Patty Satalia

State College

Penn State’s recent announcement to shutter public media stations WPSU-TV & FM has sparked community backlash. An online petition to save the stations has secured thousands of signatures.

But not a peep from Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson. Nothing in his recent newsletter, “The Good, the Bad, and the Local.” This certainly qualifies as “Bad” and “Local” news to his constituents!

If you’re wondering why there’ve been no public statements of concern about the shutdown, and no announcements to meet with constituents from GT’s office, let’s remember that GT voted to rescind more than $9B in ALREADY-APPROVED federal funds to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting!

For many in central and northern Pennsylvania, especially rural residents who contend with spotty cell service and no internet, WPSU’s closure represents the loss of free, high-quality educational and cultural programming for the entire family, vital local news coverage and essential public services that commercial broadcasters don’t prioritize.

WPSU is the key source of emergency alerts during natural disasters, from tornados and snowstorms to flash floods and frost advisories. These lifesaving warnings allow people to prepare and move away from risk. They’re crucial to farmers making decisions about planting and harvesting.

WPSU’s reporting on local politics and community issues is essential for an informed and engaged electorate. Without local news, voting tends to decrease. (Thompson himself has reached residents across our large district through WPSU.)

Ask yourself, why doesn’t Thompson seem to care if his constituents are uninformed and isolated?