In a recent Senate speech, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) criticized the Republican plan to cut $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). She described this move as "reckless endangerment" of 13 million Americans who rely on public broadcasting for emergency information.
Senator Cantwell emphasized the importance of public broadcasters during natural disasters, stating that they are often the only source of crucial emergency information for rural communities. "When the floods rise in the Southwest, or wildfires rage in the West, or hurricanes barrel down on the Atlantic or Gulf Coasts—public broadcasters are often the only lifeline connecting families in rural communities to crucial emergency information," she said.
Public broadcasting stations, including PBS and NPR affiliates, receive over 30% of their funding from CPB and are at risk if these cuts proceed. Many stations serve areas prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires. Cantwell's report highlighted that nearly 13 million Americans could lose access to local public broadcast stations.
Cantwell also noted how Northwest Public Broadcasting provides continuous fire coverage from May through October and has expanded its services to include Spanish-speaking residents. The PBS Warning, Alert and Response Network (WARN) issued over 11,000 emergency alerts in 2024 alone.
Senator Cantwell argued that maintaining stable funding for public broadcasting is essential for effective community service during emergencies: "Since 1975, Congress has recognized that public broadcasting requires stability to serve communities effectively."
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