Powering Public Media
ACTION ALERT:
On Friday, January 30, at 10:30am, the Washington State House will hold a public hearing on House Bill 2579, legislation that would create a Washington State funding framework for public media after the loss of federal support, helping sustain arts and culture programming, education services, emergency communications, and access to trusted news and information—especially in rural and underserved communities.
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Following the elimination of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, including over $10M in funding for public broadcasters in Washington State, our community isn’t sitting on their hands - we’re taking action to protect public media in our state.
Public media is not just programming. It is essential civic infrastructure, like libraries and schools. When funding becomes unstable, the impact reaches families, emergency response systems, and local communities across the state.
HB 2579 is a chance for Washington to lead with a thoughtful, forward-looking approach that protects access to trusted public media for everyone.
Thank you for taking action!
This is the simplest and most impactful action you can take - it should only take 1-2 minutes start to finish.
By signing in as “Pro”, you:
- Officially register your support in the legislative record
- Help demonstrate broad, statewide backing for public media
- Do not need to speak or write anything
Sign in to support HB 2579
NOTE: Registration closes one hour before the hearing.
Legislators consistently say that short, personal written comments are among the most persuasive things they read.
You do not need to be an expert. In fact, the most effective messages are simple and human. This should only take a few more minutes to do, and is very helpful to the cause!
Consider sharing:
- How KEXP or public media has helped you or your family
- Why free, noncommercial media matters in your community
- How you rely on public media for education, emergency alerts, cultural enrichment, or local connection
- Why you believe public media is worth protecting for future generations
A few sentences is enough, and remember: the more personal the better!
Submit written testimony for HB 2579
Helpful Facts You May Reference (Optional)
About Public/Non-commercial Media Broadly and HB 2579
- In Washington State, public broadcasters lost over $10M in annual funding due to CPB cuts. The consequences included:
- Staff reductions and pay cuts
- Programming and community programs cuts
- Reduced emergency preparedness and local programming capacity
- Public media is part of Washington’s emergency communications infrastructure, providing alerts during wildfires, severe weather, and other emergencies.
- HB 2579 creates a Washington-specific solution that prioritizes equity, access, and accountability
- This bill allows non-commercial broadcasters to:
- Build trust within the community and offer programming that is uniquely tailored to a hyper-local environment.
- Offer real-time information about disasters and emergencies in the area, potentially saving lives.
- Enrich our lives by providing free access to music and the arts and boosting local arts and music communities through coverage of local events and artists
- HB 2579 doesn’t just replace funding lost due to CPB cuts - it allows public funding to benefit a broader range of stations, including hyper-local community stations, rural stations, and more
About KEXP
- For over 50 years, KEXP has been a crucial part of our state’s music community
- KEXP contributes locally by driving attendance at music events, boosting careers for local artists, and connecting our local music scene with a global audience.
- When we connect over art and music, we create stronger bonds within communities - this is something that KEXP is uniquely positioned to do via freely accessible radio broadcast, in large part because their listener-powered model keeps them independent and focused on their mission to make lives better through shared experiences with music.
Again, personal experience is more powerful than statistics alone. Make your testimony your own!
Here is some sample language you can feel free to adapt or tailor to fit your perspective:
I am writing in favor of HB 2579, establishing a new fund for public media and digital equity. My family and I depend on public media to stay informed and closely connected with our community. This bill will empower non-commercial broadcasters to keep investing in high-quality, locally-focused news, educational resources, and cultural coverage. Our state is better off when we have robust, unbiased local media with a mandate to act in the interests of our communities, and I encourage you to help keep these institutions strong for years to come by passing HB 2579.
SIGN IN "PRO" OR SUBMIT YOUR TESTIMONY
