Congresswoman Matsui Speaks In Support of Public Radio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 17, 2011

CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui Speaks In Support of Public Radio

Today, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-Sacramento) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in opposition to H.R. 1076, legislation to prohibit federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) programming, and to further prohibit local public radio stations from using federal funding to purchase any programming. The Congresswoman's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:

I rise today in strong opposition of H.R. 1076. This bill would prohibit public radio stations from using federal funds to buy popular programs like Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and This American Life. This would be a huge disruption to our nation's public radio system, economy, and, most importantly, the intellectual content and newsthat so many Americans rely on.

According to a recent report, NPR's overall audience grew last year to 27.2 million weekly listeners, which is up 58 percent overall since 2000. This is at a time when media outlets are struggling.

Thousands of my constituents rely on local NPR station to get their news. In fact, since this bill was introduced, I ve received a significant number of calls from my constituents voicing strong support for NPR and strong opposition to this legislation.

One of my constituents told me that he pays less than two dollars a year for public broadcasting, but, in return, listening to NPR makes him a more informed, more engaged citizen. To him, it was a simple equation of value for money.

This is also about jobs. Public radio stations employ over 9,000 workers across the country, including 40 workers in Sacramento. These are jobs that we cannot afford to lose. I urge my colleagues to vote against this harmful legislation.

To view video of the Congresswoman speaking today on the House floor, please click here.

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