Actor and performer Alan Cumming attended the annual gala for The WNET Group in New York on April 28, appearing at the event as the multi-talented star of the evening. The gala took place as public media organizations face potential changes to federal support.
Speakers at the event addressed the financial climate, referencing a May 1 executive order by President Donald Trump that proposed cutting federal funding for PBS and NPR stations. WNET Group operates PBS stations Thirteen and WLIW, NJ PBS, and Long Island's NPR station WLIW-FM.
James Attwood, chairman of WNET’s board, described the current period as "turbulent times." He stated the organization relies on individual supporters to meet challenges while continuing to provide content on performing arts and journalism.
Neal Shapiro, WNET group president and CEO, discussed the range of WNET’s programming, including nature content and arts performances, emphasizing the role public media plays in society. Hari Sreenivasan, host of Amanpour and Company, suggested art brings people together to understand different perspectives, a function he attributed to public media.
Alan Cumming, who hosts PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery, performed songs from Broadway shows like Cabaret, Wild Party, and Company. He spoke about the need for kindness and compassion, referencing his immigration to the U.S. and his view that PBS represents what America should be.
The WNET Group’s program Great Performances recently received a special Tony Award recognizing its contribution to theater over five decades. WNET plans a 2025 lineup featuring programs such as American Masters and ALL ARTS.
In other news, Alan Cumming is set to return to the Marvel universe, reprising his role as Nightcrawler in Avengers: Doomsday.
The actor commented recently on the makeup process for the character. He stated that the time required has decreased from four and a half to five hours to 90 minutes due to updated techniques like stick-on tattoos.
Speaking before the WNET gala, Cumming said about PBS, “What I love about PBS is that they are concerned with quality, they are concerned with telling stories that are for everyone… They are accessible by everyone, and there are fewer and fewer things that are accessible by everyone in this country, and I think that is a great detriment.”
