Bipartisan Public Broadcasting Caucus Co-Chairs Goldman and Amodei Defend Critical Role of Public Media

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Co-Chairs of the Public Broadcasting Caucus, Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02), issued a joint statement urging the Trump Administration to reconsider rescissions in funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  

  

“From coast to coast, Americans rely on public broadcasting for lifesaving emergency alerts, trusted news, and coverage on key issues that connects communities across our nation.  

  

“We see firsthand the valuable role public media plays across our districts, particularly in rural areas where, in many cases, it is the only available and reliable media service available. Of the 544 radio and television stations that receive federal funding, 245 serve rural communities and collectively support more than 5,950 local jobs. Rural broadcasters face significant challenges in raising private funds, making them particularly vulnerable if government funding is cut.  

  

“Our local stations are dedicated to serving their communities, but their ability to continue offering free, high-quality programming would be eliminated if the federal funding is rescinded. Rescinding this funding also would isolate rural communities, jeopardizing their access to vital resources they depend on.  

  

“Furthermore, public broadcasting represents less than 0.01% of the federal budget, yet its impact reaches every congressional district. Cutting this funding will not meaningfully reduce the deficit, but it will dismantle a trusted source of information for millions of Americans.  

  

“Public media has demonstrated a willingness to listen to the American public and adapt. While we reaffirm that public media must be objective and legitimate concerns about content should be addressed, funding decisions should be objective as well.   

  

“As Co-Chairs of the Public Broadcasting Caucus, we feel it is our responsibility to protect the lifeline public media plays in the day-to-day lives of our constituents. Above all, we seek to preserve non-commercial, community-rooted content that informs, protects, and connects all Americans, regardless of zip code or political affiliation.”