Hi, I'm Catherine Marr, CEO of NPR.
At the White House's request, Congress just voted to eliminate all federal funding for public media.
Before I ever worked in public media, I was a listener.
I remember hearing stories on NPR that made me curious about the world,
about music, even a better student.
This decision by Congress hurts communities across the country.
It means fewer local reporters covering our town councils and our state championships.
It means fewer voices that dare to ask difficult questions or reflect on the full richness of who we are as a nation.
Fewer stories about what connects us and brings us closer together.
And for millions, especially those in rural areas, it means losing access to trusted local news,
emergency alerts, and the everyday connection and companionship that public media provides.
But here's what will never change.
Our commitment to you.
NPR and public media exist to serve the American public,
to bring you rigorous journalism without fear or favor,
to tell stories that reflect the depth and diversity of our country,
to connect communities in moments of both crisis and joy.
Public media has always been powered by the people it serves,
not by shareholders or by special interests,
but by people like you and me, who believe in a free and independent press.