Latest news with #Elmo'sWorld
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Elmo Hits Trump in Lawsuit Alleging ‘Blatant' Discrimination
President Donald Trump has become persona non grata on Sesame Street as PBS launched a lawsuit to block his federal funding cuts to the broadcaster. PBS and a public TV station in Minnesota filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Washington on Friday, accusing the MAGA president of 'blatant viewpoint discrimination,' the New York Times reported. The suit comes after Trump signed a May 1 executive order axing all funding for PBS and NPR, alleging 'bias' in their reporting. PBS lawyers hit back against Trump in the filing, arguing that the proposed cuts violate laws forbidding the president from serving as the 'arbiter' of its content, which included kids-focused learning shows such as Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Elmo's World, and Sesame Street, which has since found a new home on Netflix. According to the lawyers, those laws also cover 'attempting to defund PBS.' 'The executive order makes no attempt to hide the fact that it is cutting off the flow of funds to PBS because of the content of PBS programming and out of a desire to alter the content of speech,' the complaint read. 'That is blatant viewpoint discrimination.' NYT reported that around 16 percent of PBS' $373.4 million annual budget comes in the form of grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The nonprofit organization spends over $500 million annually on public media and receives its funding from Congress. According to PBS lawyers, Trump's executive cut would destabilize around 61 percent of the budget it receives from local station dues for its programming. PBS CEO Paula Kerger called Trump's order 'blatantly unlawful.' In a statement, PBS News reported that a spokesman for the broadcaster said it was 'necessary to take legal action to safeguard public television's editorial independence, and to protect the autonomy of PBS member stations.' Similarly, NPR also sued this week to block Trump's executive order, NYT reported.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bye-bye, Big Bird? Trump turns to Congress for help with $9.4B in DOGE cuts to PBS, foreign aid
The Trump administration will send Congress a bill looking to codify some $9.4 billion in cuts by the Elon Musk-helmed Department of Government Efficiency, according to published reports. The move, expected next Tuesday, comes as lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue to wrestle with the Republican White House's domestic policy mega-bill. The cuts target $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $8.3 billion in foreign assistance for both the U.S. Agency for International Development, an early casualty of Musk's DOGE buzzsaw, and the African Development Foundation, according to Axios. The transmission of the bill starts a 45-day clock for clawing back to previously appropriated funding. It puts the future of NPR, PBS (the home of 'Sesame Street' and other beloved children's programming) and USAID on the line, Axios reported, noting that the White House is looking for a 'big public fight" over the programs. And 'they are likely to get it,' the online news org reported. A caveat: Both NPR and PBS receive the bulk of their funding from nongovernmental sources, according to Axios. But the Corporation for Public Broadcasting still sends them around $535 million in federal funding a year. The cuts are more likely to impact smaller local stations, according to published reports. Trump signed an executive order earlier this month ending federal funding for PBS and NPR, pointing out that Americans have more media choices than they did when PBS was established in 1967. 'Government funding of news media in this environment is not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence,' the order reads. 'At the very least, Americans have the right to expect that if their tax dollars fund public broadcasting at all, they fund only fair, accurate, unbiased, and nonpartisan news coverage,' it continued. 'No media outlet has a constitutional right to taxpayer subsidies, and the government is entitled to determine which categories of activities to subsidize.' NPR previously defended its editorial integrity after U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., called on the two broadcasters' CEOs to testify in a Capitol Hill hearing, Axios reported. While the future of other PBS programming may be on the bubble, parents reared on 'Sesame Street' and their kids who watch it now still have options. Netflix announced earlier this month that the show's 56th season, along with older episodes, will be coming to the subscription-only streamer later this year. "The new season will feature fresh format changes and the return of fan-favorite segments like Elmo's World and Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck," Netflix said in a post to its website. 'Expect new ways to play along as Cookie Monster opens his very own Cookie Cart on Sesame Street, and explore Abby's Fairy Garden, a home to surprising and delightful magical creatures.' The new episodes 'of the iconic series will be available same day-and-date in the U.S. on PBS stations and PBS KIDS digital platforms, bringing critical early learning to children throughout the country for free,' the streamer added. That could now depend on the future of PBS and the way things unfold on Capitol Hill. Federal judge orders Harvard researcher to be released from ICE custody Confirmation hearings next week for WMass AG's regional chief nominated for judgeship Mass. Gov. Healey slams ICE over migrant arrests on Nantucket, Vineyard No more 'fricking barber poles': Gov. Healey says as Mass. looks to shred regs SCOTUS rejects Mass. student's challenge to school's 'two genders' T-shirt ban Read the original article on MassLive.
Mint
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Kids show 'Sesame Street' to launch new season with new format on Netflix worldwide — Here's what fans can expect
After more than 50 years of educating and delighting generations of children, Sesame Street is embarking on a major new chapter. The beloved educational series is heading to Netflix later this year with a reimagined Season 56, introducing updated storytelling formats and fresh interactive segments. The move marks the first time Sesame Street will stream new episodes globally on a commercial platform, expanding access to young viewers around the world. Season 56 of Sesame Street brings bold format changes while staying true to its core mission of playful early learning. The season will be released in three batches and include: One 11-minute story per episode, allowing deeper, character-driven storytelling and humor. Cookie Monster's Cookie Cart, where Cookie Monster runs his own street-side food stand. Abby's Fairy Garden, featuring magical creatures and whimsical surprises. Tales from 123, a new animated segment set inside Sesame Street's famous apartment building. Fan favorites return, including Elmo's World and Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck. Enhanced visuals, with animation overlays, magic sparkles, confetti, and bubbles to enrich scenes. Direct-to-camera moments, where characters talk directly to the audience for a more immersive experience. While Netflix has exclusive global premiere rights, new episodes will also air same-day on PBS stations and PBS KIDS digital platforms in the US, ensuring continued free access to families across the country. In total, 90 hours of classic Sesame Street episodes will also become available to stream on Netflix, alongside the new season. Season 56 is produced by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the show's enduring educational mission. Executive producers Sal Perez and Kay Wilson Stallings return, with Halcyon Person joining as head writer. Person is a seasoned writer, director, and producer, known for Karma's World and Dee & Friends in Oz, and has received nominations from the Emmys, NAACP, and Humanitas Awards.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Huge boost for Netflix's troubled Spice Girls drama as streamer makes major backstage signing
NETFLIX'S drama about the Spice Girls is back on track after the streaming giant signed one of Britain's biggest TV writers to create a pilot. The troubled project has struggled to get off the ground after the Advertisement 5 The Spice Girls Netflix drama is back on track after the streamer signed one of Britain's biggest TV writers, Jack Rooke, to create a pilot - pictured here with Mel C Credit: Rex But with the prospect of a Now I can reveal that A TV insider said: 'Bagging Jack is a real coup for the project and might be the crucial element that drives the drama forward after its rocky start. 'He already has a relationship with Mel C, who's a huge fan of his comedy Big Boys, and that could be the pivotal connection that takes things on to the next stage. Of course Netflix has yet to confirm it has commissioned the show and there's still a lot to play for. But there now seems to be a genuine will to make things happen. Advertisement READ MORE ON SPICE GIRLS 'No matter what Jack comes up with, it will be a loving and funny look at the band he grew up listening to in the Nineties and Noughties.' Since Big Boys launched three years ago, Jack has been nominated for a string of awards for the show and last year scooped a Bafta. He is now one of Britain's most sought-after writers with industry insiders speculating over what project he would take on since his semi-autobiographical comedy had its third and final outing this year. Last month he confirmed he was working on a pilot for Netflix adding it would have 'some of the hallmarks of Big Boys, while perhaps leaning more on the drama-comedy'. Advertisement Most read in News TV The streamer was contacted for comment. Spice Girls set for 2026 global reunion tour – But will Victoria Beckham join? 5 The troubled project has struggled to get off the ground after the bandmates were daggers drawn through much of 2024 Credit: Rex MOVING STREET LONG-running kids' show Sesame Street is moving to Netflix. The new series will feature 'format changes' and the return of fan-favourite segments, Elmo's World and Cookie Monster's Food Truck. The new episodes, as well as former series, will be available to stream later this year. Comics' coastal caper Coast to Coast: The Scenic Route sees Babatunde – who fronted a similar miniseries last year – and Finlay rely on locals' recommendations on a cross-country trip. Advertisement 5 Babatunde Aleshe has returned to Ireland for a new Channel 4 miniseries centring on travel trails Credit: Getty They showcase the Causeway Coastal Route and County Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way. During their journey the pair go head to head in challenges, including learning how to control sheepdogs and mastering traditional Irish brush dancing. Finlay said: 'One day I was herding lambs, the next I was floating in a seaweed bath like an ancient Celtic king – there were so many laughs.' Advertisement The show is on C4's YouTube channel now. Sisters' tale hits for six A THREE-part Channel 4 documentary will tell the story of the notorious It will take a close look at the six, whose radical lifestyles saw them mixing with political powers and enjoying ringside seats to divisive events of the mid-20th century. 5 A Channel 4 documentary will tell the story of the notorious Mitford sisters Credit: Bridgeman Images Advertisement As well as talking to experts, relatives and biographers, it relies on the siblings' many interviews. Meanwhile, U&DRAMA's Outrageous, which sees Bessie Carter and Joanna Vanderham among actors bringing the sisters' stories to life, will air from June 18. Brydon for Donaldson classic ROB Brydon will star in The Gruffalo writer Julia Donaldson's annual animation this Christmas. He will voice Reginald Rake in new adaptation The Scarecrows' Wedding, alongside Jessie Buckley, Domhnall Gleeson and Sophie Okonedo. It will air on BBC One. Power trip for Blair FORMER Prime Minister Tony Blair will be at the centre of a new Channel 4 documentary. The series will dive into his rise, his years at No10, and his post-politics career. Advertisement 5 Ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair will be at the centre of a new C4 doc Credit: Getty It will feature an in-depth interview with the man himself, while friends, allies, and opponents from Parliament, will also reveal their opinions of his time in power. From the makers of The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson, the show is expected take a more in-depth look at stand-out moments of Sir Tony's ten-year tenure in Downing Street, including his involvement in the Iraq War. It follows the success of last year's two-parter on Mr Johnson, which traced his political career, with interviews of those who worked alongside him in Parliament. Advertisement Fellow former PM Margaret Thatcher was at the centre of Channel 4 drama series Brian And Maggie, starring
Geek Tyrant
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
SESAME STREET Lands New Streaming Home at Netflix With New Format and the Return of Fan-Favorite Segments — GeekTyrant
Sesame Street is moving streaming locations. The classic kids series was not renewed at HBO/Max, and Netflix quickly picked it up. The show will make its debut on the streamer later this year with an all-new, reimagined 56th season — plus 90 hours of previous episodes — available to audiences worldwide. The new episodes, which will now center on one 11-minute story, will be available same day-and-date in the U.S. on PBS stations and PBS KIDS digital platforms, keeping U.S. kids' free access to early learning for free. In addition to format changes, the new season will feature the return of fan-favorite segments like Elmo's World and Cookie Monster's Foodie Truck. Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, with Sal Perez and Kay Wilson Stallings serving as executive producers; Emmy, Humanitas, and NAACP Award nominee Halcyon Person (Karma's World, Dee & Friends in Oz) joins as head writer. Netflix will also be able to develop video games for both Sesame Street and Sesame Street Mecha Builders . via: Deadline
