynn Novick and a team of researchers who sifted through thousands of documents, letters, and artifacts to paint a vivid picture.

In addressing the funding cuts, Burns urged bipartisan support, recalling how public media has historically enjoyed backing from both parties. Presidents from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama have championed it, recognizing its value in uniting a diverse nation. "This isn't a partisan issue," Burns insisted. "It's about investing in our collective future."

As the interview concluded, Burns reflected on the enduring relevance of the Revolution's ideals. "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—these are promises we must continually renew," he said. With threats to public media looming, his message is clear: Preserving the means to tell these stories is as crucial as the stories themselves. In an age of division, Ken Burns' work stands as a beacon, reminding us that understanding our past is key to securing our democracy's future.

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