Every month over 170 million Americans use public media – through 368 public television stations, 934 public radio stations, hundreds of online services, education services, and in-person events and activities.
Every month over half of all Americans use public media.
As you may or may not know, the recently elected Republican Congress has made modes to de-fund all of Public Media. What I ask here today is not to instill a Red V Blue, Liberal V Conservative war.... what I ask is for help preserving what i and many others see as the last shred of dignified; qualified journalism in broadcast. Maybe you find it dry & boring, but before you write off NPR & PBS please consider the small communities with little more than a low power FM local and/or church based station, or virtual lack of high-speed cable television & internet... not to mention the schools that depend on public support to educate and involve the next wave of broadcasters.
While we are still recovering from a devastating recession I can sympathize with politicians trying to save money, but the overall effect of de-funding would provide less than 1% of federal returns while devastating up to 20% of some stations budgets. And while there are certainly some 'bleeding hearts' on the executive board that may deserve to be punished; just listening to NPR or watching PBS proves that the majority of the operation does not... This is about a petty disagreement about partisanship and competitive affiliation. And besides, do you really want future generations growing up without Sesame Street?
Without government assistance, many stations will not be able to afford dues, many wont be able to produce and participate in public exchange and we will see the demise of many more outlets... or worse yet: the pandering to the private sector in desperate need for sponsorship thereby sullying the non-commercial appeal.
The bill passed the House today...Please help me take action! This bill becoming law would impact all stations
Submit a plea to your senator here > http://ow.ly/4gLkh
Some of us are fortunate enough to be able to contribute to the corporation for public broadcasting to support and show our appreciation but many can not. If you can, please donate to your local public station from NPR.org ... every dollar helps.
These resources are not 'just another medium' and no one will benefit from shrunken options on the dial. As a member and prior partner of NPR, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.