Public Media Matters
Congress has begun the process of setting federal funding priorities for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, which will influence the ability of local public media stations around the country to continue delivering essential services to their communities.
For decades, federal funding has helped sustain the services of PBS Western Reserve and stations nationwide every day, from local storytelling and educational resources for children and families to life-saving emergency alerts and so much more.
Although public media was defunded last year, the FY 2027 federal funding process underway gives lawmakers the chance to restore. But that only happens if they hear from community members like you. The appropriations process unfolds over many months, which makes it critical that members of Congress hear consistently from their constituents that federal support for local public media stations should be restored.
Now is the time to let Congress know that PBS Western Reserve is important to you and your community. Contact your members of Congress and ask them to prioritize restoring federal funding for local public media stations at ProtectMyPublicMedia.org.
March 31, 2026, Update — Executive order to end federal funding for PBS and NPR ruled unlawful
Citing the First Amendment, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss agreed to permanently block the presidential directive to end federal funding for PBS and NPR. The ruling is a welcome outcome for PBS Western Reserve and the public media industry, but its effects are not immediately clear, as the current Administration may appeal.
It is important to note that this decision does not change the financial circumstances of PBS Western Reserve or other public media organizations because the rescission of federal funds was a Congressional decision, separate from the executive order.
PBS Western Reserve supporters who wish to see funding restored in Fiscal Year 2027 should contact their representatives in Congress.
Judge blocks Trump's executive order to end federal funding for PBS and NPR | PBS NEWS
