1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I’m writing to urge you to stand firm in support of federal funding for public media, including PBS and NPR, especially in light of recent calls by former President Trump to defund these vital institutions. Public broadcasting is one of the few truly nonpartisan, trustworthy sources of news and education available to all Americans. PBS and NPR provide essential services: in-depth journalism, fact-based reporting, emergency information, and enriching educational programming for children and adults alike. These services are especially critical in rural and underserved communities where public media may be the only consistent and reliable source of such content. Calls to eliminate funding for public broadcasting are shortsighted and dangerous. At a time when misinformation is rampant and public trust in institutions is fragile, we need media that is independent, publicly accountable, and focused on the public good—not profit. Federal support makes up only a small portion of public media’s funding, but it’s foundational. Without it, many local stations—particularly those in smaller communities—could be forced to reduce services or close entirely. I ask you to publicly oppose efforts to defund PBS, NPR, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and to advocate for continued, stable funding. Millions of Americans, myself included, rely on public media and value its unique role in strengthening our democracy. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued service.