Neighbors, May 5, 2017 will be a beautiful day in the neighborhood to show our support for public radio and television stations! We’re putting on our sweaters to honor the anniversary of Fred Rogers’s congressional testimony that saved public media funding AND tell our neighbors that we support funding.

What are we honoring?

Nearly 48 years ago, Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’s Neighborhood testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications to stop a proposal to cut funding. He passionately spoke about public television’s role in providing social and emotional education to children. His testimony gave the Subcommittee Chairman John O. Pastore “goosebumps.” Most importantly, the proposal was stopped and funding was later increased, thanks to Fred Rogers’s heartfelt testimony.

Why is it important to participate in It’s A Beautiful Day?

Today, the President’s budget recommends eliminating federal funding for public radio and television stations. Congress hasn’t made federal funding decisions yet, so this is another opportunity to tell our lawmakers that we support funding.

How do you participate in It’s A Beautiful Day?

On or before May 5, 2017:

1. Pick out a Mister Rogers-style sweater or cardigan. It doesn’t need to be red. Any color or style will do.
2. Take a photo of yourself in your sweater or enlist your friends for a group photo!
3. Go to protectmypublicmedia.org/beautiful-day-upload/ to share your photo and story about why public media matters to you.
4. OR submit your photo to our Facebook wall or Twitter with the hashtag #ItsABeautifulDay

Let’s make the most of this beautiful day and remind our neighbors, and Congress, that the American people support public media funding! If you need inspiration, watch: