1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I'm writing to express my strong support for continued federal funding for public media, including PBS and NPR. As a constituent, I urge you to vote against any legislation that would prohibit federal funding for these vital organizations. Public media plays a crucial role in our country's media landscape, providing high-quality educational programming, news, and entertainment to millions of Americans. PBS and NPR are trusted sources of news and information, and their content is often more in-depth and nuanced than what's available on commercial networks. Federal funding for public media is a small but vital part of the overall budget. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) receives $535 million annually, which is a fraction of the federal budget. This funding is essential for local stations, especially in rural areas where federal dollars make up a significant portion of their budgets. Cutting funding for public media would not only harm local communities but also undermine the diversity of voices and perspectives that these organizations provide. PBS and NPR are working to include more diverse perspectives, including conservative viewpoints, to ensure their coverage is balanced and representative. I understand that there may be concerns about the role of public media in today's media landscape. However, I believe that these organizations are essential to a well-informed citizenry and a healthy democracy. Some key points to consider[¹](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/03/26/americans-more-likely-to-support-than-oppose-continuing-federal-funding-for-npr-and-pbs/): - *Public Support*: A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 43% of Americans support continued federal funding for NPR and PBS, while only 24% oppose it. - *Diverse Revenue Streams*: Public media relies on a combination of federal funding, member station fees, corporate and individual donations, and programming fees. - *Local Impact*: Federal funding is crucial for local stations, especially in rural areas where it can account for up to half of their budgets. I urge you to continue supporting public media and vote against any legislation that would harm these vital organizations. Thank you for considering my views.