For 65 years, KPBS has been focused on fulfilling its public service mission to serve the San Diego community with stories that help us understand our region better.
Recently, the White House and of Congress have proposed eliminating all funding to the public media system, including KPBS. They have questioned the critical role public media holds in delivering impartial, fact-based journalism; offering free, accessible and education standards-based children’s programming; and providing public safety information during and outside of times of crisis. These efforts have posed the question if public media is a valuable investment by the federal government. I wholeheartedly respond with a “Yes.”
In an era filled with misinformation, public media is more vital than ever for the health of our democracy and the strength of our community. KPBS plays a crucial role in keeping San Diego residents informed — not only about important public affairs but also about local events, arts and culture that shape our region. At a time when connection matters, KPBS helps bring us together. I especially value its in-depth local news coverage and thoughtful programs like “Morning Edition,” which give voice to stories that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of San Diego.
KPBS and its fellow public media stations across the United States provide an essential service that helps our communities feel inspired, informed and connected. An investment in public media is an investment in the American people.
Federal funding to public media constitutes 0.0073% of the national budget and amounts to $1.60 per American annually. The substantial majority of federal funding for public media goes to local stations like KPBS. Federal grants make up 13% of KPBS’ annual budget which equates to nearly $4 million.
With this critical funding, KPBS helps San Diegans receive life-saving information during earthquakes, floods and fires. It helps educate young children with exceptional children’s programming that prepares them to succeed in school. It shares local stories unique to San Diego, giving voice to those who are often overlooked. It provides trusted news that helps San Diegans make decisions about our lives, neighborhoods, cities and county.
All of this is at risk if federal funding for public media is eliminated.
Proposed federal funding cuts to public media threaten the survival of an institution that has successfully served as a cornerstone of democracy, education and cultural enrichment for decades. These proposed cuts jeopardize not only individual stations like KPBS, but the very fabric of public service media. More importantly, it is removing the voice of the American people.
As a member of KPBS’ Community Advisory Board, I know KPBS’ viewers and listeners represent the full political spectrum. I believe KPBS and its audience have many shared values. We believe in democracy. We believe in asking questions and seeking answers. We believe in truth. We believe in holding those in a position of power able to the people for whom they serve. We believe in early childhood education. We believe in knowing your neighbor and building a community. You will find these values throughout KPBS’ news coverage, programming and community engagement activities.
Their purpose is to reflect back to you what makes San Diego such an amazing place. The KPBS staff is a group of nearly 200 people who love being here for you and believe in the power of public media as a means to strengthen our democracy and empower its residents.
That’s worth fighting for and worth the investment.
KPBS makes a difference in the lives of people throughout our community, every day. And federal funding makes it possible for them to be a lifeline to our local community. That must not be rescinded. Now is the time to speak up for KPBS and urge Congress to continue funding public media and preserving its ability to inform, educate and unite Americans.
González Perezchica, Ed.D., is executive director of MANA de San Diego and a member of the KPBS Community Advisory Board. She lives in University Heights.
