A controversial bill aimed at rescinding nearly all federal funding for public broadcasting in the United States has successfully passed the U.S. House with a narrow vote of 214-212.
Among the supporters of this legislation is Alaska’s sole representative, Nick Begich, who voted in favor of the measure.
In a statement, Begich emphasized how advancements in technology have transformed connectivity for rural communities in Alaska.
He remarked, “While rural communities have in the past been indirectly supported through state-sponsored media, we must acknowledge how far we have come in terms of connectivity since the birth of radio more than 120 years ago.”
Begich continued, stating that Alaskans now utilize cellular, satellite, and wireline technologies to access critical information and resources.
The legislation follows a request from President Donald Trump, who asked Congress to recoup $9.4 billion in previously appropriated funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting.
If it passes in the Senate, the bill would eliminate $1.1 billion in funding designated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a nonprofit organization supported by taxpayer dollars to provide public media across the nation.
The White House criticized CPB, claiming it funds a media system that is biased, insisting that this funding is at the direct expense of taxpayers.
However, leaders from both PBS and NPR have rejected such claims of bias.
PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger defended the organization, stating, “There’s nothing more American than PBS and we are proud to highlight real issues, individuals, and places that would otherwise be overlooked by commercial media.”
Kerger highlighted the importance of bipartisan support for public media, emphasizing that it thrives on the cooperation of Congress.
According to CPB, the average American contributes approximately $1.60 per year to public broadcasting through taxes.
Although NPR receives only 1% of its funding directly from the federal government, many of its nearly 300 member stations depend on a larger percentage of federal support.
This is particularly crucial for Alaskan stations, many of which are feeling the strain as their state funding has been significantly reduced.
Governor Mike Dunleavy has vetoed state funding for public broadcasting almost every fiscal year since 2019, and this year, the legislature did not allocate any funds for public radio grants in the budget.
Stations across Alaska are voicing concerns that without federal assistance, rural residents will lose their primary sources of local and national news, as well as vital public safety information.
In Bethel, KYUK’s main radio broadcast, which serves approximately 13,500 predominantly Yup’ik residents in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, relies on federal funding for about 70% of its operating budget, according to interim general manager Kristin Hall.
The bill is now set to be reviewed by the Senate, and Ed Ulman, president and CEO of Alaska Public Media in Anchorage, mentioned the importance of continuing advocacy and educating the Senate on the critical services that public media provides to Alaskans.
Ulman indicated that if the Senate approves the funding cuts, approximately one-third of public radio stations in Alaska could cease operations altogether.
Senator Lisa Murkowski has been a consistent advocate for public media funding, recalling her own experiences relying on public radio for family safety and information.
In an op-ed published recently, she noted, “The fact is, we get these essential services at a comparatively small cost. Alaska’s local stations received $12 million from CPB last year, accounting for anywhere from 30-70 percent of their overall budgets.”
Murkowski expressed concern that the loss of public stations would hinder critical warning systems for natural disasters and other emergencies in rural areas.
She argued, “What may seem like a frivolous expense to some has proven to be an invaluable resource that saves lives in Alaska.”
Additionally, Senator Dan Sullivan echoed the sentiment of public broadcasting’s importance, although he acknowledged criticisms regarding perceived partisanship at NPR.
Despite these criticisms, Sullivan’s spokesperson noted that he recognizes Alaska’s public radio stations as essential for the state, especially for rural communities.
Jeff Seifert, General Manager of KBRW in Utqiagvik, criticized Begich’s vote, arguing that it reflects a disconnection from the realities faced by rural Alaskans.
KBRW, which serves an expansive area of 95,000 square miles, played a pivotal role in communication after the subsea cable providing high-speed internet was severed.
Seifert stated, “It’s lifesaving stuff. On the North Slope, technology is still lagging behind the 21st century and people still rely heavily on public radio because it’s free.”
He concluded by asserting that representatives must have a deeper understanding of the vital services that public radio provides to rural Alaskan communities.
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