Congress has begun setting federal funding priorities for the coming fiscal year. While decisions will unfold over many months, the early stages of the appropriations process often determine which programs lawmakers choose to champion, and which fall off the agenda.

For supporters of local public media stations, this is an important moment to keep the issue front and center. Lawmakers often prioritize the issues their constituents continue raising. Speaking up now helps keep local public media stations in the conversation as funding priorities take shape, reminding champions to keep fighting for local stations and signaling to opponents that communities still care about their future.

What Communities Stand to Lose

Public media stations are the only local service designed to reach everyone, everywhere – regardless of income or zip code. They provide life-saving emergency information during storms, support children, families, educators, students, and job seekers with educational resources, and connect communities through local news, stories, and documentaries about the places we call home.

But the loss of federal funding has already put dozens of stations at risk of closure. The threat is particularly acute in rural and small communities, where the local resources simply do not exist to replace the federal support that helped keep stations on the air.

Why Advocates Still Matter

Over the past year, many Members of Congress – from both parties – have expressed concern about what the loss of federal funding could mean for local public media stations and the communities they serve.

But concern alone will not restore funding.

In Congress, issues become priorities when constituents keep raising them. Restoring support for local public media stations will require that continued pressure.

Take Action to Protect Local Public Media Stations

As Congress begins setting funding priorities for the year ahead, public media advocates have an opportunity to help shape the conversation.

Tell your Members of Congress to prioritize restoring federal funding for local public media stations. Your message helps ensure lawmakers understand how much communities rely on and value their local stations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is advocacy important right now?

Congress is beginning the appropriations process for the next fiscal year. During this stage, lawmakers start identifying the programs and services they want to prioritize for federal funding. Speaking up now helps ensure local public media stations remain part of those discussions.

Haven’t funding decisions already been made?

While last year’s loss of federal funding was significant, Congress revisits funding priorities each year through the annual appropriations process. The new fiscal year, FY 2027 is just beginning. That means opportunities remain to restore support for local public media stations.

What do local public media stations provide?

Local public media stations deliver emergency alerts and warnings, trusted local reporting and information, educational resources that supports early learners and students, and local storytelling that reflects community life.

Why does Congress need to hear from advocates?

Members of Congress often prioritize issues their constituents raise consistently. When advocates speak up, it signals that local public media stations remain important to the communities lawmakers represent.

What can I do to help?

Contact your Members of Congress and ask them to prioritize restoring federal funding for local public media stations.