For generations, radio has played a crucial role in the socialization of the American population, paving the way for knowledge of the cultural, news, and economic aspects it provides.
And although this means of dissemination has been replaced, first by television and then the Internet, in the era of cell phones and Wi-Fi, millions of Americans benefit from its benefits.
This has especially been the case with rural radio stations, where coverage by other media is partial.
A preponderant role in this process that benefits the country’s residents has historically and traditionally been played by public radio, which is not due to commercial contributions derived from advertising nor does it depend at all times on the number of radio listeners at its disposal.
This independence has also extended to the area of information and political analysis. In this way, public radio has been a crucial tool in holding governments accountable for their actions and preventing them from hiding or misrepresenting their actions.
By nature, public radio has survived thanks to the support of governments, especially the federal one. It is in this way that the government fulfills its obligation to ensure the development and improvement of families throughout the country.
Precisely by fulfilling these functions it is that already in July President Donald Trump requested that Congress, and it has complied, cancel the previously approved budget of 1.1 billion dollars annually for the Public Broadcasting Corporation (CPB), which is the conduit to support more than 1,500 public radio and television stations.
Trump had accused the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR) of liberal bias and threatened through your partner medial Truth that “any Republican who votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or endorsement.”
In August, the same CPB announced that would close its doors due to lack of budget.
Silencing independent voices has been a long-standing Republican project, but it has only been achieved now, and by the slightest margin, thanks to lawmakers’ submission to Trump’s will.
The decision mainly harms smaller and rural stations, which in some cases receive more than half of their budgets from the CPB. Ironically, that is where the percentage of support for the ruling party is highest.
a month ago, el New York Times revealed that indeed, 245 rural radio stations were in danger of interrupting their transmissions and closing their doors. These stations lack alternative sources of income or donors.
As an example of its need, the note cited a tsunami warning in Alaska that was broadcast by public radio and that saved lives. That radio station has now lost its funding.
Now, a report from FreePress.netan organization that has been dedicated to the defense of free expression and journalism since 2003, confirms this and lists the almost desperate situation in radio stations throughout the country.
Since federal funding was terminated, they have been laid off 423 public radio journalists. And it’s just the beginning.
And the effects are magnified, as ailing stations devote a significant amount of their funds to paying big networks for the right to air their programs.
The process also includes the most powerful stations, in the main urban centers, which have initially laid off between 10% and 20% of their staff.
Appealing to private donations is not a substitute for the federal budget, which is an obligation and not a gift.
Some Republican congressmen They plan to restore part of the aid. Although they do it because “those people voted for the President,” and although we live in an era in which each vote constitutes a test of political loyalty, they deserve our support.
Cutting the budget for independent voices is part of this government’s project to establish an authoritarian regime intolerant of every criticism.
Renewing aid to public radio is an obligation of Congress. We demand the protection of independent voices, essential in the defense of democracy.
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