Why Public Media Matters 

The federal government continues to ponder whether public media matters, or at least if it matters enough to warrant federal funding.  On June 12, the House of Representatives voted through a recission package to claw back two years’ worth of previously allocated federal funding for public media. Now in July, the Senate will vote. This is a critical time for every public broadcasting station in the country. 

Over the past four months, millions of Americans have reached out to congress to urge them to continue federal funding for stations like WTVP. Why? Because Public Media has played a profound role in their own lives and the lives of the people they love. Public Broadcasting stations around the country have helped to foster life-long learning, community connection and individual excellence for over 50 years! Collectively, stations nationwide have helped redeem the wasteland of commercial television and carve out a space of purpose and excellence that has the potential to change lives and strengthen communities. Now more than ever, screen content plays a critical role in our health, wellness, development and quality of life. We become better versions of ourselves when we are inspired, equipped and connected to make a difference in the world around us. There must be a place where “good-for-you” content can be made available free of commercial influence, agenda and a “for-profit” mindset.  

So today we launch our Why Public Media Matters campaign. You’ll see special messages on air, in our social media posts and in our program guide detailing the value and collective impact of the work we do. During the month of July, we highlight our undeniably essential support of early childhood education and Kindergarten Readiness. This is an astounding return on investment that benefits every young child and parent living in this country. Just one of the key reasons, Why Public Media Matters. 

Thank you for watching WTVP! 

Jenn 

P.S. If you want to see federal funding continue for WTVP, contact your Senators today at www.protectmypublicmedia.org.