Dear WXXI Community,
You may have seen recent news that the White House has officially sent its rescission request to Congress to rescind previously approved funding for public media, including funding that helps support stations like WXXI.
This proposal would revoke critical funds that stations across the country were already counting on this year to support local journalism, educational content, and community storytelling.
We want to be clear: This is a proposal – not a decision. Congress has up to 45 days to respond, and public media has long enjoyed bipartisan support from lawmakers who understand the essential role we play in communities nationwide.
At WXXI, we remain hopeful — but also focused. We’re in close communication with our partners in Washington and across the public media system. And we’re already working to make sure our elected officials hear just how vital this service is to the people of Rochester and the Finger Lakes.
This moment matters.
If you value WXXI’s work — the news you trust, the programs you love, the free educational resources we share — we hope you’ll raise your voice. Call your representatives. Protect My Public Media has a patch-through calling system which will put you in contact with your Congress person and offers talking points to help you make the call. Click here to access this information.
We also encourage you to share why public media matters to you. Invite others to do the same.
We are not panicked — but we are paying attention. And the best thing we can all do right now is stay engaged, stay informed, and stay committed to the values that brought us here in the first place.
With gratitude,
Chris Hastings
President & CEO
WXXI Public Media