Defend public broadcasting and journalistic independence for democracy

The president's executive order seeking to defund NPR and PBS is an unacceptable attack on free speech and a free press. These public broadcasting networks provide essential news, educational programming, and emergency services to communities across the country. Attempts to cut off their federal funding due to perceived ideological bias are a blatant intimidation tactic against journalistic independence. A vibrant democracy depends on the ability of media organizations to report without fear of financial retaliation from the government. I urge you to denounce this order and reaffirm Congress's constitutional role in appropriating funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is explicitly shielded from political interference. Preserving editorial freedom at NPR, PBS and local public media stations nationwide is crucial for upholding First Amendment rights.