1. United States
2. Letter

The decision to defund public media outlets like NPR and PBS is highly concerning and detrimental to the free flow of information and diverse perspectives in our society. These organizations have a proven track record of providing educational, cultural, and nonpartisan news content that enriches public discourse. Cutting their funding would undermine their ability to serve as a trusted, independent source of information and programming, especially in underserved communities. While claims of bias have been made, the data shows that NPR and PBS strive to maintain balanced coverage across the political spectrum. The reality is that the current media landscape is increasingly polarized and profit-driven, making public media's role as an impartial, non-commercial entity even more vital. Eliminating their federal funding would deprive millions of Americans access to high-quality journalism and educational resources. Furthermore, defunding these outlets would contradict the principles of free speech and a free press enshrined in the First Amendment. Public media serves as a crucial counterweight to the consolidation of private media ownership and the proliferation of misinformation and partisan rhetoric. Its continued funding is an investment in an informed citizenry and a vibrant democracy. I urge you to reconsider this decision and instead work to strengthen and protect public media's ability to fulfill its mission of serving the public interest. The modest federal funding these institutions receive pales in comparison to the immense value they provide in fostering an educated, engaged populace.