Dear Editor,

I represent your neighbors who work in and for our community at KLRN Public Television in San Antonio. We urge Congress to reject proposals to rescind, cut, or eliminate public media funding.

Cutting this funding would leave many Americans, especially in rural areas of our 33-county coverage area, without access to vital resources. The federal investment in public television allows KLRN to provide free services through trusted educational resources, local programming, and public safety partnerships. This costs just $1.60 per American annually—less than 0.01% of the federal budget.

At the heart of KLRN’s mission is community service. Public television was created to provide free educational content and engagement to all. Today, KLRN and PBS continue this mission through both traditional and new media platforms that support children and the adults who care for them.

Over 50% of U.S. three- and four-year-old children do not attend preschool. In 2024, more than 64,000 area children and caregivers benefited from KLRN’s free early childhood services, made possible only in a non-commercial setting focused solely on children’s wellbeing.

KLRN connects communities and reaches over 3.7 million viewers in South Central Texas. We celebrate hometown heroes, honor our military, preserve local history, and invest in bilingual education, accessible content, and civic dialogue. These resources are available to all, not just those who can afford subscription fees.

Federal funding for public media is essential and irreplaceable. Without it, KLRN could cease to exist, cutting off access for countless families and communities.

KLRN has served our community for 63 years. This funding allows us to be a lifeline, a classroom, and a vital connection. It’s up to all of us to protect this service for today and future generations.

Arthur Emerson

President/CEO

KLRN TV-9

PBS San Antonio