Target: Tom Cole, U.S. House Committee on Appropriations
Goal: Do not defund public media services that reach millions of Americans.
A satirical job posting from Elmo of Sesame Street fame drew some laughs online, but the roots of this joke are no laughing matter. The president recently issued an executive order directing the defunding of America’s top public broadcasting network provider, PBS, along with its top public radio service provider, NPR. The move is part of the president’s efforts to cease funding for public media altogether. The administration had already fired members of the PBS team, throwing out allegations of political bias…allegations dismissed by the Federal Election Commission.
Public media is not just a luxury. For many rural regions, it is a necessity and the only real means of receiving news and vital public warnings, such as weather alerts. At NPR alone, over a thousand stations serve communities across the country. Public stations also provide a form of community outreach, with programs that focus on regional matters and special events like town halls organized and broadcast for citizen participation.
Funding for these services is supposed to fall to Congress, and in years past it has always been a subject of non-partisan partnership. Sign the petition below to ensure support for an essential offering remains in place.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Representative Cole,
Upwards of 15 percent of Americans rely almost exclusively on public media outlets for news, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with their communities and local cultures. In the nation’s most rural regions, the percentages are likely much higher. Don’t let politics deprive American media consumers of these often-essential services.
Funding of public media has always been a bipartisan pursuit because our nation’s leaders have recognized the value and accessibility provided. Lives have even been saved due to the alert systems that can only work through 100 percent coverage. No more worthwhile investment exists.
The house of the people must stand behind the media of the people. Do not bow to outside pressure. Keep supporting American media’s unsung heroes.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Abdullah al Sayeem
