Protect the future of PBS Wisconsin

Congress voted this week to pass the rescissions package that eliminates federal funding for public media. This is not the outcome we hoped for. This rescission of federal funding will profoundly impact public media.

But we are heartened by the many thousands of voices raised in support of public media throughout this process.

Thank you for standing with us.

To everyone who reached out to their representatives at the state and federal level, by phone or email, once or multiple times, thank you. Your voices were heard. Thanks to you, representatives at every level have a stronger understanding of how public media serves people and communities, and how much the people of Wisconsin support our public media.

Here in Wisconsin, they know — and we all know — we have something special.

While this vote is significant and its effects will be felt here and across the public media system, it is not the final say in the future of public media. We will continue to advocate for the importance of these federal funds that ensure equitable access to public media across Wisconsin and across the country.

Public funding is a founding principle of our nationwide system — one that has ensured access for all, not just those who can pay for it. Public funding has built a more efficient and equitable system, allowing public media to reach 98% of Americans with trusted programming and services over the air, online, in classrooms and communities. It has also ensured public media remains a vital part of the nation’s emergency and safety infrastructure. Your expressions of support are an important and ongoing investment in the essential work that PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio do in our communities every day.

To protect public media in Wisconsin and ensure these services remain strong, your support is essential.

Our greatest strength has always been — and always will be — you. Gifts of support from you — and viewers and listeners like you — are our largest and most reliable source of funding.

With your help, we will continue to inform, educate, inspire, and serve every corner of this state.

In this moment, we must act to protect the future of public media in Wisconsin and ensure these services remain strong and steady, continuing to deliver real value, no matter what.

Whether you are a long-time member or considering your first gift, this is the time to act. To truly transform public media in Wisconsin—to meet the needs of today and ensure our service for the future—we ask you to consider giving in all the ways you can:

• Make or increase your annual gift or sustaining monthly contribution: Donate to Wisconsin Public Radio — Donate to PBS Wisconsin.
• Consider a special and significant contribution: If you can make a larger gift, we would be honored to talk with you about how your generosity can make a transformational difference. Significant gifts, including multi-year pledges, help us meet today’s challenges and boldly plan for the future. To learn more, contact our development team for Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin.
• Add a gift in your legacy plans to secure the future of public media.

Together, these efforts create a multiplier effect that makes an extraordinary impact.

This is a moment that calls us to act together.

Your support has always been one of the greatest strengths of public radio and public television in Wisconsin.

Now, more than ever before, your generosity will help shape the path forward.

Thank you for standing with us.

Sincerely,

Kyle LaFond
President
Friends of PBS Wisconsin

Roy Christianson
Chair
Wisconsin Public Radio Association

This message was funded by the Wisconsin Public Radio Association and Friends of PBS Wisconsin. No taxpayer funds were used to create or share this message.