Dear Friend,
Yesterday the House of Representatives voted in favor of a rescission package that includes a clawback of $1.1 billion of Congressionally approved funding that supports public media. This federal funding is the bedrock on which stations like KQED stand in order to provide local services that inform, educate and keep our communities safe.
The rescission package now moves on to the Senate, where it will need only a simple majority to be enacted. Indications are that this will be a very tight vote — and one that should come quickly.
We need you to call and write your Senators today to oppose this rescission package and protect public media now and for future generations. Visit ProtectMyPublicMedia.com to learn how to contact your representatives and sign up for updates.
In a time filled with misinformation, public media is more critical than ever for the health of our democracy and the strength of our communities. KQED and public media stations across the country provide an essential service that keeps our communities informed and involved. The public broadcasting infrastructure provides a backup to the nationwide emergency alert system in times of crisis. And programming from PBS KIDS is free and accessible to educate our youngest children — the majority of whom do not attend formal preschool. An investment in public media is an investment in the civic and cultural vitality of our country.
Federal support for public broadcasting is a small but vital investment in communities that rely on us. It constitutes just .01% of the federal budget and amounts to just $1.60 per person annually — barely the cost of a pack of gum. And its value is far greater: For every federal dollar, stations like KQED raise seven times that on their own from support of members, underwriting and foundations.
Please don’t wait. Visit Protect My Public Media to make your voice heard — and ask others to do the same. |
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Thank you for your continued support and defense of public media.
Respectfully, |
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Michael J. Isip
President and CEO, KQED |
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