My Support of the Public Broadcasting Stations (PBS)

This Columnist has always supported the Public Broadcasting Stations, both as a regular member and regular donor to special events and programs. The Trump Administration will cut off funding of Public Media in October. My reasons for supporting the Public Stations include the following: Many of the programs on the Public Broadcasting Stations highlight much of our history, investigate the concerns of African Americans, Native Americans, the Hispanic community, and people of color in general, noting the many injustices faced by many people over the years. I have participated on panel discussions, and programs related to African American Films, which give the other side. In June, there was a detailed documentary of the history of the Juneteenth Festival, and how it is celebrated in other parts of the country.

I have ordered books and films from PBS that cover much of our history that is usually not talked about. One of the most interesting tapes and films is about the Underground Railroad and the role of the abolitionist William Stills. This film takes viewers through the struggles to help fugitive slaves to freedom. The documentaries on the history of jazz are very interesting. I received a letter from Buffalo Toronto Public Media recently giving its supporters details of the funding cuts that are coming. The letter begins with the following paragraph: “Today we are writing with heavy news. Despite extraordinary advocacy and supporters across the country— including many of you, the House and the Senate have voted yes on the proposal that would eliminate.

Federal funding for public media will begin on October 1st. As a longtime supporter of PBS this is sad news. The statement continued with these words, “While the exact timeline and full financial impact are still unfolding, this vote contributes to a pivotal moment. It threatens the very foundation of what public media makes possible—local storytelling, music discovery, fact-based journalism, classroom resources, and life-saving emergency alerts. We are defunded but not defeated. We are extremely grateful to our elected representatives who spoke eloquently and passionately for their support of public media.

In my next article on this subject, I will give you some of the messages to my interview on public media regarding the Tops Massacre that I did in 2022. I appreciated the opportunity to speak to people around the country.

As a result of the interview, many people responded with emails and comments. They were very concerned and expressed concerns and condolences for the ten lives that were lost and three people injured on May 14, 2022. I will share some of the emails that I received during that time.