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 education services, emergency communications, and access to trusted information—especially in rural and underserved communities.

Public media exists because people like you believe everyone deserves free access to reliable information and learning opportunities, no matter where they live. Now, state lawmakers need to hear that commitment directly from Washingtonians.

This is the simplest and most impactful action you can take.

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

Tip: 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.

Consider sharing:

• How KSPS PBS 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, or local connection

• Why you believe public media is worth protecting for future generations

A few sentences is enough.

Helpful Facts You May Reference (Optional)

If useful, here are a few factual points you may include in your comments. Please feel free to put these in your own words.

• KSPS PBS lost $1.2 million annually, approximately 18% of its operating budget, due to federal funding rescission.

• That loss led to:

• Staff reductions and pay cuts
• The end of paid high school internship programs and educational summer and after-school STEM and literacy camps
• Reduced emergency preparedness and local programming capacity

• KSPS PBS serves a vast rural and border region, including Eastern Washington and communities that rely on free over-the-air access.

• 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

Again, personal experience is more powerful than statistics alone.

Public media is not just programming. It is essential civic infrastructure, like libraries and schools. When funding becomes unstable, the impact reaches classrooms, 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.

Friends of KSPS, dba KSPS PBS, is a nonprofit, noncommercial public media organization. We do not endorse candidates or political parties. This page is provided to inform the public about how to participate in a public legislative process.