Its such an insignificant amount of money to fund PBS. It's mostly paid by donations and sponsors anyway. If they really wanted to save taxpayers money they should look elsewhere first... but thats a harder question that might rustle a few of their own feathers. Not only do they try to take the easiest route that doesn't involve their side, but they want to make people think it's a win. PBS isnt greasing their palms, so out it goes.