If the Trump administration has its way, public broadcasting will soon be in the clutches of big business.
For decades, federally funded media outlets PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) and NPR (National Public Radio) have offered classic programming that we all love. For many low-income families who cannot afford pre-school, this programming isn’t only for pleasure; it’s a necessity. Educational shows like The Electric Company are the only option available to prepare their children for the future.
Now, Republicans are scheming to cut off federal funding and privatize public broadcasting. Giving corporations free reign to own and regulate broadcasting will have a chilling affect on society, especially for those who have little access to anything else. Don’t give big business the chance to control what we see and learn.
The people have the power to change this. Trump can’t eliminate PBS without the approval of Congress. Sign the petition and tell Congress hands off of PBS.
Consider this—for the irreplaceable content that PBS provides, it only costs taxpayers $1.35 per citizen, per year. That’s a tiny amount compared to the educational and cultural value we get from masterpieces like Downton Abbey and the educational jewel, Sesame Street.
In poor rural areas especially, slashing PBS will be devastating. Often, this is the only public television service available in their immediate viewing area. They depend on these media outlets to provide real-time, unbiased news on current events that have a tremendous affect on their lives.
Sign the petition and demand that Congress not allow the Trump administration to shortchange it’s citizens--don't cut funding for PBS.
