The week of July 14, the Senate will consider the Rescissions Act, legislation that would take back $1.1 billion in already-approved public media funding, posing an unprecedented and immediate threat to the future of local public radio and television stations nationwide. The Senate may amend the package and its critical that cuts to public media funding are removed.

Why the Rescissions Package Matters

The rescissions package, a rarely used method to cut federal spending, is a fast-moving legislative threat. Under the rescissions process, Congress has until July 18 to approve this package. The Senate can pass a rescission with just a simple majority of just 50 votes, making every vote critically important. That means Congress could revoke public media funding that’s already been approved and committed to stations.

What’s at Stake

Federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports local stations’ essential programs and services, is targeted for elimination.

For about $1.60 per person each year, federal funding powers:

• Lifesaving geotargeted emergency alerts and warnings delivered to your cell phones and the airwaves.
• Captivating local programming and community engagement, thought-provoking documentaries and stories, public forums tackling local issues, enriching cultural experiences, and educational workshops supporting children and caregivers.
• Educational content and resources, proven by 100+ studies to boost children’s literacy, math, and science skills.
• PreK-12 classroom tools for educators, children, and families.

Taking back this funding would immediately undermine stations’ ability to serve their communities. Numerous studies confirm there is no replacement for federal support. Stations would face tough choices — cutting programs, reducing outreach, shrinking coverage, or going off-air entirely. Small, rural, and Native American-operated stations, who are often some of their communities’ only local media sources, would be at greatest risk.

Protect My Public Media has launched a nationwide grassroots mobilization to fight back against this proposal.

Don’t wait. Call or email your Senators today and urge them to oppose any attempt to eliminate public media funding.

Then, help us build momentum by encouraging your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.

Stay tuned for updates and action alerts — and thank you for standing with public media.