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Millions of Americans use public media every month. 42 million Americans experience public radio across platforms through more than 1,207 public radio station each week. 160+ million Americans watch public television through 357 public television stations over the course of the year. The White House is planning to release a proposal that would claw back already approved public media funding. If Congress agrees, your local stations could lose critical support – immediately.
Save your local stations. Urge your lawmakers to oppose the rescissions package.
Local public media stations are among the last locally managed and controlled media outlets in the country.
Find out why it’s important to preserve local stations like ours at:
In a new Op-Ed for The Press Democrat, Darren LaShelle, President & CEO of NorCal Public Media, explains why public media is essential and how threatened federal funding puts vital services at risk: Click Here to read the full article
“Federal funding of the Ready to Learn program allows public media stations to educate early learners, leading to a stronger community. When children enter school ready-to-learn, they have a jumpstart on the educational experience which can positively impact their entire lives. They perform better in school, have higher graduation rates, and are more likely to attend college or university.”
Kathy O’Donnell
Professor Emerita
San Francisco State University
“Local public media stations are among the only locally owned and operated media outlets in the United States. Federal funding allows NorCal Public Media to focus on local needs and issues; from cultural programs that explore the arts to multi-media projects that explore public health and health disparities in our region. For some, NorCal Public Media is their only exposure to this essential community information.”
Andrew Akufo
Local Government Analyst
Owner, Andrew Akufo Art Enterprise
“Together, federal funding and contributions from viewers and listeners make public media possible. NorCal Public Media needs both funding sources to continue the important work they do with students and professors from Sonoma State University and the Santa Rosa Junior College to provide the community with free educational opportunities and experiences that foster civic pride and encourage lifelong learning.”
Jerlena Griffin-Desta, Ph.D.
Retired Higher Education Administrator
California State University System
“Local public media stations serve nearly 99% of the U.S. population, including rural and remote communities. NorCal Public Media is a great partner with local libraries, making possible free public screenings at library locations of a variety of documentary programs exploring the issues that our communities face - including the housing crisis, homelessness, and programs for children and families.”
Erika Thibault
Library Director, Sonoma County Library
Former Volunteer Coordinator, KCRW
“Federal funding for public media represents just .01% of the federal budget and is a great value for the return on investment. In our community, NorCal Public Media partners with the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management to alert the public about essential and lifesaving information during natural disasters, including wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. We value their partnership.”
Nancy Brown, Ph.D.
Community Preparedness Program Manager
Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management
