Why Public Media Matters

At Black Public Media, we know that public media is more than just a source of stories — it’s a public service that keeps our communities informed, educated and connected.

Public media is one of the last truly accessible platforms where stories are told without the pressure of ratings or profit. It ensures that people from all walks of life can see themselves reflected on the media landscape. This is especially important for those whose voices have historically been underrepresented. Through public media, BPM helps bring powerful, independent stories about the Black experience — stories such as I Am Not Your Negro, The Disappearance of Miss Scott, Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone, Keyshawn Solves It, and Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes — into homes across the country for free. NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED!

Commercial media simply cannot fill this role. For-profit networks prioritize content that attracts advertisers and drives revenue. This model often sidelines stories that don’t fit mainstream trends or lack immediate commercial appeal. Public media, on the other hand, is driven by mission — not money — making it uniquely positioned to serve all communities, be they urban, suburban, or rural. 

Global Impact

The impact of public media runs deep. It is a trusted source of educational programming for children, lifelong learners, people with disabilities, and other underserved communities. When disasters strike, it becomes a lifeline. The national public media system supports the Emergency Alert System (EAS), helping to deliver timely and critical information during hurricanes, wildfires, health crises, and other emergencies.

For independent filmmakers, public media is one of the last remaining sources of meaningful support. With the decimation of funding at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), shifting priorities at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and diminished resources at the National Science Foundation (NSF), public media remains a rare space where independent producers can secure funding while retaining ownership of their work. It sustains a creative ecosystem where authentic, deeply researched, and community-rooted documentaries can thrive.

At a time when our country is reckoning with the erosion of civil rights, and when misinformation spreads rapidly online, public media stands firm as a reliable, community-centered source of truth. It is one of the few remaining places where facts matter, culture is respected, and access is universal.   

Americans across the country recognize and value the contributions Black Public Media makes through public media. That’s why so many have already taken action through the Protect My Public Media campaign. Thank you to everyone who has participated and continues to raise their voice. Your support helps ensure we can carry forward our legacy of serving the public.