President Trump is once again trying to eliminate federal funding for PBS, NPR, and local public broadcasters, asking Congress to rescind $1.1 billion already approved.

This is not just an attack on news and culture. It’s a direct threat to emergency alerts, local journalism, children’s programming, and rural communities that depend on public media to stay informed and safe.

Public broadcasting is not political, it’s a public service. Millions rely on it for trustworthy reporting, educational shows, and real-time information during disasters. In many areas, it’s the only source of reliable news.

This ongoing effort to silence independent voices and dismantle lifelines to underserved communities is dangerous and undemocratic.

Public broadcasting belongs to all of us, not the political whims of one man.

We demand that Congress reject Trump’s rescission request and stand up for the freedom of the press, local voices, and the life-saving power of public broadcasting.

Do not gut what saves lives. Fund public media. Protect PBS and NPR. Now.

Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images