Please don’t defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting!

I am writing to strongly oppose any proposed cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). These cuts would have a devastating effect on millions of Americans who rely on PBS and NPR for trusted, independent, and essential news coverage. Public broadcasting is not just a source of entertainment. It is a critical institution that keeps Americans informed, educated, and connected to their communities. I use PBS and NPR as my primary daily news sources. Its thoughtful, fact-based reporting helps me stay informed about both national and local events. For many Americans—particularly those in rural areas—it may be the only source of reliable news, given the consolidation and disappearance of local newspapers and radio outlets. Moreover, PBS and NPR provide vital local programming and coverage of issues often ignored by commercial media. Public radio and television stations are also crucial sources of emergency alerts and weather updates, especially in areas where internet and cellular coverage can be limited. Cutting funding to CPB would endanger the ability of these stations to fulfill that public safety function. Public broadcasting represents one of the most cost-effective uses of federal dollars—receiving just a fraction of one percent of the federal budget, yet delivering enormous value in return. These proposed cuts would be a disservice to the millions of Americans who depend on public broadcasting for education, civic engagement, and emergency communication. I urge you to fully fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and to stand up for the public’s right to access free, independent, and trustworthy media.