Protect PBS

I once met Grover, but that's not the only reason I support public media.

It’s Critical to Protect PBS and Public Media in America

Public media has shaped generations—whether you grew up with Sesame Street, tuned in to your local news station during a crisis, or relied on PBS documentaries to learn about the world. Today, however, these essential services face ongoing threats to their federal funding.

Public media includes community-driven television and radio stations like PBS and NPR. These organizations operate as nonprofit entities, providing educational programming, local journalism, and cultural content—all available for free to millions of Americans, regardless of their income or location.

The Protect My Public Media campaign works to safeguard this critical resource by rallying public support and urging lawmakers to maintain federal funding.

5 Reasons Why We Must Protect PBS and Public Media

1. Free, High-Quality Education for All Ages

Public media has long been a trusted educational partner for families and schools. From early learning shows like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to media literacy tools for classrooms, PBS makes education accessible to everyone—especially those who can’t afford private learning resources.

2. Trusted Local News and Emergency Alerts

Local PBS and NPR stations often fill the gap left by declining commercial newsrooms. These stations deliver reliable journalism, public health updates, and emergency broadcasts that keep communities safe and informed—especially in rural or underserved regions.

3. Big Impact for Just $1.60 Per American

Federal funding for public media costs taxpayers less than two dollars per person per year. Yet this small investment unlocks millions in additional donations from viewers, listeners, and local businesses. It’s one of the most cost-effective public services in America.

Without this funding, many stations—especially in rural communities—could be forced to shut down or cut services dramatically.

4. Supporting Democracy Through Fact-Based Reporting

A healthy democracy depends on an informed public. Public media provides fact-based, nonpartisan reporting that helps citizens understand the issues that affect their lives.

Defunding public media could worsen the rise of "news deserts," areas with little or no access to trustworthy local journalism, weakening civic engagement across the country.

5. Celebrating Community, Arts, and Culture

Public media isn’t just about news and education. It also highlights local artists, cultural events, and diverse voices that often go unheard in mainstream media. From showcasing local theater productions to covering neighborhood stories, public media helps communities stay connected and celebrated.

How You Can Take Action

Want to help protect PBS and public media? Here are three simple ways you can make a difference:

1. Contact Your Representatives - Send a message to your members of Congress

2. Sign a Petition - Add your name to the growing list of supporters

3. Spread the Word - Talk to your friends and family about why public media matters

   
   

Keep Public Media Strong for Generations to Come

Public media strengthens our communities, educates future generations, and preserves the democratic values we hold dear. With just a small investment, we can ensure that these trusted services continue to reach every corner of the country—regardless of income, politics, or geography.