CPB funding cut should mark the beginning of the solution, not the end of the road for public media

New steps by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting can actually signal hope and opportunity for the future of public media, emphasizing innovation and community help.

What a mess our nation has found itself in as we attempt to salvage public broadcasting, a crucial network of public radio and TV stations across the country. They are now scrambling for survival after Congress defunded the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

It seems that public stations will now have to rely on philanthropy and other means to stay on the air. While this will make their mission more challenging, it won't be impossible. In fact, it could ultimately be a positive shift, freeing their survival from the political whims of Washington.

Like many of you, I was deeply saddened by today’s announcement that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will wind down operations. This is not where America should be headed at a time of an ongoing attack on independent fact-based journalism. But we are here now, so let’s not throw in the towel.

While this CPB news has sparked dismay among supporters, it’s being seen as cause of celebration by those who prefer fewer voices in today’s news media. It’s a sobering moment for those who value independent news coverage. The loudest cheers for the demise of CPB are coming from self-proclaimed defenders of free speech. But in truth, they only defend speech that aligns with their political views.

So let’s take a moment to regroup, and then move forward with a new and compelling vision for public broadcasting, one powered by individual donors and foundations who believe in independent, diverse voices. In the past few weeks, we've already seen local public radio and television stations gaining increased support from their communities through donations.

I hope these increased donations reflect more than a momentary response—that they mark the beginning of sustained support. Ongoing contributions would make a meaningful and lasting impact on public broadcasting’s ability to plan ahead, expand its reach, and fulfill its mission to serve communities across America with trusted, local coverage.

In many ways, public broadcasting has been complacent, relying on its traditional funding model to carry it through. Those days are gone. Stop whining and create a new plan that works. I’m tired of the hand-wringing by those who want a solution handed to them. Turn your outrage to action.

Public broadcasters might consider designing a much more stable comprehensive subscription- or membership-based model that not only generates reliable, recurring revenue but also ensures the long-term sustainability of the service. This can foster a sense of ownership among supporters. And there are millions of them out there.

Most Americans want to ensure that public broadcasting stays afloat. So what’s the plan? See previous sentence about stop whining and get to work.

I have a few other ideas. We might consider striking a balance between financial stability and public service, ensuring that high-quality, trusted journalism and programming remain accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Today’s announcement by CPB should be seen as a starting point in an ongoing conversation about the future and sustainability of public media.

We are better nation with a variety of news sites that come from across the political spectrum, and are funded by traditional means, donations, philanthropy and corporations.