Ride Out the Storm
When a Southern Arizona monsoon hits, it can feel as if everything is getting hammered by fierce rain and lightning, making it a challenge to settle in and ride out the storm, or lock in on the things we know to be important. One thing we’d like to remain steadily focused on, in the middle of this ongoing political thunderstorm, is the value of public media.
For decades, PBS has been a source of invaluable programming and nonpartisan news, which has become even more necessary in the age of the cable news cycle that tends to be intentionally skewed towards partisan audiences. The Recissions Act pulled back $1.1 billion of already-approved federal funding for public media, threatening the survival of many smaller stations and the breadth and quality of services nationwide.
If we want to strengthen our communities, we need trusted local news to provide information that connects us. This is especially true in rural and Tribal areas where local public media is often a cornerstone for residents to get critical updates and independent reporting on issues affecting the places they call home.
The good news is that, despite the passage of the Recissions Act, this funding fight over public media is far from over.
We’d recommend you explore protectmypublicmedia.org for ways to stay involved and remain informed on a national scale as the legislative process continues.
Locally, of course, there is Arizona Public Media through PBS 6 and NPR 89.1 FM & 1550 AM, with its own terrific tradition of nonpartisan reporting. Learn more about Arizona Public Media at support.azpm.org/ways
We’d be remiss if we didn’t shout out the great work of listener-supported KXCI 91.3 FM, which always delivers a great mix of informative, engaging, and creative community-based programming to Southern Arizona. Learn more about KXCI at kxci.org
Can’t forget our terrific western neighbors at KAWC 88.9 FM out of Yuma, Arizona, an NPR affiliate which features local news and talk along with classical and jazz programming (and is also an LNI grant recipient). Learn more about KAWC at kawc.org
Last, but definitely not least, our own Local News Initiative of Southern Arizona, fresh off a round of grantmaking earlier this summer, is worthy of support as we continue to strengthen and elevate independent journalism right here in our community. Learn more about the Local News Initiative at cfsaz.org/localnewsinitiative
The storm rages on, but we know that this saguaro and our community will remain standing strong when the clouds eventually recede.
In Southern Arizona, we BLOOM together.
In Community,
Jenny Flynn
President & CEO
Community Foundation for Southern Arizona