DEAR EDITOR:

They are both nonprofit broadcasters created to serve public interest — education, information and culture. They are mission-driven instead of ratings-driven like the major media system. There is support of locally owned stations that provide local news, town councils, schools, farm reports, community announcements, etc.

Look at their educational programs; we all grew up with “Sesame Street,” “Mister Rogers,” “The Electric Company” and more. How about the science, history (Ken Burns) and all the documentary series. THIS IS LIFELONG LEARNING. It preserves our culture.

These channels provide literature, theatre, music, and you’d think our government would continue to support these valued programs, but NO, this administration has curtailed the monies allotted to PBS/NPR. WHY? It was merely .0001% of the federal budget. It cannot be for political reasons … news reports that come from PBS/NPR are always factual and not biased. There is no “fake news” with them.

It is time to pay up people. How many hours during the week does your family enjoy these programs? You, your children, how about the grandkids? You can be a member for as little as $60 a year. Please check out their levels of donations.

Write a check today and help keep these great programs on the air.

JOHN A. TROTOGOTT

Cortla