Congress is currently considering cutting federal funding for public media, including NPR, PBS and their affiliates. When this topic comes up, people often ask why. America has so many options for good journalism — does the federal government really need to support radio or television stations? Today, The New York Times editorial board is making the case that yes, we do. You’ve probably heard in recent years about the decline of local media. It’s a real problem: The number of local journalists has declined by 75 percent since 2002, and a third of American counties don’t have a single full-time local journalist, a study last week found. Public media offers a bulwark against that trend. NPR and PBS member stations focus on local and state issues. They broadcast local government meetings. They cover local courts and public transit. They alert people of events in their communities that no one else would tell them about otherwise. Without federal funds, many of these stations would go the way of too many local newspapers in recent years. Nearly one in five NPR member stations could close down without federal funding, one analysis found. Others, like the station in Petersburg, Alaska, recently featured on an episode of “The Daily,” would have to lay off most of their staff. Rural places in the Midwest, South and West would lose vital sources of information. That’s why the Times editorial board is calling on Congress to reject the cuts. Here’s what we’re focusing on today:
We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today’s Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you’re in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times.
|
