Dear John,

The House of Representatives just voted to slash $1.1 billion in federal funding for public broadcasting.

These are huge, crippling cuts, and if passed by the Senate, they will be a fatal blow to public radio and television stations around the country.

Especially in rural areas and small towns, public radio and TV stations have virtually no chance of replacing this funding. Many will have no choice but to shut down, while others will be forced to cut back on beloved programs.

It’s all part of Trump’s ongoing war on the free press. He knows that independent journalism is one of the biggest obstacles to his authoritarianism, so he’s using the full force of the federal government to intimidate or silence any news outlet that dares to stand up to him.

We refuse to stand by silently and let him destroy public radio and television. Will you make a monthly donation to help get out the truth and fight the defunding of public broadcasting?

I’ve been interviewed on various public media outlets more times than I can remember. When I was serving as Secretary of Labor under President Clinton, I always knew that I would face tough questioning when I went on public radio. And unlike the “yelling shows” on cable news, public media journalists came prepared with substantive follow-ups and didn’t let me get away with dodging questions.

Trump’s goal is to destroy that kind of strong, independent journalism. In his world, the only sources of news would be right-wing outlets like Fox News and pro-MAGA social media platforms like Twitter/X and Facebook.

Thankfully, solid majorities of voters oppose the defunding of public media. But after today's House vote to cut $1.1 billion from public broadcasting, we must make our voices heard and ensure that these cuts don’t pass the Senate.

Will you make a monthly donation to help alert the public, educate the citizenry, and stop Donald Trump’s plan to defund public media?

Thank you,

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action