Patricia Harrison, CEO of CPB, Responds to President Obama's FY 2014 Budget Request

President Obama submitted his Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 budget to Congress, requesting full funding of $445 million for CPB’s FY 2016 advance appropriation.

On behalf of the millions Americans who utilize public service media, CPB would like to thank the President for the funding he proposes in his budget, as well as for his support of the two-year advance, which serves as an important firewall ensuring editorial independence in programming decisions. The federal appropriation provides essential support for the production of local and national content, making it possible for public radio and television stations across the country, locally owned and operated, to serve their communities with content that educates, informs, inspires and entertains. The President’s request reinforces the value of public media’s in-depth news reporting, our commitment to providing a safe place where children can learn, on-air, online, and in the community, and our commitment to lifelong learning through initiatives such as American Graduate helping to keep America’s young people on the path to a high school diploma. The request also recognizes the unique and powerful role that free, non-commercial, public media serves for listeners and viewers. We appreciate the President’s support. His request reaffirms that federal funding for public media is a vital investment – one that continues to deliver proven value and service to our country.