Putting the “Public” in Public Broadcasting

By Penny Costello

There’s a whole lot going on these days. Civil and political discord, economic upheaval, uncertainty on so many fronts, and, well, in a word, mayhem. It would seem our better angels have gone on sabbatical. After enjoying a 22-year career in public broadcasting in Nebraska, and being given the opportunity to capture that history and share it with viewers, listeners, and supporters in many ways over the years, I feel a great sense of gratitude that I had the opportunity to be part of that world, and to be able to experience Nebraska through that lens.

So, when I read the announcement that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) would be shutting down operations at the end of September, I was both heartbroken and flabbergasted. Apparently, we’re not living in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood anymore, and it’s definitely not a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

In its article “What the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Shutting Down Means for PBS And NPR”, Time magazine explains the ramifications of federal funding recissions for public media, especially in rural areas.

“Without CPB grants, some stations may be forced to reduce staff, cut programming, or shut down altogether. That could have a significant impact in smaller communities, where public media stations are often among the few remaining sources of local journalism. Researchers have classified many rural areas as “news deserts” due to the decline of local newspapers and commercial outlets. Public broadcasters have filled that gap in many communities by providing access to local news coverage, educational content, and emergency alerts.”

On a more positive note, public response in many areas has been to increase donations to their local stations, but that doesn’t replace the role that CPB has filled since 1967. That role includes providing funding to stations for operations and content development, production, and distribution. CPB also supports independent media production throughout the country through the Independent Television Service (ITVS). Carrie Lozano, President and CEO of ITVS made this very powerful statement about the importance of public media and support of documentary filmmakers to our democracy. It also includes support and distribution through the National Multicultural Alliance, a group of five organizations providing services for multicultural storytellers.  VisionMaker Media is part of the National Multicultural Alliance, and is headquartered in Lincoln at Nebraska Public Media. VisionMaker  supports the work of Indigenous content producers throughout the country. 

I retired from my role at Nebraska Public Media in 2018. On my last day there, my grandson began his first day as a freelance studio production crew member, and he has since joined the staff as a full-time Production Specialist. That certainly deepens the fondness and sense of legacy I have with this organization, and my commitment to see that it continues to thrive. I’ll be increasing my financial support, and I have faith that NPM will prevail, evolve, and continue.

Over the entrance to the Nebraska State Capitol is inscribed the famous quote by Hartley Burr Alexander, “The salvation of the state is the watchfulness of the citizen.” Nebraska Public Media has supported and facilitated our watchfulness for nearly 70 years. Now public media needs our watchfulness and support more than ever. We are the “Public” in “Public Media”.

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