The White House just released a budget proposal that would eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). [1] We can’t let this happen.

TELL CONGRESS TO SAVE PUBLIC BROADCASTING!

For 50 years, Americans have turned to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for local news, quality educational programming, and independent journalism without corporate or political influence, no matter where they live. In rural communities with few or no free broadcasting options, the CPB is a critical lifeline for information. [2]

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting relies almost entirely on the federal government for its funding. It’s one of the last remaining U.S. media groups that is insulated from commercial or political pressure -- and in today’s fragmented news landscape, the independent voices it supports are more valuable than ever.

The threat is real: We’ve seen profit-driven outlets cozy up to Donald Trump to boost ratings and ad revenues.

Last year, the president of CBS defended wall-to-wall coverage of Trump, saying that “it may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS” -- because “the money’s rolling in.” [3] NBC refused to part ways with Trump as executive producer of its reality show The Celebrity Apprentice. And CNN continues to try to appeal to Trump by hiring his former campaign officials. [5]

Over the next six weeks, Congress will consider Trump’s request to cut the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and legislators will release their own budget proposal. We can’t afford to lose the unique voices and perspectives that PBS, NPR, and hundreds of local stations across the country contribute to our public debate -- and it’s time to make sure our representatives know it.

Take action now: Don’t let Trump wipe out public broadcasting!

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