1. United States
2. W.V.
3. Letter

For years, Americans have rated local public radio and television stations among the most trusted media sources and best federal investments. For about $1.60 per person annually, more than 1,500 locally operated public radio and television stations strengthen virtually every American community, ensuring universal access to impactful local journalism and storytelling, effective educational resources, and reliable emergency communications. Eliminating Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding or prohibiting NPR and PBS from accessing federal funds would have detrimental consequences for local stations and communities nationwide and ignores the American people’s strong support for public media funding. Proposed legislation could lead to the loss of: The most reliable source of emergency alerts and warnings, delivered to your cell phones and airwaves. The only source of school readiness for more than half of America’s children who cannot afford preschool. Local journalism, storytelling, and content that celebrates and preserves local history and culture. Parent approved, evidence-based educational content and local outreach that supports children and families, and forums to address community issues. Local workforce training, certifications, and resources for the underemployed and unemployed. Public media service in many areas of the country. Public media stations serving rural and Native American communities, often the sole source of local media available in those areas. Studies show that countries with robust public media systems have healthier democracies, contributing to more civic engagement. Furthermore, the ongoing decline of local newspapers and the rise of subscription-based media underscores the importance of preserving public radio and television stations, which are among the last remaining locally operated media organizations in our country. Please reject proposals or legislation that seek to restrict, weaken or defund public media and protect these valued sources of information, education, and enrichment.