Reject unconstitutional defunding of nonpartisan public media

The executive order seeking to end federal funding for NPR and PBS is a misguided attack on independent, nonpartisan journalism that serves communities across the country. Public broadcasters like NPR and PBS provide vital news, educational programming, and emergency information to millions of Americans, especially in rural and underserved areas where access to reliable media is limited. Cutting off funding would undermine their ability to fulfill this crucial public service mission. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a private, nonprofit organization created by Congress precisely to insulate public media from political interference and safeguard its editorial independence. The President lacks the authority to unilaterally defund or exercise control over CPB and its grantees. This executive order is an unconstitutional overreach that violates the First Amendment and CPB's statutory firewall against federal meddling. Independent journalism acts as a watchdog on power and gives voice to diverse perspectives across the political spectrum. By providing noncommercial, educational programming free from commercial pressures, public broadcasters foster an informed citizenry essential to a healthy democracy. Preserving robust federal funding for CPB, NPR, PBS and other public media entities is vital to ensuring all Americans have access to truthful, high-quality news and information. I urge you to stand up for the First Amendment, democratic principles, and the public interest by opposing this unlawful executive order.