Stephen Colbert rallies behind public media groups facing major funding losses, emphasizing the importance of continued support.
In a recent gala, Colbert honored "The Late Show" host and his wife Evelyn McGee Colbert, who are advocates for free speech. The event raised $1.7 million to help New York Public Radio cover the loss of $1.1 billion in federal funding from public broadcasting.
Colbert hopes that this trend won't continue under future administrations, citing the value that public media brings to communities, particularly in local news and emergency alerts. "I have no idea whether it'll continue into the future," he said, "and I hope it won't." Public radio stations are bracing for a future without federal support, with some areas facing life-or-death consequences due to reduced funding.
In Alaska, local leaders describe the loss of public media funding as "a life and death issue" in remote communities. Without backup revenue sources, stations risk going dark. Meanwhile, surveys show Americans view public media more favorably than for-profit outlets, highlighting trust issues with national and local news.
As Colbert and his wife advocate for free speech, they emphasize the importance of fact-based reporting. "I think people in the public media space are telling us the facts," Evelyn McGee Colbert said. The couple's loyalty to WNYC and appreciation for independent reporting come at a complicated time for Colbert's relationship with broadcast television.
Colbert expressed his support for institutions like New York Public Radio, which are adapting to a new revenue model by seeking institutional funders, philanthropists, and ways to monetize content. "We have to look for new revenue pathways," said the organization's president and CEO LaFontaine Oliver. This shift towards reinvention will serve public media well, even if federal funding returns in some form.
As Colbert highlights the importance of continued support, he also emphasizes his hope that the trend won't continue under future administrations. With public media facing an uncertain future, Colbert's advocacy serves as a reminder of the value it brings to communities and the need for reliable, fact-based reporting.
In a recent gala, Colbert honored "The Late Show" host and his wife Evelyn McGee Colbert, who are advocates for free speech. The event raised $1.7 million to help New York Public Radio cover the loss of $1.1 billion in federal funding from public broadcasting.
Colbert hopes that this trend won't continue under future administrations, citing the value that public media brings to communities, particularly in local news and emergency alerts. "I have no idea whether it'll continue into the future," he said, "and I hope it won't." Public radio stations are bracing for a future without federal support, with some areas facing life-or-death consequences due to reduced funding.
In Alaska, local leaders describe the loss of public media funding as "a life and death issue" in remote communities. Without backup revenue sources, stations risk going dark. Meanwhile, surveys show Americans view public media more favorably than for-profit outlets, highlighting trust issues with national and local news.
As Colbert and his wife advocate for free speech, they emphasize the importance of fact-based reporting. "I think people in the public media space are telling us the facts," Evelyn McGee Colbert said. The couple's loyalty to WNYC and appreciation for independent reporting come at a complicated time for Colbert's relationship with broadcast television.
Colbert expressed his support for institutions like New York Public Radio, which are adapting to a new revenue model by seeking institutional funders, philanthropists, and ways to monetize content. "We have to look for new revenue pathways," said the organization's president and CEO LaFontaine Oliver. This shift towards reinvention will serve public media well, even if federal funding returns in some form.
As Colbert highlights the importance of continued support, he also emphasizes his hope that the trend won't continue under future administrations. With public media facing an uncertain future, Colbert's advocacy serves as a reminder of the value it brings to communities and the need for reliable, fact-based reporting.
, ya know? I was thinkin', what if we lost our local stations? No way to get the real tea from our community leaders and experts. It's like, how are we supposed to make informed decisions about stuff that affects our daily lives? And emergency alerts? Forget about it 
. That's when public media groups come in – they're the unsung heroes of our democracy. We gotta support 'em, not just because they do good work, but also because we need them to keep us grounded and informed. I mean, fact-based reporting is like oxygen for a healthy democracy 
. So, let's give these public media groups the love they deserve 
, 'cause our communities are counting on it.
I'm pretty concerned about the current state of public media funding 
. It's like we're putting the cart before the horse - instead of relying on private donors and ads, shouldn't we be prioritizing the value that public media brings to communities? 
News and emergency alerts are not just commodities, they're a matter of life and death in some areas 
. It's alarming to think about remote communities in Alaska being forced to go without vital information sources 
. We need to think outside the box (or revenue model) and find new ways for public media to thrive 
. I mean, $1.1 billion in federal funding cuts is crazy talk! Public radio and TV are literally lifelines for so many communities, especially in remote areas like Alaska. The idea of stations going dark because they can't afford to stay on air is just, like, unthinkable 
the gov can't deny ppl access to essential services just cuz they don't wanna fund public media anymore... it's all about those $1.1 billion 
. I mean, we already have enough misinformation spreading around, do we really need to lose our most trusted sources? 
Public radio stations are literally dying in remote communities and it's heartbreaking 
. And let's be real, the value of fact-based reporting can't be overstated 
. It's like, what if all we have left is corporate news that's just trying to get clicks and ratings? 
. Stephen Colbert's advocacy for public media is everything at this point 
.
. And what's with all the talk about "life and death" situations in remote communities? Can't these stations just merge or something? 
Colbert is right though free speech and fact-based reporting are super important 
gotta keep supportin these institutions so we dont have to go back to watchin reruns of news from 10 yrs ago lol 
on the other hand I'm glad NY Public Radio is trying new things like fundraising and monetizing content maybe they'll find a way to stay afloat 
anyway I'm glad Stephen Colbert is speaking out in support of them 
and his wife Evelyn McGee Colbert too they're like the real MVPs when it comes to advocating for free speech and fact-based reporting