Kelly Hastings

Mill Hall

The current administration has indicated that they want to eliminate all funding for America’s public TV and public radio stations, going as far as taking back funds that Congress, in bi-partisan votes, had already appropriated.

The vast majority of federal funding goes to local public media stations like WPSU, which are some of the last local media, particularly in rural, remote and underserved communities throughout the country. 

As a Board member for WPSU, I know that Federal funding for public broadcasting is an irreplaceable investment in local communities which is broadly supported by the American public. For the 22nd year in a row, public television was ranked the most trusted institution, with 76% of Americans agreeing that public television provides an excellent value to communities.

At about $1.60 per person per year, and less than .01% of the federal budget, federal funding for public broadcasting provides an exceptional return on investment through public safety partnerships, educational services and homegrown programming.

88% of parents agree that PBS Kids is a trusted and safe source for children to watch television, and play digital games and mobile apps. No other media organization that engages children in such a meaningful way.

WPSU offers programming that expose viewers to science, music, theater, dance, art and more.

Please let your members of Congress know that you want them keep public broadcasting vibrant and viable by rejecting the proposed cuts. Visit ProtectMyPublicMedia.org and let your voice be heard.