A message from Friends of PBS Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Public Radio Association

Protect Your Public Media

If Congress cuts public media funding, what will that mean for Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin?

Several news outlets have reported that the White House is planning to ask Congress to claw back previously approved federal funding for public media, threatening PBS Wisconsin, Wisconsin Public Radio and the entire public media system.

Once the White House delivers its proposal, Congress has just 45 days to act. If lawmakers fail to approve it — or can’t get the votes to pass it — the funding will be restored.

Without this essential funding, life-saving emergency alerts, proven educational resources for all Wisconsin families, trusted local journalism and storytelling, and enriching cultural programs that you — and residents across Wisconsin — could be eliminated.

Multiple studies, including a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, have concluded that there is no viable substitute for federal funding. If lost, the impact would be devastating. The stakes are high.

Now is the time to take action to safeguard public media’s future.

It will take every supporter speaking up to protect the funding — only about $1.60 per person each year — that ensures public media remains available to everyone. Please contact your local federal legislator by phone or email via the information below to let them know why you value public media and why they should support this essential federal funding. Make your voice heard before it’s too late!