Restore Public Broadcast Funding: Keep Education and Emergency Alerts Strong

I’m asking you to restore federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)—which supports PBS, NPR, and more than 1,500 local public stations that reach 99% of Americans. For just $1.60 per person per year, taxpayers get trusted local news, children’s education programs, and the emergency alert systems that protect our families. That’s real value and accountability for a tiny fraction of the federal budget. Public broadcasting serves every state, red and blue alike. Local stations keep people informed during wildfires, tornadoes, and floods—when power or cell service fails, these stations stay on the air. In 2024 alone, they delivered over 11,000 official emergency alerts that helped save lives. Cutting this support hurts rural and small-town America most—the very communities that depend on these signals for safety and connection. PBS KIDS programs also give working parents reliable, wholesome content that teaches reading, math, and character values. Independent studies have shown measurable learning gains, especially where access to preschool is limited. That’s how we give children a stronger start without creating new bureaucracy or waste. Finally, PBS and NPR consistently rank among the most trusted news sources across the political spectrum. Americans want fact-based information, not corporate or partisan spin. Restoring CPB funding protects that balance—keeping information local, reliable, and free to all. Please act now to reinstate this essential funding and keep public broadcasting strong for every American.