President Trump’s executive order to eliminate federal funding for PBS and NPR is not about saving taxpayer dollars, it’s a direct attack on the health and well-being of our communities. As a school nurse, I see firsthand how public media serves as a lifeline for families, schools, and especially our most vulnerable children. This isn’t fiscal responsibility; it’s political retribution with dangerous consequences for public health.
Public Media: A Critical Public Health Resource
PBS and NPR are more than news outlets, they are trusted partners in public health. Their programming reaches over 99% of Americans, providing free, accessible information that saves lives. Public media stations serve as the backbones of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts, keeping communities informed during natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies. When the pandemic struck, it was PBS and NPR that delivered accurate, timely updates about COVID-19, vaccines, and safety protocols-especially to families without reliable internet access or other sources of information.
The Impact: Widening Health Disparities
Cutting federal funding threatens to shutter hundreds of local stations, particularly in rural and underserved areas where commercial media won’t go. These are the very communities that depend on public broadcasting for children’s educational shows, emergency alerts, and health information tailored to local needs. Without PBS and NPR, the information gap widens, and health disparities deepen. Families lose access to trusted guidance on everything from immunizations to disaster preparedness to mental health support.
Real Consequences for the Most Vulnerable: Children, Families, and Seniors
PBS CEO Paula Kerger warns that eliminating funding “disrupts the vital service PBS and local member stations deliver to the American population,”. The hardest hit? The children, families, and seniors who already have the fewest resources and the greatest health needs.
Defunding PBS and NPR would have a profound and damaging impact on Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC), a program that brings vital educational and health resources to children and families-especially those in underserved and rural areas.
SSIC relies on grants and partnerships with PBS stations, made possible by federal funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), to distribute content and engage local communities around critical topics like health emergencies, violence, emotional well-being, and early learning. If this funding is eliminated, the ability of SSIC to reach children and families with these resources would be severely curtailed. 
Take Action to Reverse the Silencing of a Lifeline
This executive order isn’t just an attack on journalism, it’s an assault on public health. Congress and the courts must act to protect the public’s access to trusted information. Public media is a cornerstone of both democracy and public health. We cannot allow it to be silenced.
Here’s What We Can Do:
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Contact Congress: Urge your representatives to reject proposals to eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS, and NPR.
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Sign Petitions and Share Your Story: Add your name to petitions and share how public media has impacted your life, especially regarding health and education.
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Donate and Support Local Stations: Financial contributions help keep programming on the air.
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Engage on Social Media and in Your Community: Raise awareness and show support for public media.
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Advocate for Public Health and Media Policy: Write op-eds, participate in forums, and collaborate with advocacy organizations.
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Stay Connected and Mobilized: Sign up for updates from public media advocacy groups.
Your voice and actions matter. The future of public broadcasting and the health, education, and safety of millions depend on our collective advocacy and support. Let’s ensure PBS, NPR, and local stations remain vital resources for all Americans.
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