1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Growing up in Waitsburg, my family never had cable. We got NBC, CBS, and a grainy ABC, with PBS only appearing when the weather was good. Whenever PBS came through, I loved watching Sesame Street and Masterpiece Theater. NPR was the constant background sound at home, whether it was Selected Shorts, Garrison Keillor, or classical music on the radio. Paul Harvey at lunch was a must. As an adult, I’ve lived in in many countries and had fascinating conversations about how television works across the world. Imagine my shock when I first learned some countries had a television tax! I declared the US system far superior—until 2014, when my perspective shifted dramatically during a seven-month stay in the UK with my 2- and 4-year-old children. Using the government-funded CBeebies channel, my kids watched shows in 5–15 minute segments that focused on phonics (Alphablocks), kindness and inclusion (Mr. Tumble), history and geography (Teacup Travels), and health (Get Well Soon), while others explored astronomy, the natural world, and literature. Unlike the US, where advertising dominates, the UK system fosters high-quality programming aligned with the school curriculum. The BBC’s child-focused content extends to its website and older children’s channels, offering exceptional study resources tied to national exams. By funding TV, the UK shapes its citizens into informed, compassionate individuals. My children learned to sound out letters instead of absorbing fighting and insults and brainless Spongebob jokes. They learned sign language and empathy for others. While the US contributes very little to NPR or PBS, the funding it provides creates educational programming that benefits our nation. Imagine what could be achieved with even greater investment. The administration’s desire to strip what little support they give to these vital tools is short sighted. I’ve learned that government funding truly impacts the citizens that they create. Please support NPR and PBS funding.