Preserve public broadcasting and access to free press

The administration's proposed cuts to public broadcasting are a direct attack on the free press and access to vital information for all Americans. These draconian cuts of $1.1 billion to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would cripple local NPR and PBS stations across the country, threatening their ability to provide critical news coverage, educational programming, and emergency alerts to communities. This is especially concerning for rural areas where public media outlets are often the only source of local journalism and information. The minuscule federal funding for public broadcasting, amounting to less than 1/100th of the federal budget, delivers an immense public good by sustaining a robust nationwide network of over 1,000 local radio stations and 336 television stations. These stations are a lifeline for millions, offering trustworthy reporting, thought-provoking discussions, and enriching cultural content that commercial media frequently neglects. At a time when local journalism is in crisis and media consolidation threatens diverse voices, preserving robust public broadcasting is paramount to a healthy democracy. I urge you to forcefully reject any efforts to undermine NPR, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through devastating funding cuts. Protecting this vital public resource must be a top priority to uphold the free flow of information and ensure all Americans have access to high-quality educational and journalistic programming, regardless of location or income level.