--:-- Katherine Marr: Hi, I'm Katherine Marr, CEO of NPR.
--:-- Katherine Marr: At the White House's request, Congress just voted to eliminate all federal funding for public media.
--:-- Katherine Marr: Before I ever worked in public media, I was a listener. I remember hearing stories on NPR that made me curious about the world, about music, even a better student.
--:-- Katherine Marr: This decision by Congress hurts communities across the country. It means fewer local reporters covering our town councils and our state championships.
--:-- Katherine Marr: It means fewer voices that dare to ask difficult questions or reflect on the full richness of who we are as a nation. Fewer stories about what connects us and brings us closer together.
--:-- Katherine Marr: And for millions, especially those in rural areas, it means losing access to trusted local news, emergency alerts, and the everyday connection and companionship that public media provides.
--:-- Katherine Marr: But here's what will never change. Our commitment to you.
--:-- Katherine Marr: NPR and public media exist to serve the American public, to bring you rigorous journalism without fear or favor, to tell stories that reflect the depth and diversity of our country, to connect communities in moments of both crisis and joy.
--:-- Katherine Marr: Public media has always been powered by the people it serves, not by shareholders or by special interests, but by people like you and me who believe in a free and independent press.
--:-- Katherine Marr: So I'm asking you to act now. Your donation, especially a recurring monthly gift, will make an immediate difference.
--:-- Katherine Marr: You will help keep journalists on their beats. You will ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. You will enable this essential American service to survive and thrive.
--:-- Katherine Marr: Please go to donate.npr.org and give what you can.
--:-- Katherine Marr: We are here because of you, to serve you, and with your help, we always will be.
--:-- Katherine Marr: Thank you.
