PUBLIC MEDIA AT RISK

Greenmark 101
Jul 20
5 min read

"We are G-101 SPM AI with both eyes open." TM — ***"We are G-101 SPM AI with both eyes open."*** TM

On July 18, the House of Representatives passed the Senate-amended Rescissions Act, eliminating all previously approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. The bill passed by a vote of 216–213. This legislation defunds public media for the first time in our nation’s history. It is difficult to express the depth of disappointment this moment brings. This is not just a policy decision – it’s a decision that undermines a system hundreds of millions rely on for emergency communications, educational content, local news, and community connection. And yet, through every twist, vote, and challenge in this process, one truth has stood tall: Americans overwhelmingly support federal funding for public media, and viewers and listeners across the country did everything possible to save it.

"Not good enough. Noise is just noise. The ballot box is where it counts."

History has proven that fact. Germens revolted, petitioned in the street, complained to their legislators --- nothing positive happened. Under Hitler's Nazi regime, public media in Germany was systematically destroyed and replaced with a comprehensive propaganda and censorship system designed to control public opinion and ensure unwavering support for the regime's ideology and actions. That's what we have here --- USA is on governed by the minority. It has become routine among Republicans on Capital Hill. Faced with a president with a maximalist view of his power who demands unflagging loyalty and disdain dissent, G.O.P lawmakers have repeatedly bowed to Trump on the most fundamental issues, giving over constructional prerogatives in the process.

Public media, like every other major institution, is imperfect. But it improves the lives of millions of Americans, and it strengthens American interests. It should not become yet another victim of our polarized political culture. People in Hazard and Petersburg, along with hundreds of other places, should not lose valuable public services because of partisan anger. Public media is important because it provides educational, cultural, and informational content that is accessible to everyone, especially in underserved communities. It fosters dialogue, strengthens communities, and serves as a trusted source of news and emergency information. Unlike commercial media, public media prioritizes public service over profit, ensuring diverse perspectives and vital community services are available

PBS stations offer free access to the arts, bringing performances and cultural experiences to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity. From local productions to national broadcasts of opera, dance, visual art and music, CET and Think^TV help democratize the arts and inspire creativity across all ages.

What Trump wants is not a reflection of public apathy. It’s the result of a narrow vote that flew in the face of overwhelming public support. The grassroots did not fail. In fact, the only reason this fight went as far as it did – and came as close as it did – is because so many people stood up for public media and kept the pressure on.

Many places in America, especially in rural communities, would not have a library without public funding. Police departments, the military, Medicare, Social Security and public education offer other examples. So does public media, including PBS, NPR and their local affiliates. As newspapers and television stations across the country fold, public radio and TV stations can be among the few sources of local news in rural areas. During storms and floods, radio can be the sole source of information when electricity goes out. After floods in Kentucky this year, a listener in the city of Hazard who had been without power and cellphone service wrote to her local public radio station to thank it for being her lifeline. At its best, public media is a classic public service — something that provides large benefits and that the private sector often fails to provide.

Trump and Republicans in Congress have passed legislation to gut public media. The White House requested, through a process known as rescission, that Congress claw back the $1.1 billion it previously allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds public media, for two years. The House and Senate approved the cuts this week.

The same applies to separate Republican plans for shrinking Voice of America, the government service that broadcasts in other countries. In some places, it is the only source of news that is not hostile to the United States or democracy. In China and Iran, residents who hear Voice of America get news and views that they may get nowhere else. Already, some networks that previously broadcast Voice of America have replaced it with Chinese state media, The Wall Street Journal reported. It is telling that supporters of the Chinese Communist Party are celebrating cuts to Voice of America.

As a citizen concerned about the potential cancellation of public media funding, you can take several actions to voice your support and advocate for its continued existence:

Contact Your Members of Congress:
- Reach out to your Senators and Representatives to express the importance of public media to you and your community.
- Share personal stories about how public media has impacted you (e.g., through news, education, or entertainment).
- Websites like Protect My Public Media provide tools to easily contact your representatives.
Engage with Advocacy Organizations:
- Support groups like Protect My Public Media that are actively working to safeguard public media funding and advocate on its behalf.
- Many public media organizations have joined coalitions like the Protect My Public Media coalition to present a united front to Congress.
Participate in Advocacy Campaigns:
- Sign petitions, join mailing lists, and participate in calls to action organized by public media advocacy groups.
- Attend or organize local events to raise awareness and demonstrate public support for public media.
Spread Awareness:
- Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the value of public media and the potential consequences of its defunding.
- Share information about public media's role in providing local news, educational content, and emergency services, especially in underserved communities.
- Utilize social media to share updates, engage in discussions, and encourage others to take action.
Support Local Stations:
- Make financial contributions to your local public radio and television stations. While federal funding is a significant portion of their budget, they also rely on local support.
- Consider volunteering your time or skills to your local station.

Important Notes:

Attempts to defund public media have a long history, but citizen engagement and advocacy have been crucial in protecting its funding in the past.
While federal funding is important, public media stations also rely on a mix of funding sources, including private donations and state/local government support.
Public media is seen by some as a vital democratic infrastructure and plays a role in providing diverse and critical media coverage and reducing inequalities in news provision.