1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The Republican Party's decision to eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting deals a devastating blow to communities across America. For nearly six decades, CPB has built and sustained an essential public media system that educates, informs, and connects citizens from all walks of life. Its partnership with local stations has brought high-quality educational content, locally relevant journalism, emergency communications, cultural programming, and vital services to every corner of the nation. Stripping CPB of its funding undermines a trusted institution that has strengthened American civil society and democracy. Public media provides educational opportunity, emergency alerts, thoughtful discourse, and cultural connections that unite rather than divide us. Its loss will be profoundly felt, particularly in rural and underserved areas with limited media options. In the interest of an informed citizenry and strong communities, we urge Congress to rectify this damaging decision. Restoring robust federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is vital to preserving a public media system that enriches and elevates American civic life. Public broadcasting must be safeguarded as a treasured national asset serving all people.