I am writing from [City, State] to urge you to protect funding for public media. Federal funding is essential for local public media stations in communities like mine, providing essential services to all Americans in education, community connection, and public safety that are free and accessible. 

Local public media stations like PBS Western Reserve are some of the last local media, particularly in rural, remote and underserved communities. The Government Accountability Office has concluded that the federal investment is essential to ensuring public television’s universal service, particularly in rural America.  

At about $1.60 per person per year, and less than .01% of the federal budget, federal funding for public media is an exceptional return on investment for Americans. Federal funding for my local station, PBS Western Reserve, amounts to about 25 cents per person in their viewing area. For the 21st year in a row, public television was ranked the most trusted institution, with 87% of Americans agreeing that public television provides an excellent value to communities. Plus, public media contributes significantly to the economy by creating jobs, driving tourism, and supporting local businesses. Every $1 of federal funding generates more than $6 in local economic impact. 

The work of public media happens at the local level, replicated across the country in communities like mine. PBS Western Reserve prioritizes local storytelling initiatives that reflect the Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania region, operating in service of my community without incentive for profit. It enriches my life with uplifting, enlightening programming at no cost to me. PBS Western Reserve strengthens the educational landscape of the region by providing training and resources to educators and engaging directly with the community through valuable educational initiatives like Tuesday’s for Toddlers.  

Protect funding for public media because it’s more than television. There is no meaningful alternative to the educational value, public safety services and community enrichment offered by the public media system and local stations like PBS Western Reserve. Our government’s investment in public media is an investment in the public good and an amazing accomplishment. From providing lifesaving communication via the EAS system to providing critical education resources for the 52% of 3-to-4-year-olds in the U.S. who do NOT attend preschool and operating the largest nonprofit GED program in the country, public media matters in my community and beyond.  

Thank you for taking the time to read my request.