1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

Public media plays a vital role in serving communities across the nation, providing reliable news and educational programming that enriches our society. Federal funding ensures access to these crucial resources, especially in rural and underserved areas where alternatives are limited. Without this support, many local stations would face severe cutbacks or closure, leaving vast regions as news deserts. Public media upholds principles of editorial independence, objectivity, and a commitment to reflecting diverse perspectives – values that strengthen our democracy. Preserving federal funding is an investment in an informed citizenry and preserving the free exchange of ideas. For these reasons, it is imperative that Congress rejects proposals to defund public media and safeguards this essential public service.