1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Defunding public media outlets like PBS and NPR would severely undermine access to high-quality, noncommercial programming that serves the public interest. These organizations play a vital role in providing educational content, objective journalism, and programming that reflects the diversity of our society. Attempts to cut their funding over perceived ideological bias set a dangerous precedent of using financial pressure to influence editorial decisions and content. Maintaining a robust public media system is essential for preserving free expression and ensuring all Americans have access to trustworthy information from sources insulated from corporate interests or political interference. I urge you to protect funding for PBS, NPR and safeguard their editorial independence as pillars of our democratic society.