Deanna Martin Mackey

Last summer, starting with this executive order, public media found itself in the middle of the question of what Americans and the government of the people value. It became apparent that the people and those who govern do not agree with each other. The people value the First Amendment and public media. The March 31, 2026 ruling does not turn back the clock and restore funding to the public media system but it does something powerful in this moment - it reaffirms freedom of the press.

There’s no denying it is heartbreaking that after decades of outstanding public service by more than 1,000 public media stations in all corners of the United States, the federal investment in American communities has disappeared. KPBS and our fellow public media stations provide an essential service that helps our communities feel inspired, informed and connected. An investment in public media is an investment in the American people.

For 65 years, KPBS has been focused on fulfilling our public service mission to serve the San Diego community with stories and experiences that help residents understand our region better. Today’s DOGE subcommittee hearing highlighted and challenged the critical role public media holds in delivering impartial, fact-based journalism; offering free, accessible and education standards-based children’s programming; and providing public safety information during and outside of times of crisis.