From Bob Ross to Big Bird, The Letter People to Donnybrook, Nine PBS has been here for you for more than 70 years —and you’ve been here for us. As viewers of public media, you support us by watching, giving, attending events, and much more.
Today, we need you more than ever.
On June 3, the Trump administration formally submitted a request to rescind Congress’s previously approved federal funding for public media for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
“The proposed rescissions would have a devastating impact on PBS member stations and the essential role they play in local communities, particularly smaller and rural stations that rely on federal funding for a larger portion of their budgets,” said Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO.
“Without PBS member stations, Americans will lose unique local programming and emergency services in times of crisis.
“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. Public media is a public-private partnership and our work is only possible because of the bipartisan support we have always received from Congress.
“During this fight we will demonstrate our value to Congress, as we have over the last 50 years, in providing educational, enriching programs and critical services to all Americans every day for free.”
Join us as we fight for the future of public media. Visit protectmypublicmedia.org for easy ways to make your voice heard.
Why Support Nine PBS?
- Public media is FREE and available to almost everyone. Public radio and television stations serve nearly 99% of the United States, including the most remote communities, with high-quality, non-commercial programming and services every day. Nine PBS reaches 300,000+ viewers each week.
- Public media is local. In fact, we’re the only television station in the St. Louis region that is locally owned. We continue to focus on what’s most important for the St. Louis community, not corporate interests.
- Public media preserves local history and culture. Through thoughtful storytelling, public media stations provide in-depth programs on the people, places and events that shape their communities.
- Public media strengthens our democracy. Fact-based news and civil dialogue empower us to participate in the political process as informed citizens.
- Public media helps prepare children for success in school. PBS KIDS and local educational content is rigorously researched, tested and proven to help children learn. Plus, our Early Learning team’s work in our community supported more than 27,000 early learners last year.
- Public media makes our community safer. As the backbone of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), public media stations help keep the public informed and safe during emergencies.
Learn more at ninepbs.org/whynine.