Abandoning Public Media Is a Threat to Public Health

"For an Administration that is kicking millions off their health plans and demolishing federal health agencies, killing funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is sadly on-brand. What fewer may predict is the devastating impact this punitive, starkly political move may have on the health of American communities.

In 2012, Superstorm Sandy unleashed destruction on New York City. Two million homes lost power and more than a million people lost cell service, the nation’s largest public school and subway systems shut down for days, and buildings across all five boroughs were damaged or destroyed. But while the storm plunged much of the city into prolonged darkness, one light stayed on: WNYC, a member station of National Public Radio. Residents shared survival tips during call-in shows. Production teams created interactive maps of evacuation zones. And when Sandy made landfall, well-positioned engineering teams and an emergency generator kept the station’s signal running, allowing reporters to keep residents apprised of the latest storm developments and safety concerns. "

The above is an excerpt of an op-ed originally published in The Contrarian.

About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

RWJF is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to get to health equity faster and pave the way together to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.