Letters: Save public media; Time for Thompson to get to work

Save public media

The current administration has indicated that they want to eliminate all funding for America’s public TV and public radio stations, going as far as taking back funds that Congress, in bi-partisan votes, had already appropriated.

The vast majority of federal funding goes to local public media stations like WPSU, which are some of the last local media, particularly in rural, remote and underserved communities throughout the country.

As a board member for WPSU, I know that federal funding for public broadcasting is an irreplaceable investment in local communities which is broadly supported by the American public. For the 22nd year in a row, public television was ranked the most trusted institution, with 76% of Americans agreeing that public television provides an excellent value to communities.

At about $1.60 per person per year, and less than .01% of the federal budget, federal funding for public broadcasting provides an exceptional return on investment through public safety partnerships, educational services and homegrown programming.

Eighty-eight percent of parents agree that PBS Kids is a trusted and safe source for children to watch television, and play digital games and mobile apps. No other media organization that engages children in such a meaningful way.

WPSU offers programming that expose viewers to science, music, theater, dance, art and more.

Please let your members of Congress know that you want them keep public broadcasting vibrant and viable by rejecting the proposed cuts. Visit ProtectMyPublicMedia.org and let your voice be heard.

Time for Thompson to get to work

I read with interest your article with the interview with GT Thompson, our elected official, on April 23. He was asked about tariffs, revocation of student visas, the farm bill, and local protests.

In the meantime, Fortune, a right-center business magazine, published an article April 26 with the headline, “Consumers are so stressed by the economy they’re doing less laundry to save on detergent.” They are spending less on goods, travel, and groceries because of tariffs, the stock market, inflation and increasingly likely recession. Major companies corroborate this story. Farmers who lost funding and contracts as Congress stood by must love this. GT asks us to give Trump grace and references uncorroborated success. It was not GT leading. No. Walmart, Target and Home Depot CEOs spoke truth to power about tariffs. Congress allowed this mess and set up one man as king. I for one am angry and I join 63% of Americans polled in Reuters/Ipsos poll last week.

GT spouted the party line of “everyone is privileged to be in this country” on revoking of student visas. These included students in diversion programs with dismissed charges. Three days later the decision was rightly reversed by the administration. The long-term consequences for PSU, Centre County, and our country are immeasurable and unchallenged by GT.

I’m sure it is hard to be in Congress when everything changes with the whims of one person. Imagine being a student or constituent, GT, with these realities. Stop the name calling and get to work and use your power for us.

Barlow will bring unique perspective to school board

Please consider this a strong endorsement of Jesse Barlow for the State College Area school board. Jesse will bring a unique perspective to the board. He has a significant background in education as a professor of computer science at Penn State. His two children were educated in SCASD schools. Mr. Barlow has deep involvement in the community having served on State College Borough Council from 2016 to 2023 and as council president from 2020 to 2023. I served with him on council and saw his thoughtful and fair approach to issues of concern to State College area residents.

Professor Barlow believes in a school board that cares about students’ mental and academic health. Jesse’s work with the Centre County Advisory Council for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has helped familiarize him with state and federal civil rights law and he is a strong supporter of DEI efforts. He believes that public schools are among the most important community institutions that we have. Assaults on them include the recent destruction of the U.S. Department of Education. He supports the need to maintain and enhance our instructional programs for all students.

In Benner Township, a fresh vision

Benner Township Republicans will decide who their supervisor is going to be in the primary. The choice comes down to an incumbent, a member of the old guard who represents old thinking, and a relatively young candidate who brings to the table a fresh vision.

Therese Hollen will help break the logjam that is today’s board of supervisors. She will help provide transparency. She will work on residents’ behalf, not special interests.

Vote for Therese Hollen. Voting for Hollen is common sense.