Congress makes the final funding decisions. Tell your lawmakers: restore funding for local public media stations.
The President has released his Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget request to Congress, and it includes no funding for local public media stations.
Now, Congress begins deciding which programs to fund and at what levels, marking a critical opportunity to advocate for the restoration of federal funding for local stations.
The most important action viewers and listeners can take right now is to urge their lawmakers to protect the future of local public media stations by bringing back funding.
What the President’s Budget Actually Means
The President’s budget is a proposal to Congress that outlines the Administration’s funding priorities for the coming fiscal year. It is not legally binding, and Congress makes the final decisions.
Each year, lawmakers in the House and Senate draft and negotiate appropriations bills that decide which programs receive funding and at what levels. That process is beginning.
So, while this proposal includes no funding for local public media stations, it does not mean funding is gone for good. It means the fight to restore funding in FY 2027 is starting now.
What’s at Stake for Local Communities
Last year’s rescission of federal funding has already taken a toll on local public radio and television stations and the services they provide. Stations have reduced staff, scaled back educational outreach for children and families, cut local reporting and storytelling, eliminated specialized programming channels, and canceled local programs that communities rely on.
Even with these challenges, local public media stations continue to show up every day, serving their communities and reaching everyone regardless of income or geography. But without federal funding, that service is at risk.
Dozens of local stations are now at risk of going off the air. For many communities, especially in rural and underserved areas, that could mean losing their only source of local media, trusted information, life-saving public safety alerts and free educational resources.
There’s Bipartisan Support in Congress
Support for federal funding of public media stations has long crossed party lines. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle understand the essential role stations play in their communities, especially in rural and underserved areas. But that support does not automatically translate into funding.
Members of Congress decide what to fight for based on what they hear from their constituents. If they are not hearing about this now, it risks being left out.
The Most Powerful Action You Can Take Right Now
As Congress begins setting FY 2027 funding priorities, early outreach is critical.
The most powerful action you can take is to contact your Members of Congress and urge them to prioritize restoring federal funding for local public media stations.
You can:
- Send a message in just a few clicks
- You can customize this message and share why your local station matters to you and your community
- Call your lawmakers directly
Why Acting Now Makes a Difference
This is when lawmakers begin setting their priorities for the year ahead.
While funding decisions continue to evolve throughout the process, early input helps shape what gets attention and momentum.
That’s why reaching out now can make a difference.
Every message, call, and story helps ensure this issue is part of the conversation from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the President’s budget include funding for local public media stations?
No. The President’s budget does not include funding for local public media stations, but it’s not the final word. Congress determines final funding levels through the appropriations process.
Has federal funding already been cut?
Yes. Last summer, Congress rescinded federal funding for local public media stations. This new budget proposal does not include restoring that funding, which is why advocacy is so important now.
Can funding still be restored for FY 2027?
Yes. Congress can choose to restore funding as part of the FY 2027 appropriations process.
Is there support in Congress for local public media?
Yes. There is bipartisan recognition of the value of local public media stations, but lawmakers must continue to hear from constituents to make it a priority.
What’s the best way to help?
Contact your Members of Congress and urge them to prioritize restoring federal funding for local public media stations. Personal messages about why your station matters to your community are especially powerful.
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