Public broadcasting has long been a vital resource for all Americans, fostering education, enlightenment, and cultural exchange. In Connecticut, the local PBS and NPR stations serve as key pillars for our communities, delivering in-depth news coverage, diverse programming, and enriching educational content. However, recent federal budget proposals threaten significant funding cuts to these essential services.

The importance of PBS and NPR cannot be understated. PBS is watched by 80% of all U.S. television households over the course of a year, providing access to high-quality educational content that is otherwise unavailable to many families. Meanwhile, NPR reaches 57 million weekly radio listeners, offering trustworthy news coverage and a platform for diverse voices and opinions. These institutions are more than just broadcasters; they are cultural cornerstones, providing free access to information and nurturing informed and engaged citizens.

The proposed cuts would jeopardize the ability of public broadcasting in Connecticut to offer its critical services. Many of our local stations rely heavily on federal funding to sustain their operations and continue to produce quality content. Without this support, they may face programming reductions, staff layoffs, and even the risk of shutting down completely, further limiting access to unbiased and educational information, especially in underserved areas.

Federal funding for public broadcasting represents just 0.01% of the federal budget, a small amount that yields significant returns by educating millions of Americans. Public broadcasting serves a crucial role, providing coverage that is often not found in commercial media due to its focus on profit over public interest.

We urge you to stand with public broadcasting and oppose any reduction in federal funding for PBS and NPR. Preserving these services ensures that future generations continue to benefit from the rich educational and cultural opportunities they provide. Please support the continuance of public broadcasting by signing this petition to reject federal cuts and protect PBS and NPR in Connecticut.