Public media has been defunded. Station closures have already been announced, and more than 115 stations remain at risk. Across the country, local public media stations are cutting essential programs and community services that were once sustained by federal funding.

The FY 2026 funding process is nearing completion, and the next phase of federal funding decisions is starting to take shape. Without restored support, more local public media stations could be forced off the air, leaving rural and small communities without trusted local news and storytelling, educational resources, and reliable emergency information.

Americans overwhelmingly support and rely on local public media stations for connection, learning, and safety. Urge your lawmakers to support restoring funding for local public media stations before more communities lose access to these essential services.